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25. 'Seistan. Irrigation Report of the Perso-Afghan Arbitration Commission, 1902-1905. Volume I. Report and Appendices.'
- Description:
- Abstract: The first volume of reports produced by the Irrigation Officer of the Perso-Afghan Boundary Commission, Seistan [Sīstān], and submitted to the Government of India, Foreign Department. Publication statement: Simla: Government of India Foreign Department, 1906.The commission, under the direction of Colonel Arthur Henry McMahon, was to redefine the frontier between Persia and Afghanistan in the south, and develop a formula for the division of the Helmand waters. The irrigation report contains observations on the hydrology, meteorology, soils and drainage of the Seistan area, and proposes irrigation and excavation schemes.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 126; 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 (ix, 231pp).
26. 'Seistan. Irrigation Report of the Perso-Afghan Arbitration Commission, 1902-1905. Volume II. Statements and Calculations.'
- Description:
- Abstract: The second volume of reports produced by the Irrigation Officer of the Perso-Afghan Boundary Commission, Seistan [Sīstān], and submitted to the Government of India, Foreign Department. Publication statement: Simla: Government of India Foreign Department, 1906.The commission, under the direction of Colonel Arthur Henry McMahon, was to redefine the frontier between Persia and Afghanistan in the south, and develop a formula for the division of the Helmand waters. This volume contains tabulated data collected by the Commission, and accompanies the irrigation report.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 70; 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 (i, 127pp).
27. ‘Seistan Persia & Seistan’
- Description:
- Abstract: The volumes contain papers relating to Persia [Iran], including Seistan, and the tract of land south of the Baluch-Afghan boundary between Nushki and Persia, which had become British territory following the demarcation of the Afghan-Baluch border.The papers largely consist of printed copies of correspondence between the Governor General of India in Council (Government of India Foreign Department) and the Secretary of State for India (Lord George Francis Hamilton), and enclosed correspondence and papers.Letters from the Governor General of India in Council to the Secretary of State for India include:Number 170, 16 September 1896, relating to the opening up of a trade route between Nushki and the Persian frontier, crossing the tract of British territory south of the Baluch-Afghan boundary, and the protection of the newly-demarcated frontier, with enclosed memorandum by Captain Arthur Henry McMahon, British Commissioner, Baluch-Afghan Boundary Commission, containing his proposals for the management and administration of the tract and for the protection of the trade routeNumber 58, 31 March 1898, concerning the trade route between Baluchistan and Persia, including the suggestion that Consular Agents should be appointed at central points along it between Seistan and Meshed, with enclosures including a report by Lieutenant Frank Webb-Ware, Political Assistant at Chagai, on his visit to Seistan at the beginning of 1896, and the measures introduced for the development of trade between Baluchistan and Persia (which includes a blueprint map, Mss Eur F111/350, f 33)Number 163, 15 September 1898, forwarding copies of papers regarding the situation in Makran and Panjgur, following recent ‘disturbances’ in Makran.The file also includes:Copies of Government of India Foreign Department papers numbered 40-58 relating to the Kerman Consulate and British interests in Southern Persia, including correspondence between the Government of India Foreign Department and the Secretary of State for IndiaA letter from the Secretary of State for India to the Governor General of India in Council, with enclosed despatch from Sir (Henry) Mortimer Durand, HM Minister at Tehran, to the Foreign Office, dated 12 February 1899, in which he gives his opinion on suggestions for the appointment of additional consular officers in Persia (this includes a map titled ‘Skeleton Map of Telegraph Lines in Persia.’ Mss Eur F111/350, f 187)A letter from Durand to the Secretary to the Foreign Department of the Government of India, 24 February 1899, enclosing a copy of his memorandum (with appendices) drawn up in 1895 on the situation in Persia, and the steps he proposed should be taken to improve the British position thereCopies of a draft despatch from the Governor General of India in Council, 2 September 1899, regarding relations between Great Britain and Persia, including improving the British Political and Consular service in Persia, and the extent of the share of responsibility for Persia that should be devolved upon the Government of India, followed by printed comments upon the draftCopies of a minute by George Nathaniel Curzon, Viceroy of India, on Seistan, dated 4 September 1899, including the question of a railway connection between India and SeistanHandwritten pencil notes by Curzon relating to Persia and the ‘Seistan Question’.In addition to the two maps noted above, the file also includes the following maps: map of the area south of the border between Afghanistan and Baluchistan (Mss Eur F111/350, f 300); map of the area west of the border between Persia and Afghanistan (Mss Eur F111/350, f 301); and ‘Route Plan of Robat Nala’ (Mss Eur F111/350, f 302).Physical description: Foliation: this file consists of two physical volumes. The foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover of volume one (ff 1-150) and terminates at the inside back cover of volume two (ff 151-304); these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
28. 'Seistan arbitration case'
- Description:
- Abstract: This document was written by Sir Owen Tudor Burne on 19 November 1872, and is divided into the following sections:Section 1 - Brief abstract of Persia and Afghanistan History as connected with Seistan [Sīstān], including our policy in reference to the districtSection 2 - Geographical and Political Value of SeistanSection 3 - Progress of Arbitration in 1871-72, including a short account of Sir F Goldsmid's journeySection 4 - Abstract of General Goldsmid's Arbitral OpinionThe document concludes with 'General Remarks' from O T Burne about the situation.Physical description: 6 folios
29. 'Mesopotamia Administration Committee. Proposed extension of Quetta-Nushki-Dalbandin railway.'
