Abstract: This volume consists of a report on Fars (a province of Persia) was written by Captain Arnold Talbot Wilson, Deputy Civil Commissioner in the Indian Political Department (General Staff Branch), and was published in Simla at the Government Monotype Press. The volume is divided into subject sections.Within the report, there are genealogical trees for some tribes and families, including: the Kashkuli Khans (folio 41), the Qashqai Ilkhanis (folio 42) and the Hashimieh family of Shiraz (folio 51).Following the main report, there are two appendices: one relating to the approximate population of Fars and one relating to the mineral resources of Fars. The volume ends with an alphabetical index for the entire report and a map showing 'Routes in Persia'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at a map, at the inside back cover, with 196; 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.
Abstract: This file contains material relating to the South Persia Rifles, southern Persia [Iran], the Bakhtiari [Bakhtiyari] Tribe and the oil fields developed by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC). It includes:A table showing the disposition of troops in southern Persia in December 1917The capture of an incriminating letter addressed to Mukhbir Us Sulteneh [Mahdi Quli Khan Hidayat Mukhbir al-Saltanah]The outbreak of clashes between the nomadic tribes of southern Persia and the South Persia RiflesThe call by Soulat [Isma’il Khan Sawlat al-Dawlah Qashqa’i], Ilkhani of the Kashgai [Qashqa'i] Tribe, for a jehad [jihad] against foreign forces in Persia [The Ilkhani being the Paramount Chief of the tribe]The loss of the post at Khaneh Zinian [Khan-i Zaniyan] to the Kashgais led by SoulatThe logistics required for extending the right flank of the Allied forces in Mesopotamia [Iraq] to the Caspian SeaThe reinforcement of the forces under Sir Percy Molesworth Sykes via Bandar Abbas and Bushire [Bushehr]The placement of Sykes under the command of General Charles Monro, Commander-in-Chief, IndiaThe departure of the German agent Wilhelm Wassmuss towards Khaneh ZinianThe general expression of ‘nationalist resentment’ at the presence of British forces in Central PersiaThe offer of the Persian Admiral, Mirza Ahmad Khan Tangistani Daryabegi, to collaborate against SoulatThe declaration by Habib Allah Khan Qavam al-Mulk Shirazi of his support for the Governor of Fars, Abd al-Husayn Mirza Farmanfarma, and his readiness to defend Shiraz against SoulatThe clashes between the Kalantar of Kazerun, Nasir Divan Kazeruni, and British forces outside ShirazAn offer of assistance from the Kalantar of the Kashkuli Tribe, Muhammad ‘Ali Khan KashkuliThe lack of co-operation between the British Minister at Tehran, Charles Marling, and Sir Percy SykesThe placement of all British troops in southern Persia under the command of an officer with the rank of Brigadier-GeneralA joint letter from the khans of Borasjun [Borazjan], Tangistan and Chakutah [Chahkootah] to the Political Resident at Bushire to enquire about the objectives of the recently-arrived British regimentsThe possibility of installing Mirza Hasan Khan Vusugh (Vusugh al-Dawlah) as Prime Minister, following the Italian victory at the Second Battle of Piave River, and the suspension of German operations against FranceThe recommendation of Brigadier-General George Younghusband to surround oilfields with ‘barbed wire fence with electric light standards and ring of sentries like prisoners of war camp’The willingness of the Ilkhani of the Bakhtiyari to ‘maintain order’ in the oilfields of southern PersiaThe siege of Indian Army troops at Abadeh by the Kashgai and the desertion of all South Persia RiflesThe mobilisation of Mirza Kuchak Khan's Jangali Movement to seize control of RashtA quarrel between the German agent, Wassmuss and the Ilkhani of the Kashgai, SoulatThe defection of the Kashgai chiefs ‘Ali Khan Qashqa’i Salar-i Hishmat and Ahmad Khan Qashqa’i Sardar-i IhtishamThe order from Khusraw Khan Bakhtiyari Sardar-i Zafar to Yusuf Khan Bakhtiyari Amir Mujahid to relieve the siege of Abadeh, and prevent Murtaza Quli Khan Samsam from joining the KashgaisThe pursuit by Sardar-i Ihtisham, Muhammad ‘Ali Khan Kashkuli, and Qavam al-Mulk Shirazi of Soulat and his band of followers and the retreat of Nasir Divan Kazeruni to KazerunA request from Soulat to Ayoz Kika [Haj Iyaz Khan Shakiri Qashqa’i] for reinforcementsThe arrest of Baha Us Sultan [Baha’ al-Sultan Shirazi], a leading