Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8 February, Numbers 7-13) and the Government of Bombay (16 February, Numbers 14-17 and 19-20). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The subject matter of the letters from the Governor General (folios 19-61) includes the following: criticism of the Government of India's Punjab Frontier Policy from Major John Jacob, Nepalese military preparations for an invasion of Thibet [Tibet], news from Burmah [Burma], discussion over whether the Government of India should intervene in a feud between Gulab Singh – the Maharaja of Cashmere [Kashmir] – and his nephew Jowahir Singh, and discussion over the line of policy the Government of India should take over a proposed treaty of friendship with Afghanistan.The section from Bombay consists of two folios only (folios 62-63). They consist of brief updates on Aden and the Persian Gulf.Physical description: 1 item (46 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries of official secret letters received from the Governor General of India in Council (21 March 1857, Number 14; 24 March 1857, Number 15; 27 March 1857, Number 73; 30 March 1857, Number 74; 31 March 1857, Numbers 74-76; 2 April 1857, Numbers 77-79; and 17 April, unnumbered).The summaries mostly concern the Punjab and the ‘Persian Expedition’ [Anglo-Persian War]. They include summaries of letters from the Secretary to the Chief Commissioner [presumably of the Punjab], regarding: the request of Dost Mahomed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Emir of Afghanistan] that Ruheemdad and his followers be forgiven and their lands restored; the conduct of the Bozdar Tribe on the frontier of the Dera Ghazee Khan [Dera Ghazi Khan] district, and the attack against them by British troops; and the state of the border in the Dera Ishmael Khan [Dera Ismail Khan] district, and ‘retributive measures’ against the Mahsood [?] Wuzeerees [Mahsud Waziris].They also include: news from Cabool [Kabul]; news from Sir James Outram regarding Bushire, including the requirement for reinforcements of troops at Bushire; a minute by the Governor General regarding the delay in troops being sent to Bushire due to the lack of available steam vessels, and his opinions on Outram’s views as to the enlistment of Persian tribes by the British in the War; and summaries of letters from Perim, mostly regarding the best site for a lighthouse on the island.Physical description: 1 item (10 folios)
Abstract: The volume contains manuscript copies of secret letters, despatches, memoranda, translations of letters, intelligence reports, financial statements and some local newsletters, relating to diplomatic, military and logistical aspects of the British-led invasion of Afghanistan by the so-called Army of the Indus.Packets (individual or groups of documents) are numbered 931-1264, and all annotated ‘No: 18 of 11th July’ (the volume is labelled 'Jul to Jul 1839'). Each document records the date received at the Presidency, Fort William, Simla [Shimla], Secret Department, and Secret and Separate Department, 26 November 1838-21 July 1839, as well as the date of the original document, the correspondent and a summary of the content. Original documents mostly date from January to April 1839 but the volume includes some from November and December 1838 and May 1839. Copy letters end on folio 810. Folios 811-838 contain: ‘List of Packets to the Hon’ble [Honourable] the Secret Committee of the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Per "Water Witch"’. The list includes dates and correspondents only.The principal correspondents are: William Hay Macnaghten, Envoy and Minister with the Court of Shah Shooja ool-Moolk [Shah Shuja ul-Mulk]; Henry Torrens, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India with the Governor-General; Thomas Herbert Maddock, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India with the Governor-General; Henry Pottinger, Resident in Sinde [Sindh]; A C Gordon, Assistant Surgeon, Political Assistant on Duty in the Bhawalpore Territory [Bahawalpur]; Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Envoy to Kelat (late on a Mission to Cabool [Kabul]); Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Mackeson, British Agent, on a Mission to Bhawalpore; Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton, Commanding Bengal Column of the Army of the Indus; Eldred Pottinger, British Political agent, Herat; Lieutenant-General John Keane, Commander of the Army of the Indus.Other correspondents include: R Leech, Political Assistant; George Clerk, Political Agent, Umballah [Ambala, North India]; Lieutenant Elliott D’Arcy Todd, Political Assistant and Military Secretary to the Envoy and Minister; Lieutenant William Joseph Eastwick, Officiating Political Agent of Khyrpore [Khairpur] and Assistant