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169. The Anglo-Persian War: Anglo-Persian Relations
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises one enclosure to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 15 dated 27 January 1857. The enclosure is dated 27 January 1857.The enclosure comprises despatches, dated 9-23 December 1856, of Charles A Murray, HM Envoy in Persia [Iran] (located in Baghdad at this time), for the attention of the Earl of Clarendon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. A number of Murray’s despatches enclose translated extracts of the Tehran Gazette, 6 and 27 November, which Murray summarizes and provides his opinion on in his covering letters to Clarendon.The papers notably cover the following matters:The capture and occupation of Herat by Persian forces, including the Persian Government’s claims to have been preventing Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzay] from taking the city in collusion with Colonel Esau Khan [Colonel ‘Īsá Khān, an Alakuzā'ī chief of Herat and nephew of Dost Mahomed], and proposing to give up Herat on condition that the three principalities – Candahar [Kandahar], Afghanistan and Herat - remain independent of each other and subservient to PersiaThe extensive power and ‘nepotism’ of the Persian Sedr Azim [Mīrzā Āqā Khān Nūrī, Ṣadr-i Aʿẓam, Eʿtemād al-Dawlah], including the appointment of his ‘21 or 22 years of age’ son as Persian Minister at War (ff 245-246)The lavish welcome receptions granted to the French minister Prosper Bourée at Tabreez [Tabriz], and to Count Arthur de Gobineau, French Chargé d’Affaires at TehranThe withdrawal from Persia of the British Consul in Tehran, Richard White Stevens, and Persian allegations of Stevens’s ‘duplicitous’ departure and the debts owed to Persian citizens by his brotherIntelligence forwarded by Murray from reports of unverified conversations of the Persian Consul in Baghdad, including claims that the Persian Government is sending large reinforcements to Mohamrah [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammerah] and to Herat (to facilitate a march on Candahar), and claims that an agent of Russia is being sent to HeratA pro-Persian story published in a Belgian newspaper alleging that the Persian Government desires friendship with the British Government, and blaming the deterioration of relations between the two governments on the actions of British representatives in the region.Physical description: 1 item (26 folios)
170. Turkish Expedition to Nejd
- Description:
- Abstract: Letter and Enclosures to HM Secretary of State for India, dated 31 October 1871.The papers cover: the aims of the Ottoman military expedition against Nejd [Najd]; correspondence with Midhut Pasha, Governor General of Baghdad; British support for Bahrein [Bahrain]; the movements of British warships in the area (HMS Hugh Rose, HMS Magpie, HMS Bullfinch, and HMS Lynx); reports of the landing and operations of Turkish troops; the operations of Saood [Saud ibn Faisal ibn Turki Āl Sa‘ūd] against the Turkish force, and against his [half-] brother Abdoollah [Abdallah ibn Faisal ibn Turki Āl Sa‘ūd]; reports of the occupation of Guttur [Qatar] by the Turks; operations in Lahsa [Hasa]; correspondence concerning the ownership of the British steamer SS Snipe, which was reported to be conveying Turkish troops to Kateef [Al-Qaṭīf]; the monitoring of the coast of the Persian Gulf during the Turkish expedition; the movements of Turkish ships in the Persian Gulf; and further intelligence concerning Turkish operations.The main correspondents are Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Herbert, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia; and Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis Pelly, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf.The Enclosures are dated 20 May - 20 October 1871.Physical description: There is an Abstract of Contents on folios 455-458, numbered 1-42.