democrat [i.e. of the Hizb-i Democrat-i Fars]The deployment of Sultan Kazem Khan [Sultan Kazim Khan Shamlu’s] Darrahshuri tribal forces to AbadehThe preference of Vusugh al-Dawlah for Swedish officers to lead the national police in PersiaA rumour about the presence of the German agent Oskar von Niedermeyer in Bakhtiyari CountryThe encirclement, by Soulat, of Sardar-i Ihtisham and the South Persia Rifles at FiruzabadThe relief of Sardar-i Ihtisham and the South Persia Rifles by Colonel Ernest Frederick OrtonThe death of Muhammad ‘Ali Khan Kashkuli at Shiraz on 20 October 1918The handover of the South Persia Rifles by Sir Percy Sykes to Colonel Orton and the former's arrival at DelhiThe refusal by Wassmuss to surrender to British forces, and his rejection of an offer of repatriationThe readiness of the Persian Government to co-operate in the arrest and deportation of WassmussA proposal by Colonel Orton of the South Persia Rifles for the organisation of a national Persian Army.Physical description: The foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 405; 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 2-389.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of political letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. The enclosures to these letters are contained in the subsequent items. It is the first in a series of seven items on affairs of the Persian Gulf (the others are IOR/F/4/2077/95830, 95831, 95832, 95833, 95834, and 95835).The item concerns:Disturbances at Shiraz caused by an attempt to oust the current Governor of Fars, Ameer Mirza Nubbee Khan [Amīr Dīvān Mīrzā Nabī Khān Qazwīnī]A complaint by the Imam of Muscat [Sayyid Sa'īd bin Sulṭān Āl Bū Sa'īd] that his vessels were paying higher duty at Mauritius than previouslyReports of vessels from Bombay and Cutch [Kachchh] trading under British colours without the appropriate passesThe military success of Ameer Fysul [Amīr Fayṣal bin Turkī bin ‘Abdullāh Āl Sa‘ūd] and possible British reactions to thisThe aborted Persian attack against Bunder Abbas [Bandar-e ʻAbbas]Disputes over customs duties at Bunder AbbasA complaint by Josiah Row Chowdry [Josiah Rao Chaudhari] against the British merchant brig
Mary Alicethat he was owed wages by the ship’s masterA violent dispute between the Joasmees [Qāsimīs, i.e. al-Qawāsim] and subjects of Debaye [Dubai]The murder of Beebee Aseeloo [Bibi ‘Asilu], widow of the late Native Agent at MuscatThe English burial ground at Karrack [Jazireh-ye Khark]The item contains a contents page, and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Collection 8, Draft 78, P.C. [Previous Communication] 4624, [Season 18]45’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 125 and terminates at f 156, 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.Pagination: the volume also contains an original pagination sequence
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, consultations, resolutions, and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, political and secret letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; Captain Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf; Captain Atkins Hamerton, Her Majesty’s Consul and Honourable Company’s Agent in the dominions of the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat; Reuben bin Aslan, East India Company's Agent at Muscat; Mirza Reza, East India Company's Agent at Shiraz. It is the third in a series of seven items on affairs of the Persian Gulf (the others are IOR/F/4/2077/95829, IOR/F/4/2077/95830, IOR/F/4/2077/95832, IOR/F/4/2077/95833, IOR/F/4/2077/95834, and IOR/F/4/2077/95835).The item concerns:Disturbances at Shiraz caused by an attempt to oust the current Governor of Fars, Ameer Mirza Nubbee Khan [Amir Divan Mirza Nabī Khan Qazwīnī]Preparation for a tour of the Gulf to be made by Lieutenant Arnold Burrows Kemball, Assistant Resident in the Persian GulfReports of the movements of Syud Thooenee [Sayyid Thuwainī bin Sa'īd Āl Bū Sa'īd] at MuscatRepairs to the
