Abstract: The file consists of a copy of
Persia Intelligence Report Part Vproduced by Naval Intelligence Division, Admiralty, May 1946.It is divided into three sections covering:the Persian Coast – providing figures of coastal distances, and a coast report consisting of a general description of the Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea, with more detailed descriptions broken down by section of the southern coast of Persia from Iraq to Baluchistan;the Persian Ports – information on individual Persian Gulf, Caspian Sea, and Lake Urmia ports. These include the following: Ābādān; Ahwāz [Ahvāz]; Asalū; Bandar Abbās; Bandar Shāpūr; Bushire; Chāhbār, Henjam [Henjān], Jāsk, Khorramshahr, Lingeh [Bandar-e-Lengeh], Astara, Babolsar, Bandar Shah, Mahmudabad, Naushah, Pahlevi, Shahsawar, Gurmeh Khaneh, Haiderabad [Hyderābād], and Sharif Khaneh;base facilities and maintenance of fleets in the Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea: summary – consisting of naval dockyards and bases, principal commercial dockyards and repair bases, oil storage and coal depots, and arsenals and war material factories.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 40; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, 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: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 1 and 15 August 1918. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include letters, memoranda, telegrams, and appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations.An index to the contents of this volume can be found at folios 3-30. The volume concerns:The situation in Mesopotamia, including:The administration of the areas occupied by Force D, including the formation of an Agricultural DirectorateRailway construction in Mesopotamia and Persia [Iran]The recruitment and organisation of new personnel for Force D.The situation in Persia and the Caucasus, including:The progress of Dunsterforce and of General Wilfrid Malleson’s missionIntelligence concerning Turkish [Ottoman] and German activitiesEfforts to gain local support in Persia, particularly among the Bakhtiari [Bakhtiyārī] tribe for assistance in the defence of the oil fieldsThe situations at Baku and Krasnovodsk [Türkmenbaşy]Discussions concerning support for the Trans-Caspian GovernmentSupport for the Assyrian and Armenian populations.The volume also includes:The distribution of Force D (ff 31-38), including lines of communication (ff 39-48), and a list of officers and commanders (ff 49-50)The distribution of troops and lines of communication for Force D on 13 July (ff 260-269) and 20 July (ff 250-259)Statement showing the strengths of the contingents with Force D on 22 June (ff 56-68) and 29 June (ff 201-213)Strength returns of Force D on 6 July (ff 88-90) and 13 July (ff 311-313)Ammunition and gun returns (f 69, ff 177-178, f 219, f 226, ff 319-320)The distribution of the Turkish Army on 6 August (ff 143-151) and 13 August (ff 297-306)Returns of the sick and wounded for 29 June (ff 157-158) and 13 July (246-247)State of supplies (ff 126-128, 284-286)The ration strength of Force D on 6 July (ff 194-200) and 20 July (ff 313-317)Statements of shipping tonnage discharged (f 53, ff 110-111, ff 130-131, f 159, f 161, f 172, f 214, f 224, f 231, f 249, ff 287-288, f 293, f 326)Return of pilots and machines (f 224)Inland Water Transport personnel strength returns for 3 August (f 173) and 18 August (f 293).The vast majority of material in the volume dates from August 1918, but there is also a small amount of material which dates from June and July 1918.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 339; 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 also present in parallel between ff 3-337; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 16 and 31 August 1918. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include letters, memoranda, telegrams, and appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations.An index to the contents of this volume can be found at the start of IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3305. The volume concerns:The situation in Mesopotamia, including:The administration of Basrah [Basra], Baghdad, and the other areas occupied by Force D, including plans for various development projects, and concerns about high levels of expenditureReinforcements and new personnel for Force D, including the organisation and grading of new recruits, and the formation of new divisionsRailway construction in Mesopotamia and Persia [Iran]Equipment and supplies for Force DThe resources and further requirements of the Inland Water TransportDiscussions about providing munitions to Ibn Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān Āl Sa’ūd, also rendered as Bin Saud in