Abstract: Letter from the Moatimid a Dowluh, Abdul Wahab [Mīrzā ‘Abd al-Wahhāb Nishāṭ Iṣfahānī, Mu‘tamid al-Dawlah], to the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir. The Moatimid a Dowluh reports that Mirza Abul Hussain Khan [Mīrzā Abū al-Ḥasan Khān Shīrāzī, Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs], who has been directed by the King of Persia [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār, Shāh of Persia] to conclude peace in the war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828], has taken his leave and been ordered to proceed (see IOR/L/PS/9/71/179).This document was originally enclosed, numbered 11 in dispatch No. 81, in Macdonald Kinneir’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 21 January 1828 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/154).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: The memorandum outlines the development of negotiations from 1871 to 1875 respecting the demarcation of the frontier between Persian Baluchistan and the State of Kelat [Kalat]. Specifically, it focuses on whether Kohuk should be awarded to either Persia or Kelat, or left independent. The narrative is primarily illustrated through extracts of correspondence on the matter sent between British and Persian officials. It largely draws on the opinions of Sir Frederic Goldsmid and Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson concerning the proposed status of Kohuk.The appendix consists of a copy of an amended note substituted for that signed by Charles Alison, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, and Mirza Saeed Khan, Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs, on 1 September 1871. It outlines an agreement respecting the demarcation of the aforementioned frontier.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 65 and terminates at f 71, 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 file concerns a recent claim, made by the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs to HM Chargé d’Affaires to Persia [temporarily held by Victor Alexander Louis Mallet], to a ten mile limit for Persian territorial waters. It contains copies of correspondence between the Foreign Office, the India Office, and the Admiralty, regarding whether or not Britain should give a formal response to what is referred to as being an informal claim made by the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs. The issue is discussed with reference to recent incidents involving Arab dhows in the Gulf.James Sidney Barnes, writing on behalf of the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty [as Principal Assistant Secretary], advises that there should be no formal repudiation and that British officials should avoid any action that might in any way compromise the views of His Majesty's Government on territorial waters.In addition, the file includes a copy of instructions, produced by the Foreign Office and relayed by the British Legation, Tehran, regarding the attitude that should be taken in the event of the arrest of a British subject by the Persian authorities at the outer anchorage at Bushire.The file concludes with copies of correspondence regarding instructions for searching Persian dhows that are suspected of arms trafficking. Other correspondents in the file include the British Minister, Tehran, and the Senior Naval Officer, Persian Gulf.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 26; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 3-24; these numbers are written in pencil, and are not circled. A previous foliation sequence between ff 22-24, which was written in pencil and not circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: Continuing on from the previous file (IOR/R/15/6/276), this file concerns the appointment of the Minister for Foreign Affairs for Muscat. The correspondence mainly concerns travel expenses for the newly appointed Basil Woods Ballard's journey from London to Muscat, via Bahrain. Also discussed is Woods Ballad's contract of employment. The file's principal correspondents are the following: the Political Agent and Consul, Muscat; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Foreign Office; the Sultan of Muscat and Oman [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd].Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 19; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A previous foliation sequence between ff 5-18, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: Correspondence and other papers concerning the drafting of an agreement between the Governments of Britain and Persia [Iran], concerning the withdrawal of the Indo-European Telegraph Department from Persia, and the subsequent taking over of cables and equipment in Persia by the Persian Government. The agreement covers: the costs of daily use of the cables; maintenance of the cable between Henjam [Jazīreh-ye Hengām] and Bandar Abbas [Bandar-e ʻAbbās]; transit dues for communications sent between Iraq and India; access to Gulf ports by cable ships. The papers include:Multiple drafts of the agreement, in French. A printed copy of the final agreement in French and English translation, dated 17 February 1932, is included (ff 141-144).Correspondence concerning difficulties in maintaining an import of supplies to telegraph stations in Persia.Registration of the Imperial and International Communications Company Limited (IICC) in Persia.Discussion amongst British officials over the merits of abandoning cable communication in the Gulf, and closing down the telegraph stations on the Persian coast of the Gulf, in favour of using wireless communications.Correspondence from 1932 concerning the costs of repairs to the Henjam-Bandar Abbas cable, incurred by IICC/Cable & Wireless Limited, and charged against the Persian Government.The volume’s principal correspondents are: the India Office (John Gilbert Laithwaite); the British Legation at Tehran (Robert Henry Clive; Charles Dodd; Reginald Hervey Hoare); the Indo-European Telegraph Department (Maurice George Simpson); the Indo-European Telegraph Company (which became the IICC, and from 1935, Cable & Wireless Limited (J O Stevens Perry; Ralph Lawson)).The volume contains a single item in Persian (f 82), being an order issued by the Shah of Persia, dated 28 Khordad 1311 (equivalent to 18 June 1932), ratifying the Indo-European Telegraph Department agreement.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 409; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top 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: Correspondence, memoranda and newspaper cuttings relating to an official visit made by the Iranian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bagher Kazemi, to Kabul, Afghanistan, and New Delhi, India. The file’s principal correspondents include: HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at Tehran, Hughe Montgomery Knatchbull-Hugessen; the Foreign and Political Department of the Government of India. Aside from general commercial matters, specific subjects discussed by Kazemi and Government of India officials, as recorded in memoranda and notes in the file, include: the Duzdap [Zahedan] railway; the status of the Political Residency at Bushire, Iran, and questions over its transfer to Bahrain; the demarcation of the Iran-Baluchistan frontier; the employment of officers of the Foreign and Political Department of the Government of India at consular posts in Iran; lorry traffic on the Nok Kundi to Zahidan [Zahedan] road. The file also contains a sequence of newspaper articles dated 2-27 February 1936, appearing in the French-language newspaper