Futhool Moobarukat Muscat, the subsequent loss of her cargo through shipwreck, and its recoveryReports of vessels from Bombay and Cutch [Kachchh] trading under British colours without the appropriate passes, and measures taken to deal with them.The item includes a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Draft 78, P.C. [Previous Communication] 4624, [Season 18]45’, ‘Collection No 8 of No 40’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 190 and terminates at f 227, 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.Pagination: the volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: The memorandum outlines how circumstances in Southern Persia have led to the British reinforcing their consular guards at Bander Abbas [Bandar-e ʻAbbās], Bushire, Isphanan [Eşfahān], and Kerman. The focus is on reinforcement of the guard at Shiraz, and in particular, an attack on a British caravan travelling from Bushire.It includes a copy of a telegram on folio 46; it is from Sir Edward Grey, Foreign Office, to Sir George Barclay, HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, and dated 2 April 1912. It outlines the circumstances under which the British will remove their troops from the aforementioned towns, and provides brief advice as to how the Persian Government may maintain the continued goodwill of the British Government.Physical description: 4 folios
Abstract: Confidential notes of a journey made through Persia [Iran] from Shiraz to Jashk [Jāsk], via Fassa [Fasā], Dārāb, Bandar Abbas [Bandar-e ʻAbbās] and Mīnāb, by John Richard Preece, Assistant Superintendent of the Telegraph Department, Persia. The report was published by the Intelligence Branch, Office of the Quarter Master General in India, and printed by the Superintendent of Government Printing, India in Calcutta [Kolkata] in 1884.The report is diaristic in form, running from Preece’s departure from Shiraz on 29 January 1884, through to his arrival in Jashk on 19 March 1884. The report records: topography; settlements, including some descriptions of their size, population, condition; weather conditions on the route; the condition of roads; agricultural and industrial activity, including livestock numbers; water sources. Two tables of statistics follow the report, both dated 15 August 1884. The first contains temperature and barometer measurements taken by Preece throughout the course of his journey, the second is a list of stations along the route, and the distances between them in miles.Places referred to in the text are given their names in Persian script in the margin throughout.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 28; 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.
Abstract: This volume is Volume I (of two) of the manuscript travel journals of John Bax. The volume describes Bax's voyage from England to Bombay in 1812; travels in India in 1815-17; voyage and journey to Rusool Khyma [Ra's al-Khaymah] in Arabia, to Bushire in Persia, and through Shiraz, Isfahan, Kermansha [Kermanshah], and Bagdad [Baghdad] to Bussorah [Basra] in 1819-20; further voyage and journey to parts of India in 1821-22; voyage and journey from India to England via Egypt and several European countries in 1822-23; tours in England, Scotland and Wales, 1823-24; and journey from England to India via France, Germany, Hungary, Constantinople, Baghdad, Bussora [Basra], Bushire and the Persian Gulf in 1824-25.The volume includes regular entries recording positions of longitude and latitude; thermometer readings and climatic information; and tables of distances.The journal records Bax's involvement as an observer in the expedition under the command of Major-General Sir William Grant Kerr 'to suppress the Joasmee [Āl Qawāsim] Pirates' at Ra's al-Khaymah in 1819. Bax briefly describes the landing of Kerr's force, preliminary exchanges, the numbers of casualties on both sides, and the entry of Kerr's troops into the fort and town, which they found deserted (folios 18-19).From Ra's al-Khaymah Bax sailed to Bushire, and from there travelled into the interior of Persia, passing through Shiraz (where he discussed the action at Ra's al-Khaymah, the accounts of which were 'highly exaggerated', folio 23v), Isfahan, and Kermanshah. The journey included a visit to the ruins of Persepolis (folios 27-28). Bax then travelled to Baghdad and Basra, visited the ruins of Ctesiphon (folio 58), and returned by sea to Bombay via Bushire and Muscat (folios 64-65).Physical description: Foliation: this file consists of two physical volumes. The foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover of volume one (ff 1-282) and terminates at the inside back cover of volume two (ff 283-515); 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 285-503; these numbers are also written in pencil and circled.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.Pagination: the file also contains an original handwritten pagination sequence.
