Abstract: Enclosures no. 2-66 to dispatch no. 4 from the Secret Department, Bombay Castle, dated 20 February 1839. The enclosures are dated 4 November 1837-16 May 1838.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Afghanistan, the Sikh Empire and Sindh. Much of the correspondence is concerned with the invasion of Herat by Persia [Iran], specifically:A treaty between the Shah of Persia [Mohammad Shah Qajar] and the chiefs of Kandahur [Kandahar, also spelt Candahar in the file], and the eventual renunciation of the treaty by the chiefs on the belief that the Shah had violated its termsThe surrender of Gorian [Ghurian, also spelt Ghorian in the file] to the Persian army after a ten-day siegeThe return to Herat of Kamran Shah and the city’s re-fortificationA meeting between the Shah of Persia and the Governor of Khorasan at Sahrood Boostan [Shahrud Bastam]The siege of HeratReactions to Persia’s actions by Dost Mahomed [Mohammad] Khan, Emir of Afghanistan, and his exiled predecessor Shah Shuja [Shah Shujah Durrani]A request by Yar Mohamed Khan, Vizier of Herat, for assistance from Candahar, Bhokhara [Bukhara] and Toorkistan [Turkestan].Other topics covered include:Intelligence reports believed to be inaccurate or unreliableReports of two thousand armed Baloches [Balochis] assembling near Rojhun [Rojhan]The return of Ranjit Singh, Maharajah of the Sikh Empire, to LahoreThe surrender of Bahram Khan Mazari to the Governor of Multan [Diwan Sawan Mal Chopra], and the return of his possessionsThe unauthorised publication of a secret Government of India despatch in Bombay [Mumbai] newspapersArrangements for a visit to the Sikh Empire by the Governor-General of India and a meeting between him and the MaharajahAn account of the roads between Peshawar and Cabool [Kabul]Reports of a Russian agent at CaboolA perceived threat of invasion of Peshawar by Sardar Mahamad Akbur Khan [Wazir Akbar Khan], Emir of CaboolNegotiations for stationing a British Resident in SindhFabricated credentials of Haji Hoosain Ali Khan, who had claimed to be a representative of the Government of CaboolDebts left behind by the late Dr Gerard, surgeon with the British mission to Cabool.The primary correspondents are: Colonel Claude Martin Wade, Political Agent, Loodianah [Ludhiana]; Lieutenant Frederick Mackeson, on a mission to Peshawar; Captain Alexander Burnes, on a mission to Cabool; and the Government of India.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 406, and terminates at f 603, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: This file consists of a memorandum written by Sir West Ridgeway, in which the author records his opinion that it is not the fault of the British Government that the Perso-Afghan boundary dispute at Hashtadan remains unsettled. The author goes on to suggest that the dispute be allowed to continue unresolved until the Russo-Afghan boundary has been settled and perhaps until after the death of the Amir [Emir] of Afghanistan.A further note records that the Shah of Persia subsequently accepted the arbitration of the Indian Government in the Hashtadan dispute.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences and terminates at folio 206, as it is part of a larger physical volume; this number is written in pencil, is circled, and is located at the top right corner of the folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel; this number is also written in pencil, but is not circled.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, extracts from Bombay [Mumbai] Political Consultations. The papers contained in this item are partial enclosures to a Political Letter sent from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 10 June 1845. A copy of this Political Letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2122/100076, alongside details of further enclosures.The item relates to tension between the Chaab [Banū Ka‘b] tribe and the Beniyas [Banī Yās] tribe. Commodore John Croft Hawkins, Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf, informs Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, that he recently prevented Beniyas subjects from stealing a Chaab bugla [baggalah], which they said was in retaliation for the seizure of one of their ships by Shaik Faris [Shaikh Fāris bin Ghayth], Acting Governor of Chaab, in early 1845. Concerned that this dispute may develop into warfare, Hennell wishes to pass on a firman from the Shah of Persia [Iran] and letter from the Prime Minister [of Persia], both of which instruct Sooleyman Khan, the Persian Sirteep at Mohumrah [Sulaymān Khān, Sartīp at Khorramshahr], to facilitate the restitution of the Beniyas vessel. Hennell instructs Hawkins to send the Company ship,
