How local national staff managed to implement project activities in these areas (… with only a token security apparatus and no functional district government) … is still an open question … The explanation given, that they were able to leverage local knowledge and contacts, is in and of itself not a sufficient explanation. How they leveraged local knowledge and contacts is more to the point. This has not been sufficiently answered to allow for practical lessons learned and to help in establishing best practices for program delivery in insurgent controlled areas ….

Now the great desire of the trans-border tribesman is, I take it, to maintain his religion and his independence. The British Government have not the smallest desire to interfere with either … The policy of the Government of India towards the trans-border men is very simple, and it is this. We have no wish to seize your territory or interfere with your independence. If you go on worrying and raiding and attacking, there comes a time when we say, This thing must be put an end to: and if the tribes will not help us do it, then we must do it ourselves. The matter is thus almost entirely in your own hands. You are the keepers of your own house. We are ready enough to leave you in possession. But if you dart out from behind the shelter of your door to harass and pillage and slay, then you must not be surprised if we return quickly and batter the door in.