He thought it very desirable to be on better terms with Kabul, but believed this to be a result difficult to attain.

'I give you,' he said in a letter to Edwardes, _carte blanche_, and if you can only bring about such a result as you propose, it will be a new feather in your cap.' Lord Dalhousie was supported by the British Government in his opinion as to the desirability of coming to a better understanding with the Amir.

War with Russia was then imminent, and the strained condition of European politics made it expedient that we should be on more amicable terms with Afghanistan.
The Governor-General thus wrote to Edwardes: 'Prospects of a war between Russia and Turkey are watched with interest by all....

In England they are fidgety regarding this border beyond all reason, and most anxious for that declared amity and that formal renewal of friendly relations which you advocate in your letter.' The balance of Indian opinion, however, was against our making overtures to Dost Mahomed.

John Lawrence, at that time the great power in the Punjab, was altogether opposed to Edwardes's policy in this matter.