to the Resident in Sinde (Henry Pottinger), also referred to as Political Agent in Shikapore, and later, in April 1839, deputed back to Hyderabad to take over from Henry Pottinger, assisted by Ross Bell); Captain H Johnson, Paymaster and Commissariat Officer, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Lieutenant Colonel [I] Stuart, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India, Military Department, with the Governor-General; Major-General E H Simpson, Commanding Shah Shoojah’s Force; Major-General William Casement, Secretary to the Government of India, Military Department, with the Governor-General; and various British diplomatic and administrative officials and military personnel.Matters covered notably include:Supplying the Army of the Indus (Bengal and Bombay Divisions and Shah Shoojah’s Force), particularly: obtaining grain, rice, forage, camels and artillery; recruiting non-military personnel, such as camel drivers; problems encountered by British agents in obtaining supplies, notably A C Gordon’s complaints about Bhawal Khan [Mohammad Bahawal Khan III], Nawab of Bhawalpore, whom he suspects of purposely reneging on treaty promises (contradicted by F Makeson, who considered the Nawab was doing his best despite genuine difficulties)Maintaining cash supplies to finance the expedition, particularly for: purchase of animals and food; payment of salaries; recruitment of suitable soldiers; payment of bribes, for example, to deter desertions; compensation of local famers for loss of animals, crops or infrastructure; purchase of woollen garments for Shah Shoojah’s force; enhancement of the police establishment due to numerous criminal acts committed in Shah Shoojah’s camp. Also covers methods of conveying cash during the advance and arrangements for conveyance of Shah Shoojah’s treasure and bullionProgress of the lines of advance, notably: communications between the two columns of the Army of the Indus; strategies of Keane and Cotton; crossing the river Indus and keeping its navigation open; the dilapidated state of Bukkur Fort; encampment at Shikapore [Shikarpur]; route to the Bolan Pass and Quetta; stationing stores depots and reserve forces along the route; reports of skirmishes, and plundering by Belochee (also spelt Beloochee) [Balochi] tribesmen on the route to Candahar [Kandahar]Relations between Henry Pottinger, Resident in Sinde, and the four Hyderabad ameers (Meer Noor Mahomed Khan, Meer Nusseer Mahomed Khan, Meer Mohamed Khan, and Meer Sobdar Khan), regarding British policy in the state, notably: British suspicions of the ameers’ perfidy and accusations of withholding ‘promised’ camels and grain for the Army of the Indus; Pottinger’s attempts variously to conciliate, chivvy and threaten the ameers; treaty terms issued to the four after the conquest of Kurachee [Karachi] in February 1839; Pottinger’s temporary retirement from Hyderabad in March 1839 due to stress and his quarrel with Alexander Burnes for allegedly undermining himIntelligence and situation reports notably from R Leech and Alexander Burnes on supposedly anti-British, pro-Persian and pro-Russian intrigues in Candahar and Cabool, activities of Russian envoy Captain Vitkievitch [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz] and Afghan Ruler Dost Mohamed Khan; and affairs in Herat and attempts by Eldred Pottinger, Political Agent, to convert and retain the authorities as friends of the BritishBritish policy of conciliation and occupation with a view to securing the route and maintaining lines of communication and supply through Sinde, the Punjab and into Afghanistan, notably: hostile occupation of the strategic Moonarah [Manora] fort and the port of Kurachee by the British and treaty ‘of surrender’ with the local governor, 3 February 1839; British proclamation issued to the chiefs of Candahar and Cabool exhorting submission to the ‘rightful ruler’ Shah Shoojah; arrangements to keep reserve forces in Vikkur, Kurachee, Tatta (also spelt Tattah) [Thatta], Hyderabad, Khyrpore [Khairpur], the river Indus crossing, Bukkur, Shikapore, Quetta, and other strategic locations; attempts to solicit favour of Mehrab Khan [Mir Mehrab Khan Baloch II], the Khan of Kelat [Kalat], particularly to prevent his collusion with British enemies and to reduce attacks by Beloochee tribesmen on the daks [or dawks, mail service], supply chains and camps during the advance to Candahar (including idea to turn them into allies by employing them).Volume also includes Henry Fane’s views on the Western Frontier of British India (explaining where he thinks all points of the compass frontiers should be and why), dated May 1839, folios 757-764.