Abstract: The memorandum outlines the development of policy proposals for ensuring the security of British subjects in Persia from 1905-1912. This includes the consideration of the following: the dispatch of a force from India to occupy parts of Southern Persia, an increase in the strength of consular guards, the establishment of a gendarmerie in Southern Persia under Swedish officers, and the payment of subsidies to local tribes to provide security. It also outlines various incidents and outbreaks of unrest that have occurred in Persia over the same period; particular attention is given to Shiraz, and the question of whether or not to evacuate the British consulate there. It is signed by John Edward Ferard, Political Department, India Office.The appendix (folio 14) contains a note addressed to the Government of Persia by Sir George Head Barclay concerning the establishment of a local Persian force in Southern Persia under the command of British officers from the Indian Army.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 6, and terminates at f 14, 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.Pagination: the item also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, and consultations, cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay. The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; the Government of India; and Captain Samuel Hennell, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf.The item concerns: the appointment of Mirza Juwad [Mīrzā Jawād] as Native Agent at Shiraz; his death on arrival at Shiraz on 15 January 1839; provision for his pension to be paid to his widow.The item includes a contents page, and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Collection No. 11, Draft 456, P.C. [Previous Communication] 2762, [Season] 1840’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 293 and terminates at f 306, 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.Pagination: the item also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 13 dated 16 January 1857. The enclosures are dated 23 December 1856-14 January 1857.The enclosures primarily are, or convey, the despatches of Major-General Foster Stalker, Commanding the Persian Expeditionary Force (with their relevant enclosures), to the Secretary to the Government, Bombay, relating to the movements of the Persian Expeditionary Force since the commencement of operations up to the British capture and occupation of Bushire [Bushehr]. They are supplemented by copies of the political diary of Commander James Felix Jones, Indian Navy, Political Agent with the Forces and Resident in the Persian Gulf (also later Civil Commissioner in Bushire), from 29 November to 22 December inclusive.The papers notably cover and include:Details of the British: capture of Karrack [Kharg Island, also known as Khark]; landing at Halileh Bay [also spelled Hallila in this item]; defeat of the forces of Baukir Khan, Chief of the Tangistoon tribe [Bāqir Khān (Tangistānī), Governor of Tangistān, also spelled Tungistoon and Tungestoon in this item]; advance on the town of Bushire [Bushehr]; and receipt of the surrender of the Governor of Bushire and the remaining Persian [Iranian] garrison. Also included are two sketches depicting the attack on Rushire (Reishahr, five miles from Bushire) and the advance on Bushire (IOR/L/PS/5/490, f 170 and f 171)The stationing of a permanent British camp outside the walls of Bushire, including details of the health and condition of the troops, the construction of camp defences, and Stalker’s request for a small reinforcement of his troops as soon as possible in case of a dramatic change of weather or large scale illnessReconnaissance organised from Bushire, notably along the road to Feroozabad [Firuzabad], and to investigate the surrounding terrain and assess the attitude of local villagers towards the BritishStalker’s assessment of possible future military movements and the need for major reinforcements in order to effect a significant advance either to Mohumra [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammerah], up the Karoon [Karun] River to Shooster [Shushtar], or to Shiraz [also spelled Sheeraz in this item]Measures undertaken to deal with the shortage of forage (grass and hay) for the cavalry and artillery horses at Bushire and the expected reinforcements from BombayIntelligence regarding