171. Persian Affairs
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 47 of 1856, dated 25 June 1856. The enclosures are dated 22 April-13 May 1856.The enclosures comprise copies of despatches sent by Richard W Stevens, HM Consul in Tehran, to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, copies of which are forwarded for the information of the Government of Bombay and the Government of India. The despatches chiefly relate to the Persian [Iranian] military campaign against Herat, notably:Intelligence that the Persian Army of Prince Sultan Moorad Meerza [Prince Sulṭān Murād Mīrzā] defeated the Heratees in a battle at Ghorian [Ghurian] which is now garrisoned by the Persian ArmyThe apparent plan of the Shah [Shāh] of Persia to also conquer Kandahar [also spelled Candahar in this item] where there is purported opposition to Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], and the order of a detachment of Persian troops to Kandahar via Seistan [Sistan]Unverified intelligence received from the news-writer at Meshed [Mashhad] that the brother of the Ruler of Herat, Mahommed Youssuf [Muḥammad Yūsuf], and Essau Khan [ʻĪsá Khān], the anti-Persian vizier of Herat, have arranged terms of surrender with Sultan Moorad MeerzaIntelligence received from an Italian officer (ff 395-396) whose brother is attached to the Persian Army of Herat, alleging: Essau Khan’s defection to the Persians; the surrender of Herat due to scarcity of provisions; the garrisoning of Herat on the orders of the Shah; the poor condition of the Persian Army; and the agreement of the Heratees to all of Persia’s terms apart from the permanent occupation of Herat. (The copy of the original intelligence is in Italian, with an English translation. A duplicate of the Italian letter and translation is in IOR/L/PS/5/487, ff 426-436, ff 430-432)Intelligence brought to Tehran by the post-master of Semnaan [Semnan] claiming that Persian regular troops had entered Herat, the postponement of celebrations in Tehran following reports that the news was false, and punishment of the messengerReports in Tehran that Essau Khan in fact discovered Mahommed Youssuf in secret talks with the Persian Commander, ousted him in a coup, expelled him to the Persian camp ironically offering him as peeshkesh [peshkash, a fine or a present to the ruling authority on receiving an appointment or assignment of revenue], and did not surrender to the Persians.The item also covers the following matters:Russia’s expression of friendship for Persia by withdrawal of protection to the family of a Russian subject who died in Persia last year owing the Persian Government half a million tomansThe Persian prime minister’s intention to spread anti-English propaganda, in Bokhara [Bukhara], Khiva and Afghanistan, following the Ottoman Sultan’s firman placing his ‘non-Mussulman’ [non-Muslim] subjects on equal footing with ‘Mahommedans’ [Muslims] (referring to the Treaty of Paris March 1856 in which an alliance of the Ottoman Empire, Great Britain, France and Sardinia ended the Crimean War with Russia)Intelligence from Asterabad [Gorgan] of the murder of the Khan of Khiva by a group of Turcomans [Turkmen] of the Yamoot [Yomut] tribe, and fighting between Yamoots and Yoozbegs [Uzbeks] potentially leaving Khiva vulnerable to Russian ‘designs’The circulation in Tehran of an article originally printed by a Persian-language newspaper in Bombay [Mumbai], and Stevens’s assertion that only a complete retraction by the Persian Government of the ‘unfounded accusations’ and ‘calumnious statement’ contained in it will repair the ‘injurious effect’ (f 387) on Britain’s image.Physical description: 1 item (16 folios)
172. Affairs in the Punjab and the Countries Beyond the Indus, notably Afghanistan and Persia
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of India Secret Department (Camp at Meerut) to the East India Company Secret Committee, Number 1 of 1838, dated 8 February 1838. The enclosures are dated 18 September 1837-7 February 1838.The primary correspondents are: Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent at Loodeana [Ludhiana, also spelled Loodiana, Lodhiana and other variations in this item]; William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India; and Captain Alexander Burnes, on a Mission to Cabool [Kabul, this spelling and other variations also used in this item].Enclosures 3-120 and 126-128 (ff 49-505 and ff 525-532) comprise despatches between Wade and Macnaghten and between Burnes and Macnaghten. The despatches concern British policy towards and relations with the ruling parties in Afghanistan and with the Sikh Ruler Maharajah Runjeet Singh [Maharaja Ranjit Singh, this spelling and variations of ‘Ranjit’ also used in this item]; the latter two’s relations with each other, notably over Peshawar [also spelled Peshwar and Peshawur in this item]; Afghan relations with Persia [Iran] and Russia; and other political, economic and military affairs in Afghanistan and the Punjab. Burnes’s despatches are forwarded to Macnaghten by Wade and often include Wade’s critical remarks on Burnes’s situation assessments and actions, in addition to Wade’s own political analyses. The correspondence takes place amid a rumoured then an actual Persian expedition to conquer Herat.The papers cover the following matters in detail:British relations with Maharajah Runjeet Singh, including: the issue of the return of Mazari territory to the Ameers of Sinde [Amīrs of Sindh] by Runjeet Singh; intelligence reports by Wade’s munshi [secretary] (ff 52-56, ff 110-115); correspondence regarding a potential meeting between Runjeet Singh and the Governor-General of India; and reports of Lieutenant Frederick Mackeson on affairs on the Peshawar frontier (ff 265-268, ff 272-274, ff 277-289)Relations of Herat with Persia and British policy regarding them, including: news of the arrival in Tehran of an envoy from Shah Kamran [Shāhzādah Kāmrān Durrānī], Ruler of Herat; and views of Burnes and Wade on the ‘designs’ of Persia on Herat (ff 297-301)British policy towards Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], Ruler of Cabool, including: Burnes’s reports from Cabool on his meetings with Dost Mahomed (ff 134-141, ff 