Constance, to Bussorah [Basra] to deliver the letter and firman and, if their instructions are accepted, superintend the return of the Beniyas vessel to Bussorah. Hennell also requests Major Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, to permit Parseigh Johannes, Native Agent at Bussorah, to assist the crew of the
Constancewith this task.Correspondents: Hennell; Hawkins; the Government of Bombay; and Justin Sheil, HM Minister at the Court of Persia.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 5061, Draft 29/46, Coll[ection] 23, Vol: 2’, ‘Collection No. 1 of No. 62’ and ‘Examiner's Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 451, and terminates at f 461, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the item also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: Enclosure nos. 2-102 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of India, dated 13 August 1838. The enclosures are dated 16 May-11 August 1838.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to a plan to overthrow Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] as Emir of Afghanistan and return former Emir Shah Shuja ool Moolk [Shujā‘ al-Mulk Durrānī, also written as Shah Shooja in the item] to the throne. Topics covered include:Negotiations between Shah Shuja, the Government of India, and Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Ranjit Singh, Maharaja of the Sikh Empire], and proposed amendments to a treaty already negotiated between Shah Shuja and Runjeet Singh to include the co-operation of the Government of India. Draft copies of the amended treaty are included on folios 501-505 and 518-523Runjeet Singh’s refusal to give up Peshawer [Peshawar] or Shikarpoor [Shikarpur], his rejection of any British interference in ‘his affairs across the Indus’, and a proposed annual tribute to be paid to him by Shah Shuja in exchange for abandoning his claim to Julalabad [Jalalabad]Reports of the state of Dost Mahomed’s relationships with Russia and Persia [Iran]Failed negotiations to end the Persian siege of Herat, including an offer made to Yar Mahomed Khan [Yār Muḥammad Khān ‘Alī Kūzāy, Vizier of Herat] by the Shah of Persia for territory in Persia if he will give up the cityA British mission led by William Hay Macnaghten to Runjeet Singh’s summer capital at Adina Nagur [Dinanagar, also written as Adeenanuggur in the item], including accounts of meetings with Runjeet Singh and biographies of members of his courtThe continuance of Macnaghten’s mission to Loodiana [Ludhiana] to present Shah Shuja with the proposed amendments negotiated with Runjeet Singh, and his approval of themThe recovery from Toorkestan [Afghan Turkestan] of the books and papers (listed on ff 449-450) of explorer William Moorcroft, who died there of a fever in 1825, and their proposed donation to the Asiatic Society of BengalA report on the affairs of Candahar [Kandahar], including its history, biographies of prominent figures, and its relations with other states, particularly in relation to the Persian siege of HeratPlans for the logistics of restoring Shah Shuja to the throne of Afghanistan, including potential routes for him to enter the country, consideration of the possible actions of Dost Mahomed and how to counter them, his perceived level of support in the country, and specific British battalions and officers to be appointedA British mission led by Lieutenant Frederick Mackeson to recruit the Nuwab of Buhawulpore [Nawwāb of Bahawalpur] as an ally, and to gain permission to move troops through his territory. A draft treaty with the Nuwub is included on folios 648-649Consideration of the security of India if large numbers of troops are sent to Afghanistan, particularly relating to potential hostilities with Ava [Burma or Myanmar], including the possible transfer of troops from Ceylon [Sri Lanka].The primary correspondents are: Shah Shuja; Runjeet Singh; Macnaghten; Mackeson; Captain Alexander Burnes, on a mission to Cabool [Kabul]; the Commander-in-Chief, India; the Governor of Ceylon; the Government of India; and various Indian Army officers.Physical description: 1 item (396 folios)
Abstract: This document describes an interview between Brigadier-General MacLean and the Shah of Persia [Iran] at Brighton in 1889. The discussion centres on whether Hashtadun [Hashtadan] belongs to Persia or Afghanistan. The division of old water canals between the countries is suggested as a compromise which may settle the dispute.Please note that Major-General Charles Smith Maclean is mistakenly referred to as Brigadier-General J Maclean in the document.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences and terminates at f 14 as it is part of a larger physical volume; this number is written in pencil, is circled, and is located in the top right corner of the recto side of the folio.
