1. 'Events and transactions connected with the affairs of our North Western Frontier'

Description:

Abstract: Enclosures no. 2-66 to dispatch no. 4 from the Secret Department, Bombay Castle, dated 20 February 1839. The enclosures are dated 4 November 1837-16 May 1838.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Afghanistan, the Sikh Empire and Sindh. Much of the correspondence is concerned with the invasion of Herat by Persia [Iran], specifically:A treaty between the Shah of Persia [Mohammad Shah Qajar] and the chiefs of Kandahur [Kandahar, also spelt Candahar in the file], and the eventual renunciation of the treaty by the chiefs on the belief that the Shah had violated its termsThe surrender of Gorian [Ghurian, also spelt Ghorian in the file] to the Persian army after a ten-day siegeThe return to Herat of Kamran Shah and the city’s re-fortificationA meeting between the Shah of Persia and the Governor of Khorasan at Sahrood Boostan [Shahrud Bastam]The siege of HeratReactions to Persia’s actions by Dost Mahomed [Mohammad] Khan, Emir of Afghanistan, and his exiled predecessor Shah Shuja [Shah Shujah Durrani]A request by Yar Mohamed Khan, Vizier of Herat, for assistance from Candahar, Bhokhara [Bukhara] and Toorkistan [Turkestan].Other topics covered include:Intelligence reports believed to be inaccurate or unreliableReports of two thousand armed Baloches [Balochis] assembling near Rojhun [Rojhan]The return of Ranjit Singh, Maharajah of the Sikh Empire, to LahoreThe surrender of Bahram Khan Mazari to the Governor of Multan [Diwan Sawan Mal Chopra], and the return of his possessionsThe unauthorised publication of a secret Government of India despatch in Bombay [Mumbai] newspapersArrangements for a visit to the Sikh Empire by the Governor-General of India and a meeting between him and the MaharajahAn account of the roads between Peshawar and Cabool [Kabul]Reports of a Russian agent at CaboolA perceived threat of invasion of Peshawar by Sardar Mahamad Akbur Khan [Wazir Akbar Khan], Emir of CaboolNegotiations for stationing a British Resident in SindhFabricated credentials of Haji Hoosain Ali Khan, who had claimed to be a representative of the Government of CaboolDebts left behind by the late Dr Gerard, surgeon with the British mission to Cabool.The primary correspondents are: Colonel Claude Martin Wade, Political Agent, Loodianah [Ludhiana]; Lieutenant Frederick Mackeson, on a mission to Peshawar; Captain Alexander Burnes, on a mission to Cabool; and the Government of India.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 406, and terminates at f 603, 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. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.

2. 'Recent events in Persia.'

Description:

Abstract: This file consists of a report, written by Sir Arthur Hirtzel, Political Secretary, India Office, which provides the British perspective on recent events in Persia, from mid-1916 to early 1917. The report is divided into sections using headings, which cover the following locations: Tehran, Ispahan, Fars, Bushire, Kerman, Seistan and Khorassan.The report discusses the threat posed to Britain's position in Persia, mainly by Turkish troops, but also by tribal groups which are reportedly under the influence of German agitators.The report states that the Persian Government has acquiesced in the formation of a force [South Persia Rifles] commanded by Sir Percy Sykes, which will be incorporated into the Persian army and will amount to 11,000 men.The report concludes that the situation across Persia is 'in the highest degree unstable', with Turkish forces occupying 30,000 square miles of Persian territory.The report is followed by a cutting from the Daily Telegraph, dated 21 February 1917, which reports on a House of Lords session from the previous day, in which Earl Curzon [George Nathaniel Curzon] is reported to have spoken about Sir Percy Sykes's mission, and to have described the improvement in the general situation in Persia as considerable.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 68, and terminates at f 74, 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.

3. ‘Plate I. Showing Officers Badges of Rank on Shoulder Straps (Field Service Order) with Colours of Branches of Service.’

Description:

Abstract: The illustration features badges for Persian army ranks of: Naib Sewum(office personnel); Naib Dowan(cavalry); Naib Awwal(artillery); Sultan(engineers); Yamar(transport); Naib Sarhang(staff); Sarhang(veterinary); Sartip(infantry); Amir Lashkar; Sipahbod[Spāhbed]; and Farmandeh Kul Qushun.A note underneath the illustration states: ‘Shoulder strap edging for General Officers has not been inserted as this varies according to the branch of service. Medical Officers have brown edging.’Physical description: Dimensions: 300 x 190 mm.Materials: Printed in colour on paper.

4. ‘Plate II. Plate showing Badges of Rank of Non-Commissioned Officers. Field Service Order.’