the volume]The proceedings of a Court of Enquiry reporting on the state of motor vehicles arriving in Mesopotamia, and the shortages and deficiencies in tools and kits (ff 84-88). It includes a ‘statement of particulars of unfitness for use’ (ff 89-107)The payment of Dr John Fisk during his work attending on Turkish [Ottoman] prisoners of war. It includes copies and extracts of correspondence, agreements, and despatches from 15 October 1914, 25 August and 9 October 1916, 5 July 1917, and 18 May 1918 (ff 205-207).The situation in Persia and the Caucasus, including:The progress of Dunsterforce and of General Wilfrid Malleson’s mission, including plans for controlling shipping in the Caspian SeaThe situation in TabrizIntelligence concerning Turkish [Ottoman] and German activitiesThe situation of the Trans-Caspian Government, including the evacuation of Tejend [Tejen] and Merv [Mary], Malleson’s efforts to provide troops and material for support, and the organisation of the defence of Krasnovodsk [Türkmenbaşy]The situation in BakuBritish operations in Persia, including discussions with the Bakhtiari [Bakhtiyārī] tribe and the Jangalis [Jangalī Movement]The movements of Jelu [Assyrians from Jilu] refugees, and discussions regarding making provision for them, and the possibility of organising some as combatantsThe situation of the Armenian populationThe situation at Tiflis [Tbilisi].The volume also includes:Statements of shipping tonnage discharged (ff 36-37, 63, f 112, f 122, f 183, f 203, ff 247-248, ff 269-270, ff 276-277, f 288, f 300, f 318, f 381, f 385, f 417)Weekly returns of the sick and wounded for 6 July (f 35), 20 July (ff 267-268), 27 July (ff 273-274), 3 August (ff 302-303), and 10 August (ff 415-416)Aviation reports for 15 August (f 39), 22 August (f 264), and 29 August (f 418)Strength returns for Force D for 20 July (ff 47-49), 27 July (ff 265-267), and 3 August (ff 363-365)Consolidated strength return for Force D for 29 June 1918 (ff 155-176)Statements showing the strengths of the contingents with Force D on 6 July (ff 221-233) and 13 July (ff 365-378)The distribution of troops for Force D on 27 July 1918 (ff 213-220), 3 August (ff 388-398), and 10 August (ff 398-407)The ration strength of Force D on 13 July 1918 (ff 79-84), 20 July (ff 349-354), 27 July (ff 108-111), 3 August (ff 332-336), and 10 August (ff 411-414)The distribution of the Turkish Army on 20 August (ff 185-193) and 27 August (ff 319-329)Ammunition and gun returns for 26 July (f 49) and 2 August (ff 345-346)Wastage return of animals for June (ff 51-54)Strength of animals with Force D on 28 July (f 198)Statement of animal transport in Tigris and Euphrates front for June (ff 17-22)Traffic return for 15 August (f 197)Monthly distribution report for motor vehicles with Force D on 1 July (ff 132-153).The vast majority of material in the volume dates from August 1918, but there is also a small amount of material which dates from June and July 1918.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 419; these numbers are printed, and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 1 and 15 January 1919. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: telegrams, memoranda, tables, and letters, containing instructions and reports.An index to the contents of this volume can be found at folios 3-21. The volume mostly relates to:Personnel strengths across multiple departments and unitsMatters relating to demobilisation, including: release of officers; repatriation of troops; administrative procedures; abolition of units and bureaucratic procedures; arrangements for interim personnel; comments on demobilisation orders; potential relaxation of censorship; and the sale of surplus animals, vehicles and materialsArrangements for the civil administration of Mesopotamia, including transfer of departments and personnel from military to civil controlMatters relating to oil fieldsProcedure for recommending British officers of the Indian Army for the Staff CollegeProposals to increase the Agricultural DirectorateDetails regarding road and railways construction in Mesopotamia and Persia [Iran]Details of traffic and tonnage [amounts of cargo] transported on railways and shipsStatus of rations and suppliesMatters relating to Persia, especially financial issues and leviesReports from Baku and Krasnovodsk [Turkmenbasy], especially regarding updates on the Georgians, Armenians and AzerbaijanMinor discussions about events and policy in the Caspian and Caucasus regions, as well as southern KurdistanArrangements for the post-war garrison in Mesopotamia, particularly the ratios of British and Indian troopsLists of sick and wounded soldiersIntelligence regarding German commanders and political officersMatters relating to staff, including: creation of posts; leave; and