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 841; 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: The volume contains manuscript copies of secret letters, memoranda, translations of letters, intelligence reports, financial and statistical statements and translations of local 'newsletters', relating to diplomatic, military and logistical aspects of the British-led invasion of Afghanistan by the so-called Army of the Indus.Packets (individual or groups of documents) are numbered 2-388 (No.1 does not appear to be bound at the front of the volume), and all annotated ‘No: 34 of 15th November’ (the volume is labelled 'Nov to Nov 1839'). Each document records the date received at the Presidency, Fort William, Simla [Shimla], Secret Department, Secret and Separate Department, or Political Department, 1839, as well as the date of the original document, the correspondent and a summary of the content. Original documents mostly date from March to August 1839 but the volume includes some from November 1838 to February 1839. Copy letters end on folio 786. Folios 787-794 contain: ‘List of Packets to the Hon’ble [Honourable] the Secret Committee of the Hon’ble the Court of Directors. Per [blank]’. The list includes dates and correspondents only.The principal correspondents are: Thomas Herbert Maddock, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India with the Governor-General; William Hay Macnaghten, Envoy and Minister with the Court of Shah Shooja ool-Moolk [Shah Shuja ul-Mulk]; Henry Torrens, Deputy Secretary to the Government in India with the Governor-General; Lieutenant William Joseph Eastwick, Officiating Political Agent, Khyrpore [Khairpur] Agency; (Andrew) Ross Bell, Collector of Delhi, also referred to as Officiating Political Agent, Shikapore, and Political Agent Upper Sinde [Sindh]; Elliott D’Arcy Todd, in temporary charge of the British Mission, Cabool [Kabul]; Alexander Burnes, Envoy to Kelat [Kalat]; Henry Pottinger, Resident in Sinde; George Clerk, Political Agent, Loodhiana [Ludhiana] (sending translations of his 'newsletter'
Punjab Akhbar[also spelt
Akbarin the volume]).Other correspondents include: [T J] Nuthall, Deputy Assistant Commissary General; J D D Bean, In charge of Political Affairs, Shawl [Sahiwal]; Captain H Johnson, Paymaster and Commissariat Officer, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Lieutenant General John Keane, Commander of the Army of the Indus; Lieutenant Colonel I Stuart, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India, Military Department, with the Governor-General; Lieutenant General Sir Willoughby Cotton, Commanding Bengal Column of the Army of the Indus; Major-General E H Simpson, Commanding Shah Shoojah’s Force; John McNeill, British Envoy in Persia; and various British diplomatic and military personnel.Matters covered notably include:Progress of the Army of the Indus towards and into Afghanistan including: landing at Vikkur of the Bombay Column under Lieutenant-General John Keane, progress to Tatta [Thatta], across the Indus, on to Shikapore [Shikarpur] and Dadar (also spelt Daddur and Dadur in the volume) [Dadhar/Dhadar]; march northwards through the Bolan Pass; arrival at Quetta; unopposed occupation of Candahar [Kandahar] by the united Bengal and Bombay Columns and Shah Shoojah’s Force on 25 April 1839 (official accounts on folios 160-64 and folios 355-67); capture of the Fortress of Ghuznee [Ghazni] 23 July 1839 (official account on folios 606-612); capture of Cabool [Kabul] on 6 August 1839 and departure of Ruler Dost Mohammed Khan with his remaining supporters (official account on folio 742-48)Supplying the Army of the Indus, particularly: logistics of transport routes, food stores, ordnance depots and supply apportionments; problems encountered by British political agents in procuring sufficient camels, livestock, forage and grain and Henry Pottinger’s suspicions of obstructionism by the Hyderabad ameers [amirs]; British attempts to induce local populations to contribute assistanceFinancing the Army of the Indus, particularly: authorised and disputed expenses submitted by political agents and army officers; payments to local rulers, loyal ‘native’ employees and informers; problems repaying loans from local bankers and wealthy inhabitants; salaries of military and non-combatant staff; auditing of the accounts of Shah Shoojah’s Force; gold coin supplyBritish policy of conciliation with a view to securing the route and maintaining lines of communication and supply into Afghanistan, particularly: efforts to reduce the number of attacks, by Belochee (also spelt Belochee) [Balochi] marauders, on British forces in the Bolan Pass and other vulnerable areas; exhorting the troops to act humanely, avoid confrontations with locals and miscreants and only use force as a last recourse; engagement of Belochee tribesmen on the side of the British forces; soliciting support from local rulers and influential tribal chiefs (with monetary