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 volume comprises correspondence relating to the crisis in Britain’s relations with Persia in the early 1840s, in the wake of the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-42) and the siege of Herat (1838), which led to British occupation of the island of Karrak [Jazīreh-ye Khārk] in the Persian Gulf.The volume’s contents, sent and received by the Resident in the Persian Gulf, Captain Samuell Hennell, relate to:Reports from British officials in Persia on the state of Anglo-Persian negotiations over British occupation of Jazīreh-ye Khārk and the restoration to the Persians of the fortress of Ghoriān, near the border town of Herat;Various reports, written by Hennell, and based on his tour of the Gulf, on the possibilities of occupation by the British of Bahrain [written as Bahrein throughout] or Grane [Kuwait], for the purposes of establishing a naval station in the Gulf;A report, written by Hennell, on relations between Muscat and Bahrain, and the prospects of an attack on Bahrain by the Imam of Muscat’s forces;An assessment, written by Hennell, of Bahrain’s climate, considered by the Resident to be too harmful to the ‘European constitution’ for permanent occupation of Bahrain by British forces;Egyptian territorial ambitions in Arabia and the Gulf, and measures to counter Egyptian influence;Relations between the Al Khalifah at Bahrain;The political situation at Bushire, including the removal of the Bushire Governor;Discussion between officials over whether the British Residency should remain at Jazīreh-ye Khārk (as desired by Hennell) or return to Bushire;Hennell’s absence through sickness, and his insistence that an assistant to the Resident is required.Some of the letters in the volume (folios 42, 61) have incorrect dates assigned to them (1853 and 1851 respectively); these dates have been omitted from the volume’s assigned date range.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence begins on the title page and ends of the last folio of content (i.e. text); these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Pagination: An original sporadic and incomplete pagination sequence is also present between ff 6-67; these numbers are located in the top outermost corner of the page when present.Condition: Many of the pages have suffered water damage, and are damaged at the edges, resulting in the loss of some text.
Abstract: The memorandum is divided into the following chapter headings:'General Status of Persia', ff 2r-12;'Persia and Herat', ff 12v-24r;'Persia and Seistan [Sīstān]', ff 24r-31v;'Persia and Kohuk', ff 31v-35;'Persia and the Navigation of the Karun [Kārūn] River', ff 35v-39r;'Persia and her integrity', ff 39r-47;'Persia and Merv', ff 47v-52v;'Continuation of General Status of Persia', ff 52v-61;'Appendices', ff 63-78.'General Status of Persia' provides a geographic description of the Kingdom including details of its boundaries, rivers, and transportation links. It also includes an outline of its demography, and its revenue by province. Military matters are also covered in this section; this includes an in-depth look at the Persian army — its pay and composition — and a look at the employment of British officers in Persia. This section concludes with a narrative of Persia's modern history from the sixteenth century.'Persia and Herat' describes the extent to which the province's boundaries can be defined, and provides a brief description of each district within; Ghorian, Sabzawar, Farah, Bakwa, Kurak, and Obeh. It also includes a description of the town of Herat, and information on the province's demography and climate. The section also provides detailed coverage of the tribes in the region. The development of British policy towards Herat is explained through the use of select correspondence. This includes the relative merits for Britain in either maintaining Herat's independence, or supporting Afghan or Persian rule; extensive reference is made to the Treaty of Paris (1857).'Persia and Seistan' also provides a geographic description of the province, along with information on its administrative divisions, climate, and transportation links. Its main purpose however is to outline the development of British attitudes concerning the governance of this province; should it be overseen by Afghanistan or Persia? To provide context, it covers the historical basis for the two competing claims. It concludes by describing the British arbitration of the matter in 1871-72 by General Frederick John Goldsmid, and its outcome; summaries of the statements provided by the Afghan and Persian sides are included.'Persia and Kohuk' explains how Persia has disputed the award of this province to Khelat by General Goldsmid in 1871, and British reluctance to amend the award in favour of Persia.'Persia and the Navigation of the Karun River' outlines British efforts to open up the Karun River for steam navigation. It explains that Russian success in improving transportation infrastructure in the north of Persia — in contrast to British failure in the south — is seen to be putting British trade at a disadvantage; the Karun River is seen as having the best potential for resolving this. The prospects for the construction of a railway in southern Persia are also briefly examined.'Persia and her integrity' details the development of a diplomatic understanding from 1834 between Britain and Russia, in which both powers established their mutual interest in the maintenance of the territorial integrity of Persia. It chiefly concerns British suspicions that Russian activities in central Asia do not match their professed intentions towards Persia (i.e. British fears that