Le Journal de Teheran, and reporting at length on Kazemi’s visit (ff 6-28).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 155; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top 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: Papers relating to the transfer of ownership of the railway line running between Mirjawa [Mīrjāveh] and Duzdap [Zahedan] in eastern Persia [Iran], from the Government of India to the Persian Government.The volume begins with reports of interruptions to monthly rations trains, prompting the Government of India to close down the line. The remainder of the correspondence covers negotiations for the transfer and reopening of the railway:The impact of the railway’s closure on trade, water supply to the region, smuggling, road traffic.The British Government’s initial desire to use the transfer of the railway as a
quid pro quofor an extension to the south Persia air route used by Imperial Airways.Statements showing income and losses made by the railway between 1923 and 1931 (ff 205-208).A report by John Gilbert Laithwaite of the India Office, undated but likely written in early 1933, containing a comprehensive summary to date of agreements and operations of the railway, between the Government of India and the Persian Government (ff 132-148).A copy of an agreement for the sale of railway plant and rolling stock, with a list of equipment, quantity and prices (quoted in Indian rupees) (ff 94-104).Draft copies of an agreement (in French) for the transfer of the railway.The volume’s principal correspondents are: the British Legation at Tehran (Robert Henry Clive; Reginald Hervey Hoare); the British Vice-Consul at Sistan and Kain [Ka’īn] (Major Clive Kirkpatrick Daly); the India Office (Laithwaite); the Foreign Office (Charles William Baxter; George William Rendel).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the first folio with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 428; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A previous foliation sequence, which is present between ff 391-428 and is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out. The front and back covers, along with the two leading flyleaves and single ending flyleaf, have not been foliated.
Abstract: A copy of a letter from Henry Willock, HM Chargé d’Affaires in Persia [Iran], to George Canning, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, sent from Abher [Ābhar] and dated 11 August 1824.The letter concerns:Internal affairs at the Court of Persia, reporting on a meeting between the Shah [Fath-‘Ali Shāh Qājār] and Princes at Sultanieh [Soltānīyeh]The appointment of Meerza Abul Hassan [Mīrzā Abūl Hassan] Khan as Foreign MinisterThe situation in Khiva following the death of Mahomed Raheem Khan [Muhammad Rahīm Bahādur Khān I]An earthquake in Cazroon [Kāzerūn]A proposed expedition by the Prince of Shiraz [Husayn ‘Ali Mīrzā Farmānfarmā, Prince-Governor of Fārs] against Bahrein [Bahrain].The letter was enclosed in Willock’s letter to the Court of Directors of the East India Company dated 14 August 1824 (IOR/L/PS/9/69/209).Physical description: The letter was perforated in an attempt to stop the spread of disease.
Abstract: A copy of a letter from Henry Willock, HM Chargé d’Affaires in Persia [Iran], to Lord Amherst, Governor-General of Bengal, sent from Tehran and dated 5 November 1824.The letter concerns the proposed transfer to India of responsibility for diplomatic relations between Britain and Persia and support for this proposal among members of the Persian Court. Willock describes the support of the Prince Royal [‘Abbās Mīrzā, Crown Prince], the opposition of the Foreign Minister Meerza [Mīrzā] Abul Hassan Khan, and his own attempts to win support for the proposal at Court, including the use of bribery.The letter was enclosed in Willock’s letter to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company dated 16 November 1824 (IOR/L/PS/9/69/238).Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: Extracts from the diary of Henry Willock, HM Chargé d’Affaires in Persia [Iran], dated 12 and 13 October 1824.The diary focusses on Willock’s discussions with Meerza [Mīrzā] Abul Hassan Khan, Foreign Minister of Persia, regarding the proposed transfer to India of responsibility for diplomatic relations between Britain and Persia, and the Foreign Minister's continued rejection of the proposal.The extracts were enclosed in Willock’s letter to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company dated 18 October 1824 (IOR/L/PS/9/69/222).Physical description: 1 item (7 folios)
Abstract: A copy of a letter from Henry Willock, HM Chargé d’Affaires in Persia [Iran], to George Canning, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, sent from Tehran and dated 16 September 1824.The letter reports on discussions between Semyon Mazarovich, Russian Chargé d’Affaires in Persia, and the Shah [Fath-‘Ali Shāh Qājār] and Persian Ministers on issues in Russo-Persian relations, in particular Russia’s push for the establishment of a consulate in Resht [Rasht]. This is opposed by the Persian side which is wary of Russian influence in Gilan province. Willock conjectures on the threat that Russian expansion into Gilan would pose to India.The letter was enclosed in Willock’s letter to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company (IOR/L/PS/9/69/220).Physical description: 1 item (14 folios)
Abstract: A copy of a letter from Henry Willock, HM Chargé d’Affaires in Persia [Iran], to Lord Howard de Walden, Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, sent from Tehran and dated 22 September 1824.The letter reports that the departure of Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, Envoy of the Supreme Government of India, to Persia has been postponed. Willock relays his discussions on the issue with Meerza Abul Hussun [Mīrzā Abūl Hassan] Khan, Persian Minister of Foreign Affairs, who reacts positively to the postponement and explains the hostility of the Shah [Fath-‘Ali Shāh Qājār] to Macdonald’s mission and the transfer of responsibility for diplomatic relations between Persia and Britain to India which it entails.The letter was enclosed in Willock’s letter to John [or William] McCulloch, Secretary to the Political Department of the East India Company, dated 22 September 1824 (IOR/L/PS/9/69/218).Physical description: The letter was perforated in an attempt to stop the spread of disease.