numbers requiredRepatriation of non-Turkish [non-Ottoman] prisoners of war and of Assyrians and ArmeniansMatters relating to the exchange and transport of personnel and supplies between Mesopotamia, India, Egypt, and PersiaMinor details of a Court of Enquiry held at Kasvin [Qazvin] into the mismanagement of government fundsIntelligence regarding Turkish demobilisationPort Directorate requirements.The volume also contains:Detailed statements of ration strength of Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force on 9 November 1918 (ff 52-59) and 23 November 1918 (ff 77-84)Statement of Animal Transport [types of animals and the vehicles they convey] for Force D for October 1918 (ff 60-65)Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia, Persia, and Turkestan [historic region in Central Asia] on 6 January (ff 90-91) and on 13 January (ff 184-185)Statements showing strength of the different contingents serving with Force D as of 2 November 1918 (ff 96-108) and 23 November 1918 (ff 131-133)Distribution of Force D on 7 December 1918 (ff 109-120), including corrections for the distribution as of 7 December and 14 December 1918Statement showing strength of British and Indian Personnel in Force D on 7 December 1918 (f 197)Field return for Force D showing number of personnel, animals, weapons, and transport vehicles on 2 November 1918 (ff 206-228).Whilst the volume contains copies of earlier material dating from September 1918 onwards, the bulk of the material dates from January 1919.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 230; 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 also present in parallel between ff 3-228; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
Abstract: This item comprises a copy of an enclosure to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 9 of 1847, dated 25 January 1847. The enclosure is dated 14 November 1846.The item comprises copies of despatches forwarded, for the information of the Government of Bombay and the Governor-General of India, by Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, HM Envoy and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia [Iran], to Viscount Palmerston, HM Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with relevant enclosures.The papers cover the following matters:The assumption by Hajee Meerza Aghasee, [Ḥājī Mīrzā Āqāsī], Prime Minister to the Shah of Persia, of the office and duties of Minister of Foreign Affairs and concentration ‘in his own person the entire functions of Government’ (f 103)A scheme proposed by the Assof-ood Dawleh [Āṣaf al-Dawlah] of Herat and the Governor of Khorassan to replace the current ruler of Herat (Yah Mahomed Khan [Yār Muḥammad Khān ‘Alī Kūzāy]) with Shah Passend Khan [Shāh Pasand Khān], Sheil’s strong rejection of the proposal, the refusal of Hajee Meerza Aghassee to support it since it would aggrandize the Government of Khorassan [Khorasan], the apparent concern of Yar Mahomed’s followers, and the purported wish of Yar Mahomed to have a British Agent at Herat as a defence against the Assof-ood Dawleh’s ‘plots’ and the Persian GovernmentSheil’s scepticism with regard to the claims made by Cazee Mahomed Hassan [Qāḍī Muḥammad Ḥasan], based on the enquiries he made (on Sheil’s behalf) during a trip to Khiva, about the fate of a certain ‘Hajee Ahmed Ahmed Arab’ (f 109) said to be the missing Englishman Mr Wyburd [Lieutenant William Henry Wybard] and also about another English man and woman reportedly held captive in Khiva, and Sheil’s opinion that the Cazee’s true motive was employment by the British GovernmentThe report by Cazee Mahomed Hassan, recently returned from Khiva, that the Khan of Khiva is concerned about Russian progress towards his territory, advancing, he believes, from their fort at Minkishlak [Mangyshlak], near the Caspian Sea, and Sheil’s consideration that despite his doubts about the Cazee’s general truthfulness, the report may well be trueThe refusal of Hajee Meerza Aghassee to accede to the demands of Prince Dolgorouki [Prince Dimitri Ivanovich Dolgorukov], Russian Minister in Tehran, for Persia to allow Russian ships of war into the Persian harbours in the Caspian Sea, especially Asterabad [Gorgon], and Sheil’s opinion that a peremptory refusal will elicit a very strong response from Russia. Included is a copy of Hajee Meerza Aghassee’s letter to Dolgorouki stating that the requests are contrary to Persia’s treaty with Russia (f 114-116)Reports of the Persian Government’s plans to send a large force to the disordered province of Khorassan, and Sheil’s opinion that the reasons are: to overthrow the Asaf-ood-Dowlah [Āṣaf al-Dawlah] whose power and reputation have ‘reached a height displeasing to the Shah and insupportable to his rival the Prime