Description:

Abstract: Showing: cuff badges for Tabin Awwaland Sirjougeh; shoulder badges for Wakil Chap(infantry); Wakil Rast(cavalry); Wakil Bashi(artillery); and Moin Naib(transport). A note states that ‘the colour of the shoulder strap varies with the branch of the service.’Physical description: Dimensions: 80 x 150 mm, on sheet 315 x 187 mm.Materials: Printed in colour on paper.

5. ‘Plate III. Plate showing Pattern of Numerals as worn on Shoulder Straps of Regiments’

Description:

Abstract: Illustrations of the Arabic numerals 1-9 and 0, with an additional illustration of a shoulder strap for the Naib Dowumof the 10th (Qahreman) Cavalry Regiment, indicating the placement of the regiment number.Physical description: Dimensions: 60 x 130 mm, on sheet 315 x 187 mm.Materials: Printed in colour on paper.

6. 'British Interests in Persia and the South Persia Military Police.'

Description:

Abstract: This file consists of a report which is dated 20 June 1916 and is attributed to Richard Alexander Steel, Military Attaché of the Indian Army. The report concerns British interests in Persia and the recent formation of the South Persia Military Police (abbreviated to SPMP in this file and later known as the South Persia Rifles).The report begins with a brief summary of the events leading up to the present situation, before summarising both the Russian and the British position in Persia. The report describes the circumstances in which the SPMP was formed, and then goes on to provide suggestions for how the force should be organised and distributed. Steel advises that the force embrace the whole of the so-called neutral sphere, and also suggests that it would be 'sheer folly to economize in the number of British officers employed.'The report is followed by two appendices. The first appendix, dated 19 June 1916 and also written by Steel, provides available information regarding the SPMP, including its objectives, details of its personnel, and its financial details (Steel anticipates that half of its expenses will be borne by the Government of India and the other half by the Imperial Government).The second appendix, dated 12 April 1914 and also attributed to Steel, is an abstract of the budget of the Government Gendarmerie, Persia, for 1914-1915. This appendix has two appendices of its own: the first is a summary of Gendarmerie forces as proposed in the preceding budget; the second appendix provides details of the pay of Persian ranks and of the initial cost and upkeep of horses, uniform, equipment and saddlery.A third appendix to the initial report is listed in the contents; however, this appendix has been transferred to another file.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 79, and terminates at f 107, 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.

7. 'Persia - policy to be pursued towards. Minute by the Viceroy of 29 December 1871 with a note'

Description:

Abstract: The file consists of a memorandum and additional note by Lord Mayo, Viceroy and Governor-General of India in Council, concerning British policy in Persia.It expresses Lord Mayo's opinion on Anglo-Indian foreign policy such as building relations of friendship, the maintenance of peace, and opposing the interference of any European power in Persia's affairs. Discussed are: boundary disputes, relations with Russia, and the suggested employment of Indo-British officers in the Persian service.The note describes the military force of Persia, and focuses on instances where British officers attached to the Persian army were forced to withdraw, which is used to demonstrate the need for a new system of external policy or internal military administration. It also includes extracts from Sir William Kaye's Lives of Indian Officers: Illustrative of the History of the Civil and Military Service of India. Vol. 2(London: A. Strahan and Co., 1867), on Major D'Arcy Todd who wrote on the treatment of British officers and the state of army affairs generally in Persia 1833-38.The file has been annotated with markings and comments on key words and points.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 137, and terminates at f 143, 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.

8. 'Affairs of the Persian Gulf'

Description:

Abstract: Enclosures nos. 2-40 to a dispatch from the Secret Department, Bombay [Mumbai] Castle, dated 28 February 1840. The enclosures are dated 29 December 1839-28 February 1840. The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in the Persian Gulf, including:The possible establishment of a Political Agency or Residency at Muscat, and lessons learned by the failure of an earlier Residency thereA prohibition on any trade or communication with Karack [Kharg] by the Governor of Bushire [Bushehr], and a Persian [Iranian] blockade of Bushire after the murder of the previous GovernorRelations between the Imam of Muscat and Seid Humood bin Azan [Sayyid Syf bin Hamud Al Bu Sa’id], Chief of SoharA mission by Captain Atkins Hammerton [or Hamerton] to facilitate a reconciliation between the Shaik of the Beni Kuttub [Beni Qitab] and the Shaik of Brymee [Al Buraimi], in order to better resist the advance of Khorshid Pasha, General of Egyptian ForcesConsideration of the poor state of the Imam’s forces and that he may require British aid in order to resist Khorshid Pasha.The primary correspondents are the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, the Assistant Resident in the Persian Gulf, and the Government of India. Other correspondents include: Captain Hammerton; the Superintendent of the Indian Navy; the Native Agent, Lingah [Bandar Lengeh]; the Native Agent, Muscat; and the Imam of Muscat.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 464, and terminates at f 584, 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.