inducements) concurrent with exhortations of submission to Shah ShoojahCommunications, particularly: arrangements for the campaign Dâks (or Dawks) [postal service]; retaining clear crossing over the River Indus; and improvement of the roadsIntelligence, notably: reports by political agents Alexander Burnes, R Leech and George Clerk, on the political situation in Candahar, activities of Afghan Ruler Dost Mohammed and other suspected anti-British intrigues; interception of native letters; surveillance and disposal of questionable characters such as a ‘Prince of Persia’ apprehended at Shikapore; (false) rumours of Colonel Charles Stoddart’s murder in Bokkara [Bukhara] (folios 188-189); reports on the court of Maharajah Ranjeet [Ranjit] Singh, including his illness, death on 27 June 1839 and funeral rites (accounts in
Punjab Akhbar, folios 705-21)Relations between the Hyderabad ameers (Meer Noor Mahomed, Nusseer Mahomed and Meer Mahomed Khan and Sobdah Khan), and Henry Pottinger, the Resident in Sinde, whilst the latter is
en routeto Bombay (on sick leave) via Kurachee [Karachi] in early April 1839, notably regarding the incident of the gun fired from the Moonarah [Manora] Fort, (near Kurachee), and hostile fire returned by HMS
Wellesley; attempts by the ameers to negotiate amendments to the 14-point ‘dictat’ Treaty issued to each of them by the Governor-General of India (over-riding Pottinger’s earlier more liberal 23-point draft treaty), regarding currency, payments to the British and control of Kurachee (the Treaty of 14 points, was ratified by the ameers in July 1839); relations between Sobdah Khan and the other three ameersPhysical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 795; 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.The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading flyleaves.
Abstract: The volume contains manuscript copies of secret letters, despatches, memoranda, translations of letters, intelligence reports and financial statements relating to diplomatic, military and logistical preparations for the British-led invasion of Afghanistan by the so-called Army of the Indus.Packets (individual or groups of documents) are numbered 201-610, and all annotated ‘No: 18 of 11th July’ (the volume is labelled 'Jul to Jul 1839'). Each document records the date received at the Presidency, Fort William, Simla [Shimla], Secret and Separate Department, 8 January-8 March 1839, as well as the date of the original document, the correspondent and a summary of the content. Original documents mostly date from mid-October to 31 December 1838 but the volumes includes some from September relating to the end of the siege of Herat.The principal correspondents are: William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India, with the Governor General, Simla, also referred to in this volume Envoy and Minister to the Court of Shah Shooja ool-Moolk [Shah Shuja ul-Mulk]; Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Mackeson, British Agent on a Mission to Bhawalpore [Bahawalpur]; Henry Whitelock Torrens, Officiating Secretary to the Government of India with the Governor General; General Sir Henry Fane, Commander-in-Chief, India; Lord Auckland, Governor General of India; Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander Burnes, Political Agent and British Envoy at Kelat [Kalat]; A C Gordon, Assistant Surgeon and Political Agent on Duty in Bhawalpore; Colonel E H Simpson, in charge of Shah Shoojah’s Force, Loodhiana [Ludhiana] (and his predecessor Captain J McSherry); Captain H Johnson, Paymaster and Commissariat Officer, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Major-General Sir Willoughby Cotton,Commander Bengal Column of the Army of the Indus; Captain C M Wade, Political Agent, Loodhiana, later on a Mission to Bhawalpore.Other correspondents include: Lieutenant Elliott D’Arcy Todd, in charge of the British Mission, Shah Shoojah’s Force; Lieutenant R Leech, Political Assistant; Major-General William Casement, Secretary to the Government of India, Military Department, with the Governor-General; various lesser army officers and government officials; British intelligence agents and local informants; local rajahs and emirs.Main matters covered:Composition, governance, funding, arming and equipping of Shah Shoojah’s ForceNews of the ending of the siege of Herat in September 1838 with the retreat of the Shah of Persia [Iran] to Tehran and retrospective appointment of Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger as Political Agent in Herat assigned to help alleviate poverty and starvation in the city and restore the army to orderTreaties, agreements and understandings between the British Government and various local rulers in Punjab and Sinde [Sindh] in advance of the forthcoming British military expedition into Afghanistan. Many