Russia is encroaching on central Asia).'Persia and Merv', in addition to providing an overview of the region's history and ancient settlements, considers what the British consider to be the encroachment of Russia on Persia's northern borders; the British consider any potential Russian occupation of Merv to be a threat, and it is explained that Persian control is preferred.'Continuation of General Status of Persia' concentrates on British concerns over increases in Russian influence at the Persian Court in Tehran; the British fear Persia becoming a vassal of Russia and facilitating Russian expansion towards Afghanistan. It therefore discusses the extent to which Britain should take advantage of Persian overtures to establish friendly relations with that power in order to prevent this scenario. It also briefly discusses Persian designs on Bahrain, and the desirability — for Britain — in maintaining its status as an independent state, in addition to emphasizing the need to maintain Britain's protectorate role in the Persian Gulf. Topics also included in this section, but covered in less detail include: the conference of consular powers on the Resident in the Persian Gulf; the development of telegraph lines in Persia; and negotiations respecting the demarcation of the Persian-Turkish border.The memorandum is signed by Owen Tudor Burne of the India Office.The appendix at the back is divided eight sections as follows:I. 'Employment of British Officers with the Persian Army', f 63;II. A selection of memoranda (dated 20 July-24 December 1868) concerning the need to strengthen British influence over Persia, and the means available to achieve it, ff 63v-64;III. A selection of memoranda (dated 10-30 October 1868) on the possibility of employing British officers with the Persian Army, f 65;IV. 'The Policy of Great Britain towards Persia, ff 66-69;V. Instructions given to Major-General Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlingson as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Persia, dated 4 August 1859, ff 68-69;VI. 'Outline Sketch by Colonel Burne of the Shah of Persia's Visit to England, 1873, ff 69-72;VII. 'Note by Colonel Burne on the Persian Army, 20th December 1871', ff 72-73;VIII. 'Abstract of Events in Persia, Afghanistan, &c. from 1722 to the present period', ff 73v-78.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 1A and terminates at f 78, 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 document was compiled and signed by H Le Poer Wynne (Foreign Department) and covers the history of Seistan and Lash-Jowain [Lāsh-e Juwayn], including the dispute over sovereignty which led to the Anglo-Persian War (1856-7).The document is divided into the following sections:1. The history of the Province up to the Persian War of 1856-7.2. Events and correspondence regarding the Province from the period immediately preceding the Persian War of 1856-7 down to 1861.3. The alarm which Dost Mahomed's [Dost Mohammad Khan] advance on Furrah [Farāh]and Herat [Herāt]caused the Persian Government, and the correspondence which followed, 1861-1864.4. The views expressed by the Home Government during this period.5. The quiet occupation of the Province by Persia from 1864 to the end of 1867.6. Her further advance and raids into the territory of Sheikhnassoor, Furrah, and Candahar[Kandahār], from end of 1868 to present date.7. The despatches of the British Minister at Tehran regarding (1) Persia's apprehensions of Shere Ali's designs on Seistan; (2) the late raids into Afghan territory.8. Correspondence regarding the proposal to submit the matter to British arbitration.Much of the document is compiled using extracts from correspondence submitted between officials in Britain, Persia and Afghanistan.Physical description: 38 folios
Abstract: This file consists of a report written by Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Edward Stewart, Bengal Staff Corps, in which he describes his journeys to and around Mashad, Herat and Merv in the vicinity of the Perso-Afghan frontier, and provides detailed intelligence regarding topography, settlements, communications, vegetation and agriculture. He also describes local populations, tribes and chiefs, and their present and historical actions and allegiances.The author records his opinion that due to a general fear of Torcoman raids, and a positive attitude towards Russia, the region of Khurasan [Khorāsān] could willingly fall under Russian sway; he therefore urges the instalment of an English officer on the Perso-Afghan frontier to maintain a British influence there.The report is written in twelve chapters, and is followed by five appendices giving detailed descriptions of routes travelled, with mileages.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 123 and terminates at the last folio with 162, 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 present in parallel between ff 123-162; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8 March 1856, Numbers 10-11) and the Government of Bombay (19 March 1856, Number 20). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 95-101) discuss the extent that Persia supports the position of Prince Mahomed Yoosoof [Mohammad Yusuf Khan] at Herat, and whether the Government of India should encourage Dost Mahomed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan] to annex Herat. It also covers the killing of an unnamed individual, claimed to be in self-defence, by Major Nicholson in the Punjab.The section from Bombay (folio 102) is concerned with updates on Aden.Physical description: 1 item (8 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (22 October 1856, Number 51-54) and the Government of Bombay (1 and 3 November 1856, Numbers 82-86). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The letters from the Governor General (folios 108-115) are concerned with the establishment of ‘Hindustan fanatics’ in Punjtar [Panjtar], the supply of arms and finance for Ameer Dost Mahomed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan], and discuss the question of whether Colonel John Jacobs (Acting Commissioner in Sind) should be put in direct communication with the Ameer. It also covers a report from Colonel Herbert Benjamin Edwardes (Commissioner in Peshawar) of an interview held with envoys from Herat, and his views respecting the non-viability of an independent Herat. Dost Mahomed's dismissal of a Persian envoy at Cabool [Kabul] and his reasons for returning to Cabool are also discussed.The section from Bombay (folios 116-119) reports preparations for a military expedition against Persia, arrangements for a declaration of war against Persia by the Government of India, and arrangements for the delivery of arms and finance to aid Dost Mahomed.Physical description: 1 item (12 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8 September 1856, Numbers 35-40) and the Government of Bombay (12 September 1856, Numbers 66-70). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 43-49r) are concerned with the release of Kashmiri prisoners held by Thibet [Tibet], and the motivations of Jung Bahadoor [Jung Bahadur Rana] in accepting the title of Maharaj of Kaski and Lamjung. They also discuss the proceedings of the Persian Army against Kelat [Kalat], the possibility of providing British assistance for the Khan of Kelat, and the size of the force required from India to occupy Karrack [Khārk] and Bushire.The section from Bombay (folios 43-52) includes reports of the situation at Bushire, and the successful conclusion of negotiations between the Imam of Muscat and the Government of Persia for the rent to be paid by the former for Bunder Abbass [Bandar-e ʻAbbās]. It also includes discussion of the particulars surrounding the supply of British weapons and ammunition to Dost Mahomed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan], the position at Herat, and the size of the force proposed by the Commander-in-Chief for the proposed expedition against Persia.Physical description: 1 item (10 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries of official secret letters received from the Governor General of India in Council (7 March 1857, Numbers 12-13; 18 March 1857, Numbers 63-67; and 19 March 1857, Numbers 68-72). The amount of detail for each entry varies.The summaries mostly concern: troops, arms and ammunition being shipped to Hong Kong from Singapore and Madras; and the Persian Expedition, including the construction of a portable telegraph, and news from Herat.Physical description: 1 item (12 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (14 June and 3 May 1856, Numbers 18-19) and the Government of Bombay (10 and 12 May 1856, Numbers 34-38). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 9-10) discuss the matter of instructions to be issued to the Government of Bombay authorising that government to deploy forces against Persia if authorised to do by the Secret Committee; the Government of India's opposition to the use of Herat as a justification for conflict with Persia is outlined. They also report on the signing of a peace treaty between Nepal and Thibet [Tibet].The section from Bombay (folios 11-12) includes measures to be taken to remove the Al Ali from Demaun, naval deployments against the slave trade, the submission of the Murree [Marri Baloch] tribe to the Khan of Kelat [Kalat], and a telegraphic report that the Persians are besieging Herat.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8 October 1856, Numbers 46-50) and the Government of Bombay (17 October 1856, Numbers 77-79). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 90-94r) are concerned with Persian progress against Herat and Kelat [Kalat], the return of Futteh Khan from Afghanistan with the ratified Anglo-Afghan Treaty of Friendship (1855), the critical position of Herat and pleas for help from Eesa Khan [Isa Khan Bardorani, Minister-Regent of Herat].The section from Bombay (folios 94v-99) is also concerned with the critical position of Herat and Dost Mahomed's [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan] inability to capitalise on the situation, the evacuation of British staff officers from Bushire, and discussion over objections raised in 1799 to the occupation of Perim Island in the Red Sea.Physical description: 1 item (10 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8 November 1856, Numbers 55-58) and the Government of Bombay (17 November 1856, Number 87-92). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The letters from the Governor General (folios 120-128) discuss a request from Dost Mahomed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan] for an audience with a representative of the Government of India to discuss Herat, and a decision by the Government of India to grant a temporary subsidy to Dost Mahomed to facilitate operations against Persia. They also cover British preparations for war against Persia, and a defence of Commander James Felix Jones (Political Resident, Persian Gulf) for his dismissal of British staff officers from Bushire. The carelessness displayed at Bombay in packing arms for Cabool [Kabul], and financial aid for Herat are also discussed.The section from Bombay (folios 129-131) includes arrangements for an expedition against Persia, and details (in terms of troops and ships) of the composition of the force.Physical description: 1 item (12 folios)