Abstract: This item consists of copies of a Political Despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secretary of State for India, dated 17 April 1874 and received via Brindisi on 11 May 1874, forwarding a copy of papers relating to the deputation of Captain George Campbell Napier to enquire into the circumstances connected with a raid on Herat territory from Khaf [Khvāf].Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 488 and terminates at f 490a, 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. The sequence contains three foliation anomalies: f 488a, f 489a, and f 490a.
Abstract: Correspondence discusses the construction of telegraph lines in Persia. Issues discussed include the implications for Britain's relations with the Persian government and how influence could be achieved. Also discussed is the British strategy for negotiating with the Russians who held a sphere of influence in northern Persia, in order to secure British interests in their sphere of influence in southern Persia.The route, costs and staffing of a number of telegraph lines are discussed: Meshed-Seistan, Meshed-Tehran; Robat-Seistan; Nasratabad to Koh-i-Malik Siah, as well as the costs involved in upgrading the lines before their permanent transfer from the Indian Telegraph Department to the Indo-European Telegraph Department. A further isssue discussed is how to overcome a Russian monopoly on the cypress woods which were an essential material for a construction of a telegraph line. Arrangements for the dispatch of British signallers to staff the telegraph offices also features in the correspondence.The file contains a number of statistical tables as well as a technical drawing and a map showing the telegraph offices on the Meshed-Nasratabad (Seistan) line (ff 109-110).Correspondents include: Gilbert Elliot-Murray Kynynmound, 4th Earl of Minto, Viceroy of India; Sir Arthur Nicholson; Sir Edward Grey, Foreign Secretary; Sir Cecil Arthur Spring-Rice; Mr Evelyn Grant Duff; John Evelyn Shuckburgh; H M Consul at Seistan; Sir Walter Beaupré Townley, Minister for Persia.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 422; 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 concerning the Anglo-Persian convention specifically as it related to telegraph lines in the Russian (northern) and British (southern) zones of influence:the transfer of the control of telegraph lines betwen Russia and Britain with reference to the zones of influence agreed in Anglo-Russian convention of 1907. The specific telegraphs lines discussed are Meshed-Tehran and Meshed-Seistan.Anglo-Russian negotiations concerning the procedure by which the transfer would take place.Correspondence discusses specific details such as whether British signallers would be allowed to continue operating in certain areas and the difficulty this would raise if Russia wanted similar arrangement. Also discussed is German interest in these matters.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 382; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top write corner of the recto side of each folio.