Abstract: The memorandum is divided into the following chapter headings:'General Status of Persia', ff 2r-12;'Persia and Herat', ff 12v-24r;'Persia and Seistan [Sīstān]', ff 24r-31v;'Persia and Kohuk', ff 31v-35;'Persia and the Navigation of the Karun [Kārūn] River', ff 35v-39r;'Persia and her integrity', ff 39r-47;'Persia and Merv', ff 47v-52v;'Continuation of General Status of Persia', ff 52v-61;'Appendices', ff 63-78.'General Status of Persia' provides a geographic description of the Kingdom including details of its boundaries, rivers, and transportation links. It also includes an outline of its demography, and its revenue by province. Military matters are also covered in this section; this includes an in-depth look at the Persian army — its pay and composition — and a look at the employment of British officers in Persia. This section concludes with a narrative of Persia's modern history from the sixteenth century.'Persia and Herat' describes the extent to which the province's boundaries can be defined, and provides a brief description of each district within; Ghorian, Sabzawar, Farah, Bakwa, Kurak, and Obeh. It also includes a description of the town of Herat, and information on the province's demography and climate. The section also provides detailed coverage of the tribes in the region. The development of British policy towards Herat is explained through the use of select correspondence. This includes the relative merits for Britain in either maintaining Herat's independence, or supporting Afghan or Persian rule; extensive reference is made to the Treaty of Paris (1857).'Persia and Seistan' also provides a geographic description of the province, along with information on its administrative divisions, climate, and transportation links. Its main purpose however is to outline the development of British attitudes concerning the governance of this province; should it be overseen by Afghanistan or Persia? To provide context, it covers the historical basis for the two competing claims. It concludes by describing the British arbitration of the matter in 1871-72 by General Frederick John Goldsmid, and its outcome; summaries of the statements provided by the Afghan and Persian sides are included.'Persia and Kohuk' explains how Persia has disputed the award of this province to Khelat by General Goldsmid in 1871, and British reluctance to amend the award in favour of Persia.'Persia and the Navigation of the Karun River' outlines British efforts to open up the Karun River for steam navigation. It explains that Russian success in improving transportation infrastructure in the north of Persia — in contrast to British failure in the south — is seen to be putting British trade at a disadvantage; the Karun River is seen as having the best potential for resolving this. The prospects for the construction of a railway in southern Persia are also briefly examined.'Persia and her integrity' details the development of a diplomatic understanding from 1834 between Britain and Russia, in which both powers established their mutual interest in the maintenance of the territorial integrity of Persia. It chiefly concerns British suspicions that Russian activities in central Asia do not match their professed intentions towards Persia (i.e. British fears that Russia is encroaching on central Asia).'Persia and Merv', in addition to providing an overview of the region's history and ancient settlements, considers what the British consider to be the encroachment of Russia on Persia's northern borders; the British consider any potential Russian occupation of Merv to be a threat, and it is explained that Persian control is preferred.'Continuation of General Status of Persia' concentrates on British concerns over increases in Russian influence at the Persian Court in Tehran; the British fear Persia becoming a vassal of Russia and facilitating Russian expansion towards Afghanistan. It therefore discusses the extent to which Britain should take advantage of Persian overtures to establish friendly relations with that power in order to prevent this scenario. It also briefly discusses Persian designs on Bahrain, and the desirability — for Britain — in maintaining its status as an independent state, in addition to emphasizing the need to maintain Britain's protectorate role in the Persian Gulf. Topics also included in this section, but covered in less detail include: the conference of consular powers on the Resident in the Persian Gulf; the development of telegraph lines in Persia; and negotiations respecting the demarcation of the Persian-Turkish border.The memorandum is signed by Owen Tudor Burne of the India Office.The appendix at the back is divided eight sections as follows:I. 'Employment of British Officers with the Persian Army', f 63;II. A selection of memoranda (dated 20 July-24 December 1868) concerning the need to strengthen British influence over Persia, and the means available to achieve it, ff 63v-64;III. A selection of memoranda (dated 10-30 October 1868) on the possibility of employing British officers with the Persian Army, f 65;IV. 'The Policy of Great Britain towards Persia, ff 66-69;V. Instructions given to Major-General Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlingson as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Persia, dated 4 August 1859, ff 68-69;VI. 