SPEECH AT SIMLA 179 



It is the only non-official speech I have as yet 

 ever allowed myself to make during the whole of 

 my five years in India. 



You will bear in mind the Oriental atmosphere 

 in which it was delivered. 



SPEECH DELIVERED BY SIR GUY FLEETWOOD 

 WILSON AT A FAREWELL BANQUET GIVEN TO 

 HIM AT SIMLA BY THE INDIAN COMMUNITY ON 

 JUNE 17TH, 1913. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



In my young days it was my privilege to 

 know John Lawrence of the Punjab, or as he 

 was when I knew him, Lord Lawrence, ex- Viceroy 

 of India. 



I remember his saying to me in his somewhat 

 rough way: 



' The wise man in India never makes a speech; 

 the man who makes a speech in India when he 

 need not do so, is a fool." 



Although at that time India was to me but a 

 geographical expression, and I never, in my 

 wildest moments, then anticipated ever visiting 

 India, much less holding office in India, Lord 

 Lawrence's words impressed themselves upon my 

 mind; and when I accepted my present appoint- 

 ment, I determined that nothing should induce 

 me to make a speech during my tenure of office, 

 except such speeches as I should be compelled to 

 make in Council. 



I have up to the present never spoken in this 

 country outside the Council, and it was my hope 

 and my intention to leave India without doing so. 

 I find myself, however, in a position to-night which 



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