9. ‘Affairs of Aden’

Description:

Abstract: Enclosure nos. 2-41 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay [Mumbai], dated 30 November 1844. The enclosures are dated 27 August-27 November 1844.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Aden and East Africa, including:Reports that an army led by the Imam of Sana [Sana’a] is marching in the direction of Aden, with the apparent intention of attacking Lahidge [Lahej], and has reached as far as Ereem [Yarim], but has been halted by news of the usurpation of Sana by the Imam’s uncleReports that the Sultan of Ourlghee [Aulaqi] also intends to attack Lahidge, but requires permission from the Sultan of Fouthelee [Fadhli] to march through his territoryA request from M Houssain Fudthel [Sultan Muḥsin bin Faḍl al-‘Abdalī], Sultan of Lahedge, for shot and powder to aid in his defenceThe high rate of illness among the troops at Aden, a request for the worst cases to be invalided out, and the need for reinforcementsReports of a massacre and mass enslavement committed by the King of Shoa [Shewa]Payment of a grant to the Assistant Political Agent, Aden, to cover his expenses from his tour of the coast of East AfricaThe need of extensive repairs to, or replacement of, the building currently housing the Political Agent’s office and the Agency Treasury.The primary correspondents are: the Political Agent, Aden; Lieutenant-Colonel William Croker, commanding the troops at Aden; the Sultan of Lahedge; the Superintendent of the Indian Navy; the Quartermaster-General, Bombay; and the Government of India.Physical description: 1 item (85 folios)

10. ‘Affairs of Aden’

Description:

Abstract: Enclosure nos. 2-11 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay [Mumbai], dated 31 December 1844. The enclosures are dated 11 November-20 December 1844.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Aden and East Africa, including:An agreement to six months’ peace between the Sultans of Lahidge [Lahej] and Fouthelee [Fadhli], preventing a planned attack on Lahidge by the Sultan of Ourlghee [Aulaqi]Reports that an army led by the Imam of Sana [Sana’a] remains at Ereem [Yarim], but is gaining followersAn outbreak of smallpox in AdenThe need of repairs to the only remaining minaret in Aden.The primary correspondent is the Political Agent, Aden.Physical description: 1 item (19 folios)

11. 'Handbook of the Persian Army'

Description:

Abstract: This volume is a handbook of the Persian Army, produced by the General Staff Branch, India, for the use of Government of India officials. It was published in Delhi by the Government of India Press. The handbook aims to provide an overview of the construction and operation of the Persian Army, and covers a number of topics which are outlined in the table of contents (folio 5), including: historical background, geography, material resources, artillery, technical troops, transportation and military education.There is an appendix containing a glossary of names of ranks and branches within the Persian Army (folio 58). Between folios 59-68 are illustrative plates featuring pictures of officers' badges of rank and of various members of the Persian military dressed in their full uniform according to their position in the Army. The volume contains an index (folios 69-70) and there is a map enclosed in a pocket in the back inside cover (IOR/L/MIL/17/15/37, f 72).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 73; 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.

12. 'Mesopotamia Administrative Council. Control of South Persian Rifles.'

Description:

Abstract: This file concerns control of the South Persian Rifles [South Persia Rifles]. The file consists of the following seven telegrams, which were submitted to the War Cabinet:Secretary of State for India [Joseph Austen Chamberlain] to the Viceroy of India [Frederic John Napier Thesiger], 19 March 1917;Sir Charles Murray Marling, British Minister at Tehran, to Lord Hardinge [Charles Hardinge, former Viceroy of India], 23 April 1917;Viceroy of India [Frederic John Napier Thesiger], addressed to Sir Percy Sykes and repeated to the British Minster at Tehran and the Secretary of State for India, 25 April 1917;Secretary of State for India to the Viceroy of India, 14 May 1917;Viceroy of India to the Secretary of State for India, 19 May 1917;Sir Charles Murray Marling, British Minister at Tehran, to the Government of India, 13 June 1917;Sir Charles Murray Marling, British Minister at Tehran, to the Government of India, 13 June 1917.The telegrams are concerned with how and by whom the South Persian Rifles should be controlled. In his telegram of 14 May 1917, the Secretary of State for India informs the Viceroy of India that the Foreign Office has proposed that all technical questions regarding the organisation, distribution, and handling of the force should be placed under the Government of India's control, and that the British Legation at Tehran should decide for what purpose force is to be used, as well all matters involving political interests.In his telegram of 19 May 1917, the Viceroy argues that the Government of India cannot accept responsibility for the organisation and distribution of the South Persian Rifles unless it is invested with full authority to decide the purposes for which force is to be used.Sir Charles Murray Marling, in his telegrams dated 13 June 1917, argues that greater freedom should be given to the Inspector-General of the South Persian Rifles [Sir Percy Sykes], both in financial matters and in the appointment of Persian and British officers. He suggests that the only possible way of making a success of the South Persian Rifles is to make it a truly Persian force to be used by the Persian Government.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 108, and terminates at f 109, 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 volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.