- Description:
- Abstract: This file concerns the Government of India's proposed extension of the Quetta-Nushki-Dalbandin railway westwards to Mirjawa [Mīrjāveh]. It consists of the following: five telegrams between the Viceroy of India [Frederic John Napier Thesiger] and the Secretary of State for India [Edwin Samuel Montagu]; two telegrams between the War Office and the India Office; an extract from a telegram from the Commander-in-Chief in India [Sir Charles Carmichael Monro] to the General Officer Commanding in Mesopotamia [Sir Frederick Stanley Maude]; and a draft of a telegram from the Secretary of State for India to the Government of India.In a telegram to the Secretary of State for India, dated 29 June 1917, the Viceroy cites both the renewal of German-Turkish movement on Tehran and the progress eastwards towards Afghanistan of organised hostile bodies as threats to the Government of India's political and strategic position in the region; the Viceroy suggests that the proposed railway extension would maintain and develop the Government of India's military strength in and northwards of Seistan [Sīstān].In his undated draft telegram, the Secretary of State for India states that the Government of India's proposals have been approved by the Army Council (as stated in the War Office's telegram to the India Office, dated 18 August 1917), on the grounds that the extension does not interfere with any present or future demands placed on the Government of India for railway material, rolling stock, or personnel for active theatres of war.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 148, and terminates at f 149, 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. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
30. 'Memorandum on the Note of the Persian Government, dated 22nd February 1906, embodying their objections to the Seistan Water Award.'
- Description:
- Abstract: The memorandum concerns the Seistan Water Award [Sīstān] arbitrated by Britain between Persia and Afghanistan; the award outlines the proportion of water from the River Helmond [Helmand] to be allotted to irrigation on both sides of the river. It is authored by Arthur Henry McMahon — the British commissioner appointed to draft the award — and includes his opinion on the legitimacy of these complaints.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at f 13, and terminates at f 20, 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 item also contains an original pagination sequence.
31. 'A NOTE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SEISTAN TO INDIA.'
- Description:
- Abstract: A paper by Captain Maurice Patrick O'Connor Tandy detailing the British connection with Seistan.The paper is divided into three sections:Part I: 'A brief review of British Consular activity in Seistan.';Part II: 'The present position in Seistan.';Part III: 'Possible future changes in Seistan and the policy recommended to Government.'Three appendices (folios 17-19) give the value of overland trade between India and Iran, 1900-1938; the numbers of British subjects in (a) Seistan, and (b) Birjand, 1934-39; and 'A brief note on Birjand'.The paper is accompanied by a covering letter (folio 1) from Tandy in his capacity as HM Vice-Consul, Birjand, dated 18 September 1939.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the first folio with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 19; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
32. 'Memorandum on Persian Railways'
- Description:
- Abstract: The memorandum outlines the development of proposals for railways in Persia between 1872 and 1911. This includes discussion of the potential advantages/disadvantages (both commercial and political) for the British in the construction of railways in Southern Persia, and the potential threat posed by the expansion of Russian railways in Northern Persia towards British India, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf. Proposals for various schemes are included, from those limited to internal routes within Persia, to schemes designed to link the rail networks of India and Russia via a Trans-Persian link. Consideration is also given to British and Russian efforts to maintain their spheres of influence in Persia, and their joint desire to resist any encroachment by Germany.The memorandum is signed by John Edward Ferard, India Office.The appendix (folios 123-132) contains supporting extracts from various papers (aide-mémoires, correspondence, memoranda, minutes, and published writings). This includes the following:an extract from a minute by George Nathaniel Curzon, Viceroy of India, dated 4 September 1899, respecting the importance of Seistan [Sīstān] to the maintenance of British influence in Southern Persia (ff 123-124);an extract from a minute by the Viceroy of India, dated 28 October 1901, respecting the potential threat of increasing Russian influence in Persia to Britain's strategic and commercial interests in the Persian Gulf (ff 124-125v);an extract from the Anglo-Persian Agreement (31 August 1907) respecting Persia (ff 125v-126);various communications between British, Persian, and Russian authorities on the topic of railway construction in Persia (ff 126-130);extracts from various published sources on the subject of railways in Persia (ff 130-132).An index to the memorandum can be found on folios 134-136. Some extracts in the main body of the memorandum, and some papers included in the appendix are in French.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 95, and terminates at f 136, 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.
