Chapter 7, The Position of the Local States

At this moment, Allen Wilson realized that although the ruler of Hyderabad had never left his own territory, he was very well-informed; even before Wilson had left New Delhi, he had already come under the other's scrutiny

On the current map of British India, Sikkim and Bhutan are both part of British India, existing under the title of princely states. India's continuous waging of wars is also seen as a belief that it needs to restore the territory of British India; in other words, India has been oriented towards the map of British India since ancient times

"Well, I have heard some things. Although it may be inappropriate to ask this while the war is still ongoing, please understand that it pertains to significant issues concerning Hyderabad." Mir Osman Ali Khan did not conceal his thoughts, his slender frame matching his resonant voice as he said, "What is London’s perspective on the current independence movement in British India? What do they think of the positions of both Jinnah and Nehru?"

The other party is not merely the ruler of Hyderabad; once India gained independence, he was ousted. It is worth noting that Mir Osman Ali Pasha was once the world's richest man featured on the cover of Time magazine. Even though he lost his position as a ruler, his immense wealth still commands respect, and even Allen Wilson, who excavated the Golden Temple, is no exception.

Without mentioning Kashmir and Hyderabad, let us discuss two lesser-known issues: Sikkim and Bhutan. One was annexed by India in the 1960s, while the other became a protectorate of India

Allen Wilson was almost at his wit's end; this issue had surpassed the scope of what he, as a commissioner, could address. The question of whether British India should continue to exist, whether to strive to maintain it or to let India gain independence, remains unanswered. It is believed that in London, neither the Conservative Party nor the Labour Party has a definitive answer at this time, and discussions are likely still ongoing.

After going around in circles, Mir Osman Ali Khan seemingly asked nonchalantly, "I have heard that Nehru and Ali Jinnah are at odds with each other, causing quite a bit of trouble for both New Delhi and London. To be honest, I am not very fond of such quarrels."

"I have also heard of Jinnah's attitude," said Mir Osman Ali Khan, nodding in apparent agreement with Allen Wilson's analysis of the two most powerful local political figures in South Asia at present. He then shifted the topic, saying, "But what about the status of the various princely states, including Hyderabad? I wonder what the Commissioner thinks about this."

Oh? Please speak! Mir Osman Ali Khan's expression was calm, and it was unclear what he was thinking.

The key issue is that he truly cannot answer this question. However, having just met with the monarch here, he is unable to provide a clear response, which could jeopardize relations. While damaging the relationship between the British Empire and Hyderabad may not be significant, undermining personal relationships is something Allen Wilson wishes to avoid

It seems that Mir Osman Ali Khan's concern regarding this issue is extraordinary; otherwise, he would not have inquired of this newly appointed commissioner, which appears somewhat impatient

Due to its geographical dimensions, Hyderabad is considered to be located in South India. However, because of the Deccan Plateau, the temperature here is not much higher than that of New Delhi. In the climate at the beginning of the year, one can feel a slight chill.

The similarity between you and the previous commissioner is that you both speak the same formulaic language. "Mil Osman Alihan smiled slightly, pointing out their commonality, and waved to the servants in the palace to prepare the meal. "I have just finished my prayers, and now I invite the new commissioner from Hyderabad to join me for lunch, as a way to enhance our relationship.

This issue, in fact, has not reached a conclusion from the London side, Your Excellency. However, in a personal capacity, I can envision several possible scenarios to assess what stance Your Excellency might take at that time. Allen Wilson expressed this with a very sincere demeanor, speaking in a personal capacity.

From inquiring whether the British Indian Army's advance into Burma was smooth, to hearing that Prime Minister Churchill was about to go to Yalta for a meeting with the Soviets, every detail was understood clearly. This was far from the earlier appearance of merely licking the plate.

Mīl · Àosīmàn · Ālǐhàn is concerned about the issue of the allegiance of the princely states, which pertains to his interests. Ailén Wēi'ěrsùn is also aware that the issue of the princely states has led to a series of disputes following India's independence

Dear Ali Khan, please allow me to express the most sincere respect on behalf of the British Empire to you, our long-standing loyal ally. Allen Wilson began with the demeanor of a seasoned civil servant, wearing a perfectly measured smile as he endeavored to ingratiate himself with the seemingly unassuming local monarch. For three hundred years, the cooperation between Hyderabad and the British Empire has been exceedingly pleasant, and this harmonious relationship has greatly benefited us, both in the past and in the future. We hope that our friendship will continue indefinitely.

First, set this issue aside; what Nehru thought is clearly not the concern of the Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan. In fact, the positions of the two are completely opposite.

It is a well-known fact that Nehru, representing the Indian National Congress, hoped that independent India would maintain a national framework, desiring the entire legacy of the British Empire in South Asia. Allen Wilson added to this by stating, "This is the premise for the successful establishment of an independent India. As for Ali Jinnah, representing the Muslim League, he is very opposed to the idea of living in the same country as Hindus. From the current attitude, Jinnah's stance is very firm; he would rather engage in a civil war than compromise.

Only after licking the silver plate clean did Mir Osman Ali Khan slowly speak, "As the new Commissioner of Hyderabad, I warmly welcome your arrival. I believe both New Delhi and London have given this careful consideration."

I feel extremely honored Your Excellency, your proficiency in English astonishes me

However, it is evident that Mir Osman Ali Khan, as a native monarch of Hyderabad, has become accustomed to the climate here. He prepared the utensils for Allen Wilson, while he himself ate with his hands like an ordinary Indian, even though knives and forks were also prepared beside the plate

Let us envision the worst-case scenario! Allen Wilson also knows that now is not the time to hide and keep things to oneself. It is essential, during the first meeting, to gain the recognition of this ruler of Hyderabad, demonstrating that he, as a commissioner, possesses exceptional qualities, rather than being merely a bribed fool, even if he indeed became a commissioner through bribery.

From the perspective of the British, I certainly do not like it, Your Excellency. Upon hearing this, Allen Wilson carefully observed the expression of Mir Osman Ali Khan and felt that the other party seemed to have some ulterior motives. He slowly began to speak, It appears that Your Excellency seems to be quite concerned about certain rumors and is eager for answers.