Lord Minto II (1905-10)

• Lord Minto, the successor of Lord Curzon, was the great grandson of Lord Minto, who was the Governor-General of India from 1807-13.

• Lord Minto had a chequered career, having fought in the Second Afghan War and served as Governor-General of Canada from 1898 to 1904.

• Professor Dodwell summarized his character as not being a politician but possessing wide experience with men.

• Minto had been a keen sportsman, served in the army, fought in the Second Afghan War and in Egypt, and had an active role in local administration as per the English aristocracy tradition.

• He had the practical experience of managing men and getting his own way without domineering or irritating others, which gave him a solid vision.

• Lord Minto had to handle the difficult situation created by the partition of Bengal.

• As time passed, the agitation against the partition grew stronger and stronger.

• The government failed to crush the movement despite repression.

• British goods were boycotted, and violent speeches were made against the British government.

• Murders and dacoities were committed to terrorize British imperialists in India.

• Attempts were made on the lives of magistrates, police officials, collectors of revenue, and even informers of the government and their relatives.

• The government passed severe laws such as the Acts of 1908 and 1910.

• Thousands of people were imprisoned, and some were deported from the country.

Anglo-Russian Convention (1907)

• An important event during the Viceroyalty of Lord Minto was the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907.

• This convention settled the outstanding differences between Great Britain and Russia, bringing the two countries closer.

• As per the accord, Russia was to deal with Afghanistan through the Government of India.

• The Amir of Afghanistan, Habib-Ullah, did not approve of the agreement because he was not consulted.

• Regarding Persia, its territorial integrity and independence were guaranteed by both Russia and Great Britain.

• Northern Persia was placed under the sphere of influence of Russia, while Southern Persia was placed under the sphere of influence of Great Britain.

• Neither Russia nor Great Britain was allowed to have influence in Central Persia.

• Concerning Tibet, both Great Britain and Russia agreed to uphold Tibet’s territorial integrity and refrain from interfering in its internal affairs.

• Both countries agreed to deal with Tibet through China and not send any emissary to Tibet.

• The objective of the agreement was to prevent the spread of Russian influence in Tibet.