33. 'Memorandum. Regarding our future relations with Persia, with special reference to the extension and maintenance of British influence, and to the system of British Consular representation in Southern Persia.'
- Description:
- Abstract: This memorandum, written by Lieutenant-Colonel William Frederick Travers O'Connor, concerns the new subdivision of Persia into two spheres of influence – Russian and British – with the present neutral zone falling into the British sphere. The memorandum considers what system of Consular or other representation should be adopted in order to maintain not only law and order, but also British influence in the area.Before discussing the issue of Consular representation, O'Connor mentions two alternative suggestions regarding the future of Southern Persia (the first being that Britain should decline to extend its influence beyond its present zone, and the second being that Southern Persia should be turned into one or more independent states), which he dismisses as lying outside the sphere of practical politics.Assuming that the British sphere will encompass the whole of Southern Persia, O'Connor advocates the continuation of the existing post of British Minister at Tehran (located in the Russian sphere), and suggests that the Minister should be supported by Consular officers residing in the capital of each province. O'Connor suggests that Consul or Consul-General posts – to be held by officers of the Indian Political Department – should be present in the following places: Sistan [also spelled Seistan in this file] (as at present); Kerman (for the province of Kerman); Shiraz (for Fars, excluding the Gulf hinterland); Mohammerah [Khorramshahr in modern-day Iran] (for Arabistan); and Bushire (for the Gulf and for hinterland affairs).In addition, O'Connor advocates the appointment of a Resident or Consul in the Bakhtiari country. He suggests that his proposed Consulates be run in the same way as the existing Consulates at Seistan, Meshed and Kerman.O'Connor goes on to address the problem of the rivalry between the Home Government and the Indian Government on the subject of Southern Persia. He makes the following two proposals: either Southern Persia should be placed under direct control of the Indian Government, or it should be guaranteed that the Minister at Tehran will always be an officer from British India, who has been nominated for the post by the Indian Government.In this memorandum, O'Connor suggests that the future arrangement of Consular representation in Southern Persia has been made complicated by the anomalous status of the Resident in the Persian Gulf. O'Connor argues that, in the post-war period, whilst it would still be possible to retain a Resident at Bushire, it would not need to be such an important and highly paid appointment; he appears to imply that his proposed Consul at Shiraz and Consul at Bushire would take over the Resident's responsibilities regarding inland Persia and the Gulf and its hinterland respectively.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 18, and terminates at f 20, 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. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
34. 'Question of a Loan to Persia.'
- Description:
- Abstract: The memorandum consists of a number of notes authored by the following: Sir Hugh Barnes, Sir Dennis Fitzpatrick, Sir John Edge, and Sir William Lee-Warner; all members of the Council of India.The notes discuss whether or not Britain should advance a further loan to Persia, and what concessions should be obtained in return if it does; the British desire to limit the growth of Russian influence in Persia. It is therefore debated as to whether the revenues of the Southern Ports and/or Seistan [Sīstān] could be obtained, along with a possible railway concession in Southern Persia in order to deny it to Russia.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at f 1, and terminates at f 7, 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.
35. 'Notes on Persian Seistan'
- Description:
- Abstract: A confidential report on the Persian region of Seistan [Sistan]. The report was compiled by Captain Edward Abadie Plunkett, 1st Battalion (Lincoln Regiment), in the Intelligence Branch, Quarter-Master General's Department. The report was printed at the Office of the Superintendent of Government Printing, Calcutta, India, 1903.The report contains information on geography, canal systems, communications, routes, climate, resources, ethnography, administration, agriculture, and local dialect. Included within the volume are the following:District tables for Miankangi, Pusht-I-Ab, Mahal-I-Nahrui, Mahal-I-Sharaki, and Sheb-I-Ab, with statistics on numbers of houses, ploughs, horses, oxen, sheep and goats, camels, and donkeys for each village in each district (folios 7-28)Genealogical tables for the various tribes in the region (folios 34-39)Vocabulary and useful phrases in the local dialect (folios 42-45)A map showing the cultivated areas of the region (folio 69).Part II of the report is a gazetteer (folios 46-65).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 68; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
36. Afghan policy on Seistan
- Description:
- Abstract: Letter and Enclosure to HM Secretary of State for India, dated 6 December 1871.The letter encloses a report by the Agent at Cabul [Kabul], on the intentions of the Amir of Afghanistan in relation to Seistan [Sistan]. The Amir had given stringent orders to his dependent rulers not to allow any of their subjects to cause disturbances on the Seistan border. The letter states that the instruction would allay the apprehensions of the Shah of Persia of an Afghan advance into Seistan.Physical description: 1 item (3 folios)