Copy of Dispatch No. 27 from HM Chargé d'Affaires to Persia, Henry Willock, to the Governor-General of the Presidency of Fort William, Lord Amherst
Date:
1824/1824
Description:
Abstract: Copy of dispatch No. 27 from HM Chargé d’Affaires to Persia [Iran], Henry Willock, in Tehran, to the Governor-General of the Presidency of Fort William, Lord Amherst, of 23 December 1824. In the letter Willock indicates that he believes that Russia seeks to expand its influence and relations with ‘independent States’ in the area east and southeast of the Caspian Sea, including Khorassan [Khorasan] and Afghanistan. Willock discusses the opportunities existing for Russian expansion and the threat that such expansion would pose to the British in India. Willock recommends that the British dispatch an agent to gather intelligence in the region to ascertain the extent of Russian influence, find out the attitudes of local rulers towards Russia, and gather information regarding the possibility of Russia marching an army through the region against India.This document was originally enclosed in Willock’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 8 February 1825 (IOR/L/PS/9/70/5).Physical description: 1 item (14 folios)