agree to offer assistance, support or absence of opposition during the operation, usually in return for British 'protection'. Includes treaties with Nawab Bhawal Khan [Mohammad Bahawal Khan III] of Bhawalpore, and with Meere Roostum Khan [Mir Rustam 'Ali Khan] of Khyrpore State [Khairpur], cession of fort at Bukkur to the British, lingering suspicions about the loyalty of the Hydrabad [Hyderabad] ameers, and need to ensure friendly attitude of the Khan (Chief) of Kelat to enable advance of British into KhorasanIntelligence reports gathered by Alexander Burnes, notably on situation and loyalties in Herat, Khyrpore, Sinde state, Candahar [Kandahar] and Cabool [Kabul]. Includes reports of alleged anti-British intrigues by Cabool ruler Dost Mahomad Khan [Dost Mohammad Khan (Barakzai)] with Hydrabad ameers and Russian diplomat Captain Vitkievitch (sporadically spelled, e.g. Vilkervitch, Vilkieritch) [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz, a Polish man in service of the Russians] and suspected overtures to the Shah of PersiaArrangements for amassing of British forces, known as the Army of the Indus, at Ferozepore [Firozpur or Ferozepur], for the planned advance towards Afghanistan, notably composition, fitting out, requisition of supplies (especially grain, food and fuel) and animals (camels and elephants), chains of command, officers pay and expenses, ammunition supplies, drill instructors, obtaining sufficient funds of cash, encampment locations, preparation of roads, bridging of the Indus including bridge of boats or rafts plan, and progress of the armyReports from Dr A C Gordon, on Duty at Bhawalpore, on immense difficulties and struggles in obtaining supplies for the Army of the Indus and non-cooperation of supposed allies Maharajah Ranjeet Singh of Bhawalpore [Ranjit Singh, Maharajah of the Sikh Empire] and Bhawal Khan, Nawab of BhawalporeConcerns expressed by Fane to Auckland regarding the Army of the Indus, particularly: the force’s commanding personnel; lines of communication; insufficiency of supplies for the duration of the campaign and nature of the terrain; the Commissariat’s inefficiency; truthfulness of positive reports Auckland has received; delays to the march from Ferozepore increasing potential difficulties getting through the Bolan Pass due to excessively hot weather; desertions from Shah Shoojah’s force; dire consequences if the army is forced to retreat. (Fane declined the opportunity to become Commander of the Army of the Indus, instead continuing as Commander-in-Chief of all forces in India).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 795; 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: Order issued by the British Minister at Tehran, Charles Alison, instructing Pelly to return to India overland from Persia through Afghanistan.The letter instructs Pelly on the British Government's preferred route for him through Meshed [Mashhad], Herat and Cabul [Kabul], weather permitting, and encloses fowling pieces and pistols to be presented as gifts Sultan Ahmed Khan [Soltan Ahmad Khan] of Herat and correspondence and friendly assurances to be given on behalf of the British Government to Dost Mahomed Khan [Dost Mohammad Khan] of Cabul.The letter also instructs Pelly to gather reliable information on the Persian expedition to Mero [Marv], and in particular on the state of the Persian Army as well as asking for any practicable information he can obtain on the condition and prospects of Aghanistan as he is passing through it.Alongside the instructions for him when visiting Cabul is a paragraph written in pencil which appears to be a brief outline of the mission order translated into Persian.Physical description: Foliation: This file has been foliated in the front top right hand corner of each page 1-6, with the folio number in pencil enclosed in a circle
Abstract: This part of the volume consists of Enclosures to a General Letter from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 27 of 1841, dated 31 March 1841. The enclosures are dated 29 December 1840 to 31 March 1841. They largely relate to the situation in Sinde [Sindh], and Afghanistan.The enclosures consist of copies of letters sent and letters received by the Government of Bombay, and copies of other documents including minutes by the Governor of Bombay, the Commander in Chief, and others.The main correspondents and recipients are as follows: the Secretary to the Government of India; the Political Agent in Lower Sinde; the Political Agent in Upper Sinde; the Adjutant General of the Army; the Quarter Master General of the Army; the Military Board; and the Envoy and Minister at Cabool [Kabul].The enclosures relate to matters including: the complaints of Major General G B Brooks about the ‘capricious’ conduct of Captain Wardell and Lieutenant Mylne, two