Minister’ (f 117); to quash Jafer Koolee Khan of Boojnoord [Jaʿfar Qulī Khān of Bojnord], a powerful ‘chief’ obedient to the Governor of Khorassan instead of the Shah, and a possible ally of Russia; and events rendering north eastern Persia vulnerable to Tekeh [Teke] and Goklan Toorkomans [people of Turkmenistan]Sheil’s communications to Lieutenant-Colonel Williams, British Commissioner at Erzeroom [Erzurum], and Hajee Meerza Aghassee, regarding finalization of the draft Treaty between Turkey [Ottoman Empire] and Persia, including: the Aghassee’s complaints that the Turkish guard ship in the Shat-al-Arab [Shatt al-Arab River] is preventing (Persian) merchant vessels from entering the port of Mohemmera [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammerah] and diverting them to Bussorah [Basra] where they have to pay custom dues; and Sheil’s suspicion that his copy of the draft Treaty was purposely delayed by the Russian courier from Erzeroom.Physical description: 1 item (27 folios)
Abstract: Translations of two letters from an informant of Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], dated 3 and 8 May 1802.The letters concern Russian activity in the Caucasus and Caspian Sea, reporting: movements of Russian troops and ships; embassies from Shaku [Shaki] and Shirvan [Sirvan] to Tehran seeking assistance against Russia; and the planned flight of Armenian merchants from Baku, Enzelee [Bandar-e Anzali], Ghilan [Gilan], and Tehran in anticipation of conflict.These letters were enclosed in Jones’s letter to Marquess Wellesley, Governor-General of Bengal, dated 20 June 1802 (IOR/L/PS/9/76/245).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: This item contains copies of four letters:1. Translations of two anonymous letters to Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], with dates in cypher. The letters concern Russian activity in the Caucasus, including an attack on Erivan [Yerevan] by Prince Daoud [David] of Georgia with Russian support to demand tribute, the movements of Russian troops and ships, and supposed Russian designs on Erivan and the Caspian ports.2. A letter from Samuel Manesty. Resident in Bussora [Basra], to Harford Jones, sent from Bussora and dated 8 January 1802. The letter concerns a consignment of military supplies sent from India for the Basha [Büyük Sulaymān Pāshā, Governor of Baghdad].3. A letter from Robert Rickards, Secretary to the Government of Bombay, to Harford Jones, sent from Bombay Castle [Mumbai] and dated 1 November 1801. The letter states that, in the interest of appearances, Jones is free to decide on the clothing worn by employees of the Bagdad Residency subject to economy.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: An extract of a letter from the Armenian Archbishop at Saint Petersburg [Iosif Argutinsky-Dolgoruky, Archbishop of All Armenians in Russia] to his nephew Simon Madator in Bagdad [Baghdad], dated October 1798.The letter reports on the policy of the Emperor [Tsar Paul I] in the Caucasus, including:Gifts from the Emperor to Prince Gorrgun [King Giorgi XII] of GeorgiaThe planned deployment of Russian troops to take control of ports on the Caspian seaOrders for the establishment in Georgia of a colony for Armenians who have fled Carabaug [Karabakh].The extract was translated and copied by Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad.Physical description: 1 item (1 folio)
Abstract: A letter from Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], to Marquess Wellesley, Governor-General of Bengal, sent from Bagdad and dated 20 June 1802. The letter forwards intercepted letters from a French traveller in Caboul [Kabul], attached. Jones pledges to continue to monitor this correspondence and pass on intelligence. The letter also forwards reports from an informant ‘employed to the Northward’.A duplicate of this letter is catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/76/245.Attached are:1. Two intercepted letters from a French author in Caboul to correspondents in Paris and Spanish Biscay, dated March 1802. The author recounts his journey across India via Cachemire [Kashmir] to Caboul in a period of civil war, and his hopes to travel to Candahar [Kandahar] and Persia [Iran] and return home.Duplicates of these letters are catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/76/238 and 247. English translations are catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/76/235-2372. Translations of two letters from an informant of Harford Jones dated 3 and 8 May 1802.The letters concern Russian activity in the Caucasus and Caspian Sea, reporting: movements of Russian troops and ships; embassies from Shaku [Shaki] and Shirvan [Sirvan] to Tehran seeking assistance against Russia; and the planned flight of Armenian merchants from Baku, Enzelee [Bandar-e Anzali], Ghilan [Gilan], and Tehran in anticipation of conflict.Duplicates of these letter are catalogued as IOR/L/PS/9/76/243.