360-369); Burnes’s and Wade’s views on the ambitions of Dost Mahomed regarding branches of his family in Candahar [Kandahar; this spelling is also used in this item] and Peshawar, and his relations with Persia and Russia; British encouragement of Dost Mahomed to seek a reconciliation with their ally Runjeet Singh; Burnes’s and Wade’s assessment of the geo-political situation on the western frontier of British dominions in India and the aim of maintaining a balance of power advantageous to Britain between Cabool, Candahar, Herat, Persia, the Punjab and Sinde and which might avert any alliances with Russia (ff 78-82, ff 345-358)Burnes’s activities with regard to Candahar, and Candahar’s relations with Cabool and Persia, including: Burnes’s efforts to prevent Sirdar Kohin Dil Khan [Sirdār Kuhandīl Khān Muḥammadzay] sending his son Mahomed Omar Khan [Muḥammad Umar Khān] with an envoy, to conciliate Persia (ff 235-237); Kohin Dil Khan’s and his chief advisor’s letters to Dost Mahomed expressing obedience to the Ameer of Cabool, fear of Persia and the desire to depose the Ruler of Herat who repeatedly threatens to attack Candahar (ff 379-383); and Burnes’s instructions to Lieutenant Robert Leech, whom he deputes to Candahar with an offer of monetary and military support in the event of Persia conquering Herat (ff 471-477)Dost Mahomed Khan’ s relations with Russia and Persia, and British policy regarding them, including: Burnes’s alarm at the arrival in Cabool of a Russian agent, Captain Waitcawitch [Jan Prosper Witkiewicz] (ff 444-449); Wade’s detailed views on the positions of Persia and Russia in connection with Dost Mahomed and Afghanistan and the policy of discouraging the latter’s ‘ambitions’ (ff 415-421); and Macnaghten’s disapproval of Burnes’s promise of troops and pecuniary aid to the rulers of Candahar in the event of the Russian-supported Persian capture of Herat (ff 451-457)The Persian expedition against Herat, including: news of the defeat of Ghurian [Ghuryan, also spelled Ghoorian in this item] and siege of Herat; and Wade’s suggestion that Lieutenant Eldred Pottinger, detained by the Herat authorities, act as a mediator (albeit without authority from the Government of India), provide intelligence, and ensure that Kamran Shah resists Persia.The following matters and documents are also included:Wade’s response to overtures of friendship made to him by Mir Alam Khan [Mīr ‘Ālim Khān], Ruler of Bajour, and Fatah Khan Panjtari, [Fatḥ Khān, Ruler of Panjtar] (ff 124-125)Disruption to the indigo trade in Cabool caused by differences between the Governor of Mooltan [Multan] and the Ruler of Bhawalpoor (ff 132-133, ff 152-153)A report by Lieutenant Leech, Bombay Engineers, entitled ‘Description of the Khyber Pass and of the Tribes inhabiting it’ (ff 143-150)Praise by Wade and Burnes of intelligence provided by Charles Masson in Cabool (ff 180-183)Burnes’s emphasis on conciliating the Lohani [a Pashtun tribe] ‘chiefs’, described by Wade as ‘meritorious merchants’ (f 184)Burnes’s report on the ‘commercial views and prospects of Russia in Central Asia’ (f 203), notably Russia’s relations with the rulers of Bokhara, Khiva [also referred to as ‘Orgunge’] and Kokan (ff 199-207)Burnes’s deputation of Dr Percival Lord and Lieutenant John Wood to Meer Moorad Beg [Mīr Murād Beg] Uzbeck ruler of Koondooz [Uzbek ruler of Kunduz], to treat the eye ailment of Moorad Beg’s brother (ff 251-263), and Macnaghten’s approbation for Burnes’s improvement of British relations with Koondooz.Enclosures 121-125 (ff 506-524) comprise despatches between Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pottinger, Agent to the Governor-General for Sinde, and Macnaghten, notably regarding the apparent procrastination of the Ameers of Sinde over the establishment of a British Resident in their territory. Also covered is the progress made by Lieutenant Thomas Greer Carless in his survey of the Indus and Kurachee [Karachi] Harbour.Physical description: 1 item (505 folios)
173. File 3467/1919 'MESOPOTAMIA POLICE REPORTS'
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains weekly police reports from the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Baghdad, covering events in Iraq [sometimes referred to in the volume as Mesopotamia] under British occupation in 1919-20, including during the Iraqi Revolt. The reports contain intelligence about the movements and activities of various individuals and groups known or believed to be opposed to the British occupation, and about opinions, rumours and activities among the general populace. They also contain copies of newspaper reports, pamphlets and posters covering the occupation, the Revolt and Iraqi independence.The reports are primarily focused on supporters of Iraqi independence and general anti-British feeling and activities. They also cover:Support for a united Arab state including Iraq, Syria, Palestine and Lebanon, and support for the same also including the Hejaz and YemenSupport for Iraq to return to Ottoman ruleActivities of Bolsheviks [Communists, also referred to as Bolshevists in the volume] in IraqAnti-British and pro-independence alliances between Shia and Sunni Muslims, and between Muslims, Christians and JewsReactions to the San Remo Conference, 19-26 April 1920, which determined League of Nations mandates over Iraq, Palestine and Syria.Much of the intelligence within the reports is unsubstantiated or based on rumour, and the volume also contains correspondence concerning the potential usefulness of the reports.As well as the Assistant Commissioner, the primary correspondents are: the Civil Commissioner, Mesopotamia; the Military Governor of Baghdad; the Foreign Office; and the India Office.The volume contains a single folio in Arabic, a poem by Ma’ruf al Risari [Maruf al Rusafi] (f 175).The volume includes a divider which gives the subject number, the year the subject file was opened, the subject heading, and a list of correspondence references by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 637; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Multiple intermittent additional mixed foliation/pagination sequences are also present. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.