officers attached to the Sinde Field Force; the transport to Kurratchee [Karachi] of the heavy ordnance and military stores required at Cabool; the appointment of Major General Brooks to Command the troops above and below the Beloochistan [Balochistan] Passes; the ‘gallant’ conduct of Captain Brown and the detachment under his command in the defence of Kahun; the question of the future strength and distribution of the Sinde Field Force to be stationed in Upper Sinde; the unsuccessful attack on the Fort of Kujjuck by the Field detachment under the command of Lieutenant Colonel P P Wilson; British political relations with the Heraut [Herat] Government being broken off, and the withdrawal of the British Mission from Heraut; and the potential march of troops to Herat.The enclosures also include:Copies of extracts from the
Gwalior Akbar, containing a précis of the latest news from Gwalior (No. 38, ff 130-131)Précis of intelligence forwarded by the Political Agent in Upper Sinde (Nos. 42-45, ff 143-166)Copies of News Letters from the Secretary to the Government of India consisting of précis of intelligence received from areas in India and elsewhere including: the North West Frontier, Peshawur [Peshawar], Afghanistan, Upper Sinde, Persia [Iran], Gwalior, Nipaul [Nepal], Khyva [Khiva], Egypt and Kohistan (Nos. 71-73, ff 266-286).Physical description: There is an abstract of contents of the despatch, numbered 1-93, on folios 1-17. These numbers are repeated for reference on the last verso of each enclosure. Enclosure numbers 91-93, listed in the abstract of contents, are not included in this part of the volume.
Abstract: This file mainly consists of assorted telegrams from Moscow to Kabul regarding matters of communication.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 22; these numbers are written in pencil and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: This file consists of letters and one telegram draft from the following: O A Scott, Foreign Office; India Office; HM Minister, Kabul. Captain Scott asks for telegrams to be sent to his son in Kabul. The matter at hand is Scott’s son’s share of trust funds.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 8; 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 contains correspondence, mainly telegrams, relating to British propaganda forwarded to the Persian Gulf for dissemination.It largely consists of fortnightly telegrams from the Public Relations Officer/Publicity Officer, Bahrein [Bahrain], to the Secretary of State for India, reporting on the use made of circular and special information telegrams.It also includes: copies of circular Empax telegrams sent from the Secretary of State [presumably the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs] to the Political Agent, Bahrein, Public Relations Officer, Bahrein, and HM Minister Kabul; and telegrams from HM Minister, Kabul, addressed to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 101; 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: The file contains correspondence, mainly telegrams, relating to British propaganda forwarded to the Persian Gulf for dissemination.It largely consists of weekly telegrams from the Secretary of State for India, London, to the Government of India and others. The telegrams contain Ministry of Information news items about the war in Europe (Second World War) and how to communicate them in press, publicity and public relations work overseas. Recipients include the Government of India’s Bureau of Public Information; the Publicity Officer, Bahrain; and HM Minister, Kabul.The file also includes an extract (in Arabic translation and French original) from the book
Redressement économique et Industrialisation de la Nouvelle Turquie, by Orhan Conker and Emile Witmeur, published Paris, 1937. The title is also referred to in English as 'Economic Recovery and Industrialization of New Turkey'.The file includes two dividers, which give a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. These are placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: The papers are arranged in chronological order from the rear to the front of the file.
Abstract: The file is concerned with a visit to Afghanistan by Sir Philip Joubert de la Ferté, Air Officer Commanding Air Forces in India, 26-27 August 1939; the stated purpose of the officer's visit to Kabul being to assess the condition of the Afghan Air Force and make recommendations for improvements. A report submitted by the officer has been included: see folios 4-8.Most of the correspondence in the file is between William Kerr Fraser-Tytler, HM Minister at Kabul, and William Rupert Hay representing the Government of India.The file includes a divider which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 24; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.