Persian military manoeuvres in the interior of Persia [Iran], including reports of troops amassing at Feroozabad and Shiraz and rumours of their movements towards BushireCommunications between Felix Jones and Baukir Khan, Chief of Tungistoon, (subsequent to the recent defeat of his tribe, the deaths of immediate family members and loss of his property), relating to arrangements for his future secret co-operation with the British and the provision of intelligence of Persian military plans and operations, particularly regarding Shiraz and Borazjoon [Borazjan]Intelligence received by the British Agent at Shiraz, now at Bushire, regarding Persian troop movements from Tehran and Shiraz especially since the British capture of BushireThe despatch of a small naval force under Commodore Richard Ethersey, Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf, conveying Lieutenant Herbert Disbrowe, Assistant Resident, Persian Gulf, to the coastal villages north of Bushire up to Bunder Deylum [Bandar Deylam], in order to communicate and come to an ‘understanding’ with the ‘chiefs of the Persian ports’ that would secure supply lines, open their ports for free trade and expedite procurement of forage for the army (horses and cattle) at Bushire. Includes a translation of Felix Jones’s template letter of acceptance of terms to be signed by each ‘chief’ (ff 211-213).Physical description: 1 item (58 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 6 dated 2 January 1857. The enclosures are dated 6 November-30 December 1856.The primary correspondents are: Commander Felix Jones, Indian Navy, Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Secretary to the Government, Bombay; and Major-General Foster Stalker, Commanding the Field Force in Persia [Iran]. Their despatches contain numerous enclosures.The papers notably cover and include:Intelligence, and reports forwarded by the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia [Ottoman Iraq], relating to: Persian fortifications and defensive measures in and around Mohumrah [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammerah] and the Shut-ool-Arab [Shatt al-Arab] river; and the strategic importance of British forces capturing Shuster [Shushtar] and the strength of the Persian forces at that cityThe dealings of the Resident in the Persian Gulf with the Commissariat and Quarter-Master General staff officers sent in advance to Bushire [Bushehr] to organise supplies (arms, ammunition, food and fuel) for the reinforcement troops expected from Bombay, including the Resident’s instructions that the staff officers base themselves at Bassidore [Basaidu, Qeshm Island] rather than Bushire for security reasons, and that they commence their operations but postpone any despatches, due to the uncertainty regarding the initial destination of the reinforcements from BombayCorrespondence of the Resident in the Persian Gulf with the Bombay Government regarding his decision to send the staff officers to Bassidore and decision not to keep one British vessel in the Bushire Roads ‘for the protection of the Residency or of British subjects’ (f 78)Intelligence received from Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz [also spelled Sheeraz in this item] reporting the deterioration of Anglo-Persian relations and Persian military manoeuvres and war preparations, including: news of the departure from Tehran of HM Consul Richard Stevens; instructions to the British Agent at Sheeraz to leave that city; a list of Persian regiments in the Province of Fars and their commanding officers (ff 83-84); reports of Persian troop movements from Isfahan to Shiraz, Kirman [Kerman] and MohumrahDocuments, obtained by the Resident in the Persian Gulf and forwarded by the British Agent at Shiraz, indicating that Tahmasp Meerza, Prince of Shiraz and Prince Governor of Fars [Shāhzādah Ṭahmāsp/Ṭahmāsb Mīrzā Muʾayyid al-Dawlah] is soliciting, on behalf of the Shah, for a reconciliation with the British Government and the avoidance of military conflict whilst publically extolling the Persian capture of Herat and the march of Persian armies to Sheeraz (see ff 85-86, 88-89, 91-94)The decision of the Resident in the Persian Gulf to retain his title and exercise the functions of his role instead of putting himself at the disposal of Major-General Stalker in a military capacity.Physical description: 1 item (35 folios)