Abstract: The first part of the file (folios 1 to 2) consists of a chronological table of 'principal events' which took place in Afghanistan, Burma, China, Turkestan, and Persia between June 1885 and December 1887. Each entry includes a brief description and the date. In addition, it also indicates who was the Secretary of State for India and who was the Viceroy of India during the event in question. This list is dated 1 January 1888.The second part of the file (folios 3 to 5) consists of a copy of letter from Sir Arthur Hirtzel to Mr Parker dated 26 February 1913. It concerns a compromise that might be reached with the Ottoman Empire over the status of Koweit [Kuwait]. It also includes copies of the following enclosures:1. a proposed statement defining the territorial limits to which the British will guarantee the autonomy of the Sheikh of Koweit;2. extract of a letter from Major Stuart George Knox, Political Agent, Kuwait, dated 23 May 1908. It concerns the suzerainty of Anta'a;3. extracts from Major Knox's report on his trip to Anta'a, which claims that the local population views the Sheikh of Koweit as their legitimate ruler;4. extract of a letter from Captain William Henry Irvine Shakespear, Political Agent, Koweit, dated 23 March 1910. It conveys some of his opinions concerning the territorial extent of Koweit;5. extract from Captain Shakespear's diary dated 25 February 1910.Also included in the second part is a map (folio 4) showing the limits of Koweit and adjacent territory, which includes south eastern Iraq, south western Persia, and a significant part of the Persian Gulf.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the first folio and terminates at the last folio; 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 consists of two parts and each has an original printed pagination sequence.
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: The bundle consists of a English translation of a paper produced by the Persian Government. The paper outlines Persian complaints against the conduct and line of policy adopted by HM Minister to Persia, Charles Augustus Murray, and his predecessors: Colonel Justin Sheil, Colonel Francis Farrant, and William Taylour Thomson. It also explains the Government of Persia's position on Herat.The paper was enclosed in a letter from Murray – Number 15 of 1856.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: The memorandum consists of printed papers on the subject of whether persons of Persian origin born in India are entitled to protection as British subjects. The question arose from the fact that Persia did not recognise British nationality in persons of Persian descent. In particular, it references the case of Agha Mehdee; a person of Persian descent who has enjoyed British subject status for a number of years. His status as a British subject is accepted by the Government of Persia, but they do not consider this to be a precedent to be conferred on others. The attitudes of France and Russia towards their subjects are considered in order to inform the British position on the matter. The papers included are outlined below.A letter (No. 1, folios 96-100) from William Taylor Thomson, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, to Edward Henry Stanley, Earl of Derby, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, dated Tehran 15 February 1876, with the following enclosures:1. Translation of a memorandum from Minister for Foreign Affairs, dated 19 January 1876 respecting the position of Agha Mehdee;2. Memorandum No. 920 of 1868 respecting Nazir Mohammed Mehedee, signed W Whinvail, Acting Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, dated Bombay Castle 16 May 1868;3. Memorandum No. 2740 of 1870 respecting Nazir Aga Ahmed bin Aga Ali, signed Herbert Henry Jacomb, Under Secretary to the Government of Bombay, dated Bombay Castle 11 November 1870;4. Letter from Colonel Lewis Pelly, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, to E [Charles] Gonne, Secretary to the Political Department, Government of Bombay, dated Bushire 27 January 1872;5. Government Resolution No. 1905 regarding the position of persons of Persian parentage born in British territory, dated Bombay Castle, 27 March 