'Outline Sketch by Colonel Burne of the Shah of Persia's Visit to England, 1873, ff 69-72;VII. 'Note by Colonel Burne on the Persian Army, 20th December 1871', ff 72-73;VIII. 'Abstract of Events in Persia, Afghanistan, &c. from 1722 to the present period', ff 73v-78.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 1A and terminates at f 78, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This note on the memorandum produced by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, Minister Plenipotentiary to Tehran 1894-1900, was written by Sir William Lee-Warner and focuses on various issues relating to the current situation in Persia. These include:the issue of the Regie debt;concerns over the succession of the Vali Ahd to power following the death of the Shah;the delimitation of the Perso-Baluch frontier;Anglo-Russian relations and actions in Persia;Russian influence over the region and over the Vali Ahd;considerations over how English finances and personnel could be better managed in the region.The document concludes with notes from 'E N' and 'G H'. The identities of these authors are unknown.Physical description: 2 folios
Abstract: Copy of a translation of a letter from the Shah of Persia [Iran], Fatteh Ali Shah [Fath-Ali Shah Qajar], to the Governor-General of India [Governor-General of the Presidency of Fort William], Lord Minto. The letter contains effusions of friendship from the Shah, and congratulates Lord Minto on his recent victories, the Shah having been fully apprised of Lord Minto’s role as Governor-General by HM Ambassador Extraordinary to Persia, Sir Gore Ouseley.The letter was enclosed in Ouseley’s dispatch No. 3 to Lord Minto of 2 February 1812 (see IOR/L/PS/9/68/123).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: Translation of a letter from the vizier of the Prince Royal [Crown Prince] of Persia [Iran], Mirza Bozurg [Mīrzā Buzurg], to HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, Sir Harford Jones. The letter, written on behalf of the Prince Royal, Abbas Mirza, expresses the necessity of Jones meeting the Shah of Persia [Fath-Ali Shāh Qājār], prior to Jones joining the Prince Royal on his campaign.The letter was enclosed in Jones's letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 24 June 1810, and was received 21 November 1810.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: Translation of a paper presented by HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia [Iran], Sir Harford Jones, to Persian ministers regarding the admittance of Brigadier-General Sir John Malcolm to the Royal Camp of the Shah of Persia [Fath-Ali Shāh Qājār], at Soltaniyeh. The paper contains articles concerning how Brigadier-General Malcolm should be received at the Royal Camp and the manner in which his meetings and discussions with the Shah and his ministers should be undertaken.The paper was enclosed in Jones's letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 24 June 1810, which was received on 21 November 1810.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: Translation of a journal kept by the Persian envoy Meerza Saleh [Mīrzā Ṣāliḥ Shīrāzī] during his missions to the Russian army’s headquarters at Abbasabad [‘Abbasabad] and Karababa [Qarababa] during the ongoing war between Persia [Iran] and Russia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828]. Meerza Saleh details his visits to:The Russian Commander-in-Chief, General Paskevitch [General Ivan Fyodorovich Paskevich-Erivansky, Governor-General of Georgia], during which was discussed the terms that the Russians would be willing to accept for peaceThe Prince Royal, Abbas Meerza [ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār, Crown Prince of Persia], accompanied by Paskevitch’s private secretary, Grebiodoff [Alexander Sergeyevich Gribodoyev], where preliminary proposals for an armistice and peace are discussed and drawn upThe Shah of Persia [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār] at Marand, during which, in Meerza Saleh's discussions with the Kaim Mukam [Mīrzā Abū al-Qāsim Farāhānī, Qāʾim-Maqām, the Vizier of the Crown Prince] and Meerza Abdoul Wahab [Mīrzā ‘Abd al-Wahhāb Nishāṭ Iṣfahānī, Mu‘tamid al-Dawlah], it becomes clear that the Prince Royal and Kaim Mukam are attempting to deceive the Shah about the strength of the Russian Army.The account also covers: the Prince Royal’s idea to bribe Paskevitch; the Shah’s orders for the Prince Royal to attack the Russian forces in Erivan [Yerevan]; and a transcript (in Persian and English) of a short satirical poem written by the Kaim Mukam (f 11).This document was originally enclosed, numbered 1, in the letter of the East India Company Envoy to Persia, Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 20 August 1827 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/33).Physical description: 1 item (14 folios)
Abstract: These folios consist of summaries of letters from HM Minister to Persia, Charles Augustus Murray, sent from his camp near Tehran (20 July 1857, Number 58, and 26 July 1857, Number 63), regarding matters including the Sedr Ajeem [or Azeem?] having communicated with Murray as to the desire of the Shah of Persia [Iran] to name his son the Ameer Nizam as Heir Apparent, and Murray’s response that he would do nothing about the matter without instructions from HM Government.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)