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: Printed volume (in French) of statistics and texts illustrating trade between Iran and foreign countries, for the period 1 Tir 1312 to 31 Khordad 1313 in the Iranian calendar (equivalent to 22 June 1933 to 21 June 1934 in the Gregorian calendar). The volume was published by the Iranian Customs Administration in Tehran, 1935. Key chapters in the volume cover:Comparative tables and graphs, showing imports and exports between Persia and its principal trading partners, covering the Iranian calendar years 1302-1312 (ff 11-20).Commodity import and export totals, arranged alphabetically by commodity (ff 32-97). An alphabetical index of commodities precedes the chapter (ff 25-31).Summary tables of major imports and exports by major importing and exporting countries (ff 103-120).Trade at key customs offices, expressed in quantity (weight) and value (ff 121-137).Shipping activity at ports in the Caspian Sea (ff 138-139) and the Persian Gulf (ff 140-142).Port activities on the Caspian Sea (ff 143-144) and in the Persian Gulf (ff 145-147).Details of routes used for cargo and passenger transport (ff 148-157).Air services (f 158).Movements of foreigner travellers into and out of the country (ff 161-168).Miscellaneous information: telegraphs, post, telephones, railways, roads (ff 169-176).Texts of laws passed by the Iranian Government, relating to trade and monopolies (ff 176-179).A list of customs offices, shown with their various branches and locations (ff 180-185).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 186; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: Printed volume (in French) of statistics and texts illustrating trade between Iran and foreign countries, for the period 1 Tir 1313 to 31 Khordad 1314 in the Iranian calendar (equivalent to 22 June 1934 to 22 June 1935 in the Gregorian calendar). The volume was published by the Iranian Customs Administration (part of the Iranian Government’s Ministry of Finance) in Tehran, 1936. Key chapters in the volume cover:Comparative tables and graphs, showing imports and exports between Iran and its principal trading partners, covering the Iranian calendar years 1304-1314 (ff 10-20).Imports and exports, with an indication of origin (imports) or destination (exports), quantity and value (ff 34-95). An index preceding the chapter (ff 27-33) lists commodities alphabetically, and references the chapter’s own pagination system.Statistics for duty-free imports (ff 100-108).Summary tables of major imports and exports by major importing and exporting countries (ff 113-140).Trade at key customs offices, expressed in quantity (weight) and value (ff 141-166).Shipping activity at ports in the Caspian Sea (ff 171-172), the Persian Gulf (ff 173-174), and the Karoun river [Rūd-e Kārūn] (f 175).Details of routes used for cargo and passenger transport (ff 176-182).Air services (f 183).Movements of foreigner travellers into and out of the country (ff 184-191).Miscellaneous information: telegraphs, post, telephones, railways, roads (ff 192-199).Road taxes (ff 200-206).A list of customs offices, shown with their various branches and locations (ff 212-218).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 219; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: Printed volume (in French) of statistics and texts illustrating trade between Persia [Iran] and foreign countries, for the Iran calendar year 1308 (equivalent to 1929/30 in the Gregorian calendar). The volume was published by the Persian Customs Administration in Tehran, 1930. Key chapters in the volume cover:Comparative tables and graphs, showing imports and exports between Persia and its principal trading partners, covering the Iranian calendar years 1299-1308 (ff 8-22).Commodity import and export totals, arranged alphabetically by commodity (ff 28-76).Imports and exports, expressed by quantity and value, and arranged by origin (imports) and destination (exports) (ff 78-88).Shipping activity at ports in the Caspian Sea (ff 91-92), the Persian Gulf (ff 93-94) and on the Karoun river [Rūd-e Kārūn] (f 95).Details of maritime services operating in the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf (ff 96-100).Details of maritime routes used for cargo and passenger transport (ff 101-110).Domestic and international postal services (ff 112-123).Movements of foreigner travellers into and out of the country (ff 124-131).Miscellaneous information: telegraphs, post, telephones, railways, roads (ff 132-135).Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 150; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.