1872;6. Opinion of J W [James Sewell] White, Advocate-General, Bombay, regarding the position of persons of Persian parentage born in British territory. It is dated Bombay Castle 5 March 1872;7. Telegram from Colonel Lewis Pelly, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, to E [Charles] Gonne, Secretary to the Political Department, Government of Bombay, dated Bushire 27 May 1872;8. Telegram from E [Charles] Gonne, Secretary to the Political Department, Government of Bombay, to Colonel Lewis Pelly, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, dated Bombay 7 June 1872;9. Telegram from Colonel Lewis Pelly, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, to E [Charles] Gonne, Secretary to the Political Department, Government of Bombay, dated Bushire 7 June 1872;10. Letter from Colonel Lewis Pelly, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, to E [Charles] Gonne, Secretary to the Political Department, Government of Bombay, dated Bushire 26 June 1872;11. Government Resolution No. 5446 regarding the position of persons of Persian parentage born in British territory, dated Bombay Castle 14 December 1872;12. Opinion of C J Mayhew, Acting Advocate-General, Bombay (No. 34), regarding the position of persons of Persian parentage born in British territory, dated Bombay 2 September 1872;13. Letter from Charles Umpherston Aitchison, Secretary to the Government of India, to Colonel Ross, dated Fort William 5 September 1874;14. Letter from G C Paul, Assistant Advocate-General, Bengal, to Charles Umpherston Aitchison, Secretary to the Government of India, dated Fort William 21 August 1874;15. Telegram from the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Governor of Bushire, dated 22 Zuhejjeh 1292 (20 January 1876);16. Letter from William Taylor Thomson, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, to B Schimanovsky, Russian Chargé d'Affaires, dated Tehran 25 January 1876 (enclosure in French);17. Letter from B Schimanovsky, Russian Chargé d'Affaires, to William Taylor Thomson, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, dated 31 January 1876 (enclosure in French);18. Memorandum of a conversation between Mr Larcom and B Schimanovsky, Russian Chargé d'Affaires, respecting the laws regulating Nationality in Russia, dated Tehran 10 February 1876;19. Letter from William Taylor Thomson, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, to R de Balloy, French Chargé d'Affaires, dated Tehran 10 February 1876 (enclosure in French);20. Letter from R de Balloy, French Chargé d'Affaires, to William Taylor Thomson, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, dated Tehran 11 February 1876 (enclosure in French);21. Extract from "Les Codes Français" (enclosure in French);22. Extract from a law modified 7 February 1851 concerning persons born in France to foreign parents (enclosure in French).A memorandum (No. 2, folios 100-101) as to the protection to be granted to persons of Persian origin born in India, signed by A Walmisley, dated Foreign Office 20 April 1876. It considers a couple of cases; the case of 'Bagio', a Jew born to Ottoman parents; and 'Schlizzi', a man born in Ottoman territory, but who had resided for a time in England.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 96, and terminates at f 101, 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: The file contains letters mainly received by the Resident in the Persian Gulf regarding Persia and the Persian coast of the Gulf, from the Secretaries to the Government at Bombay Castle. There are also two documents which become part of the file at a later stage, in 1856; they were both proclamations by the Political Agent with the Field Force and Resident in the Persian Gulf at the time, Felix Jones.The subjects of the file include: the British occupation of Bushire and the Island of Kharg; opium trade (including copies of earlier documents); employment and career progression of native servants; the Battle of Alma.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation is written in pencil, circled, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.The numbering begins on the first page, on number 1, and runs through to 51, ending on the final page.