174. 'CORRECTIONS TO MILITARY REPORT ON PERSIA, 1911'
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume consists of corrections to the Military Report on Persia(1911). This volume was produced in 1914 (1st series) by the General Staff, India.It contains corrections for sections on the country's history; geography; resources; army; naval forces; places of strategic importance and military notes; ports, harbours and islands; arms and ammunition; administration; and communications.Printed at the Government Monotype Press, Simla, 1915.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 53; these numbers are printed or written in pencil, and are located in the top centre of the recto side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front cover. The back cover is missing.
175. Reports from the Caucasus
- Description:
- Abstract: Translations of two letters from an informant of Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], dated 3 and 8 May 1802.The letters concern Russian activity in the Caucasus and Caspian Sea, reporting: movements of Russian troops and ships; embassies from Shaku [Shaki] and Shirvan [Sirvan] to Tehran seeking assistance against Russia; and the planned flight of Armenian merchants from Baku, Enzelee [Bandar-e Anzali], Ghilan [Gilan], and Tehran in anticipation of conflict.These letters were enclosed in Jones’s letter to Marquess Wellesley, Governor-General of Bengal, dated 20 June 1802 (IOR/L/PS/9/76/245).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
176. Intelligence Report ('Newsletter')
- Description:
- Abstract: Intelligence report, entitled ‘Newsletter', dated 11 May 1839, covering: Peshawur [Peshawar]; the Army of the Indus; (chiefly regarding its approach to Candahar [Kandahar]); Upper Scinde [Sindh]; Joudhpore [Jodhpur]; Jhansi; Bithoor [Bithur]; Nipal [Nepal]; Ava [Inwa]; and Items of General Intelligence.Physical description: 1 item (9 folios)
177. Intelligence report from Persia
- Description:
- Abstract: An intelligence report received from messengers sent by Samuel Manesty, Resident in Bussora [Basra], to the Royal Camp in Persia [Iran].The report covers developments in the war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1804-1813], describing the positions, strength, and actions of Russian and Persian troops around Erivan [Yerevan].The report was enclosed in Manesty's letter to the Chairman of the Court of Directors of the East India Company dated 13 October 1804 (found in IOR/L/PS/9/76/368).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
178. Ext 6116/46(S) 'Secret Weekly Political Intelligence Summaries, nos 356-416, August 1946-November 1947'
- Description:
- Abstract: This file contains a set of Weekly Political Intelligence Summaries published by the Foreign Office. The summaries are numbered, and begin from 356 at the back of the file, and end with number 416 at the front. The weekly reports contain military and political intelligence spanning all theatres of the Second World War and its immediate aftermath, and are divided in to sections by geographic region.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 480; 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.
179. Ext 5821/43 'General Hurley's mission to Persia and China'
- Description:
- Abstract: This file contains papers that discuss the visit by American President Roosevelt, and General Patrick Jay Hurley to Afghanistan, Persia, as part of a broader trip to China and the 'Eastern Theatre' of the Second World War. The papers primarily consist of British intelligence reports on the exchanges of these senior American figures, and their lower ranking colleagues with their counterparts in Afghanistan. Some papers detail these discussions with regards to the potential for oil concessions and arms deals. Finally, a few papers discuss Russian intentions in central Asia and possible Russian intentions in the Persian Gulf.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 42; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
180. Letters from Informants to Harford Jones
- Description:
- Abstract: This item contains translations of two letters:1. A letter from Mohammed Reza Khan [Muḥammad Rezā Khān], Persian representative in Kerbela [Karbala], to Harford Jones, Resident in Bagdad [Baghdad], dated 14 August 1802. Mohammed Reza Khan reports that he is returning to Kerbela and forwards news from the campaign of the Shah [Fatḥ-‘Alī Shāh Qājār] in Khorasan.2. A letter from an informant of Harford Jones, sent from Erezeroum [Erzurum] and dated 7 August 1802. The letter concerns affairs in the Caucasus, including Russian troop movements and conflict between Erivan [Yerevan] and Kars.These translations were originally enclosed in the letter from Jones to Alexander Stratton, HM Minister Plenipotentiary to the Ottoman Empire, dated 23 September 1802 (IOR/L/PS/9/76/276).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)