Abstract: Enclosures nos. 2-4 to a dispatch from the Secret Department, Bombay [Mumbai] Castle, dated 23 April 1845. The enclosures are dated 8 December 1844-15 February 1845.The enclosures consist of copies of dispatches from Justin Sheil, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia, describing events in Persia [Iran] and beyond, including:An unsuccessful attempt by the Khan of Khiva to recapture Merve [Merv] from the Toorkomans [Teke Turkmen]British objections to the construction of a bastion close to the Residency at Bushire [Bushehr]A demand from the Governor of Bushire for higher duties on the export of horses by British merchants, against the terms of an Anglo-Persian agreementContinued Russian military occupation of the Island of Ashoor Ada [Ashuradeh] off the Persian coast in the Caspian SeaA Persian investigation into American missionaries proselytising and making conversions to Christianity in Azerbijan [Azerbaijan]An unsuccessful attempt by Mahomed Bankir Khan, described as either a brother or a nephew of Agha Khan [Hasan Ali Shah, Aga Khan I], to invade Persia from Beloochistan [Balochistan].The dispatches contain forwarded translations of letters from Hajee Meerza Aghasee [Haji Mirza Aqasi, Prime Minister of Persia] and other Persian officials.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 357, and terminates at f 402, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: Enclosure nos. 2-3 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay [Mumbai], dated 9 March 1848. The enclosures are dated 10-20 January 1852.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Persia [Iran], including:The removal of Meerxa Tekkee Khan [Mīrzā Taqī Khān Farāhānī, also known as Amir Kabir], the Ameer Nizam [Amir-e Nezam], as Prime Minister, his arrest, and his request to the British for protectionA ruling that inheritance disputes between Muslim and non-Muslin heirs will subsequently be decided in the Royal CourtA visit by HM Chargé d’Affaires to the Russian-occupied island of Ashoorada [Ashuradeh]Construction of forts in Asterabad [Gorgon] as defence against Toorkoman [Turkoman] incursions. A map of the forts is included on folio 412Anglo-Russian mediation over Persian-Ottoman border disputes, including the construction of an Ottoman fort at Katoor [Qotur] and outposts near Khoee [Khoy], and Persian occupation of the island of Mehellat [Minu] in the Shut-ool Arab [Shatt al-Arab]An attempt to overthrow Syd Mahomed Khan [Sayyid Muḥammad Khān ‘Alī Kūzāy, Governor of Herat] by his exiled predecessor Yar Mahomed Khan [Yār Muḥammad Khān ‘Alī Kūzāy], and a Persian offer of assistance to Syd Mahomed.The primary correspondents are: the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia; HM Chargé d’Affaires, Persia; the Prime Minister of Persia; the Foreign Minister of Persia; and the Russian Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia.The item contains two folios in French, ff 383 and 387, letters from the Russian Minister Plenipotentiary.Physical description: 1 item (73 folios)
Abstract: The file consists of a despatch concerning the appointment of additional consular officers in Persia, from Henry Mortimer Durand, the British Minister at Tehran, to Robert Arthur Cecil, the Marquess of Salisbury.Durand reiterates suggestions previously given in 1895 regarding the state of affairs in Persia, and proposals for improving the strength of the British position. He also submits further suggestions which form part of a general scheme of policy, based upon examination of the current state of affairs in Persia in 1899. The principal changes which have taken place since 1895 are outlined regarding: succession, government, finance, Russian trade and political influence, and British trade.Diplomatic, Political and Consular staff in Persia are listed with costings, and suggestions are provided for places where the appointment of consular officers would be desirable, including the limits of their districts and an estimate of expenditure which the appointments would entail. He also proposes to: improve roads and possibly prospect for a railway, utilise the Telegraph Department and organise it for political purposes, grant a loan to Persia to foster goodwill, and check Russian encroachments.The file notes the enclosure of a sketch map; however this is not present and has not been bound into the file.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 99, and terminates at f 107, 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 consists of additions and corrections to the Gazetteer of Persia. Additions and corrections are organised in alphabetical order. Each addition or correction is accompanied by the source of the information.The corrections are accompanied by a memorandum from the Quarter Master General in India, Intelligence Branch, to the Honourable George Curzon, MP, Carlton Club, London. The subject of the memorandum is given as 'Additions to Gazetteer of Persia, Volumes II to IV.' A note states that they are 'Forwarded for information in continuation of this office No. 3146.I. dated 24th October 1896 by F. G. Cardew, Captain, for Quarter Master General, India.'Also included (folio 41) are tables of routes within Persia with hours riding time by horse and costs of carriage. In addition there are a number of tables of data. For example, weather observations (ff 53-63), bazar prices (f 109), imports and exports (ff 119-120). Mostly the additions contain supplementary information on the settlements.Individuals submitting additions include Butcher and Stotherd, Picot and Preece.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 185, these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The file consists of a printed copy of the Convention between the United Kingdom and Russia relating to Persia [Iran], Afghanistan and Thibet [Tibet], signed at St. Petersburgh [St Petersburg] on 31 August 1907, and ratified at St. Petersburgh on 23 September 1907. The Convention was presented to both Houses of Parliament in the United Kingdom in October 1907.The Convention sets out the respective spheres of influence of the United Kingdom and Russia in Persia, recognises the United Kingdom’s influence over Afghanistan, and states that both countries would refrain from all interference in the internal administration of Thibet, in recognition of the suzerain rights of China in Thibet.The text of the Convention is written is French, and is followed by an English translation.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 10, these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: This printed report consists of a note prepared by Lieutenant-Colonel Arnold Talbot Wilson, Officiating Civil Commissioner, Baghdad, concerning the use of aeroplanes in Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf. The note consists of two parts: the first covers South-West Persia and the second Mesopotamia.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence for this file commences at folio 39, and terminates at folio 40, as it is part of a larger physical volume; 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 folios 7-153; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.
Abstract: Narrative report on surveys conducted in south-west Persia [Iran]. The structure of the report is in two parts. The first part concerns British relations with Arabs, Persians and the Bakhtiaris [Bakhtiyārīs] during the reconnaissance of south-west Persia. The second part contains reports of routes leading into Bakhtiari country from the south-west. In addition, there is an appendix containing an account of a journey across the Bakhtiari mountains during 1890-91, which is written by Major Bruce, 19th Bengal Lancers.The report is by William Daniel McSwiney. The survey work was carried out by Assistant Surveyor Imam Sharif, Khan Bahadur [Imām Sharīf, Khān Bahādur].The report contains the following illustrations:‘Reconnaissance Sketch of The Dizful [Dezful] Bridge.’ (f 10)‘Reconnaissance Sketch of The Khushi Khana on the right bank of the Ab-i-Diz [Rudkhaneh-ye Dez], which commands the town of Dizful.’ (f 14)‘Distant View of the Snow Covered Bakhtiari Mountains looking East from Dizful, November 1890.’ (f 16)‘View of the River Ab-i-Diz as it flows into the “Gorge’’ on the north side of the Kilah Shahid.’ (f 18)‘View of the Country Over the Plan of Dumakail looking east from the highest point on Kilah Shahid.’ (f 20)‘One of the Broken Bridges Over the Ab-i-Diz at Pul-i-Kul.’ (f 24)‘The Fort of Sar-i-Dasht [Sar Dasht, Khuzestan, Iran].’ (f 26)‘Broken Bridge East End of the Tungi Baba Ahmad [Baba Tungi, Afghanistan].’ (f 29)‘View of the Valley of Mal-i-Mir, December 1890.’ (f 36)‘Bakhtiari Hut Built into the Side of the Hill at Chardeh, in which Major Bruce and Lieutenant W. D. McSwiney were snowed up in December 1890.’ (f 38)‘Doorway of Above Hut.’ (f 38).The report also contains the following:‘Reconnaissance Survey of S.-E. Bakhtiari Country, May 1891, Surveyed by Assistant Surveyor Imam Sharif, K.B., Survey of India Department, superintended and assisted by Lieut. W. D. McSwiney, 7th Dragoon Guards.’ (f 2)‘Reconnaissance Survey of S.-E. Bakhtiari Country, May 1891, Surveyed by Assistant Surveyor Imam Sharif, K.B., Survey of India Department, superintended and assisted by Lieut. W.D. McSwiney, 7th Dragoon Guards.’ (f 3)‘Reconnaissance Survey of S.-E. Bakhtiari Country, May 1891, Surveyed by Sub-Surveyor Imam Sharif, K.B., Survey of India Department, superintended and assisted by Lieut. W.D. McSwiney 7th Dragoon Guards.’ (f 4).‘Plan of Dizful’ (f 42).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 43; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: printed pagination sequences are also present in parallel between folios 11-35 and folios 37-40.