Abstract: A translation of a ruckhum [raqm, chancery letter] from Abbas Meerza [‘Abbās Mīrzā Qājār], Crown Prince of Persia [Iran], to the East India Company Envoy to Persia, Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, dated Mohurrum [Muharram 1244]/July-August 1928.The letter relates to the abrogation of the third and fourth articles of the Definitive Treaty, which concern British subsidies and military aid to Persia. Abbas Meerza expresses the hope for a new arrangement between Britain and Persia to replace the treaty articles, stressing the need for continued ties with Britain in light of recent events. The letter also asks Macdonald Kinneir to send information about the war between Turkey [Ottoman Empire] and Russia [Russo-Turkish War, 1828-29].This document was originally enclosed, numbered 1 in dispatch No. 114, in Macdonald Kinneir’s dispatch No. 36 to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company of 5 October 1828 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/262).Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: Dispatch No. 115 from the East India Company Envoy to Persia [Iran], Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, to Andrew Stirling, Acting Secretary to the Government of Bengal, dated 25 August 1828.Macdonald Kinneir reports that the Persian Government has agreed to the ratification of the abrogation of the third and fourth articles of the Definitive Treaty, which concern British subsidies and military aid to Persia, in exchange for a contribution of 200,000 tomans from Macdonald Kinneir towards a payment to secure the withdrawal of Russian troops from Khoee [Khoy] in accordance with the Treaty of Toorkmanchaee [Turkemchay], and forwards related correspondence (IOR/L/PS/9/71/290-294). Macdonald Kinneir states that he will not forward the ratification to the Government of Bengal until he has heard back about the proposed modification of the Definitive Treaty, and also voices suspicions that the Russian forces hope to occupy Khoee indefinitely.The letter also reports on civil conflict in Khorassan [Khorasan], including the capture of Meshed [Mashhad] by Reza Khouli Khan Zaferanloo [Rezā Qulī Khān Za’farānlū], and developments in the war between Turkey [Ottoman Empire] and Russia [Russo-Turkish War, 1828-29].This document was originally enclosed in Macdonald Kinneir’s dispatch No. 36 to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India Company of 5 October 1828 (IOR/L/PS/9/71/262).Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
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 3 of 1838, dated 3 March 1838. The enclosures are dated 14-28 February 1838.The papers relate to the postponement of the proposed meeting between Maharaja Runjeet [Ranjit] Singh, Ruler of the Punjab, and the Governor-General of India until the end of the next rainy season. They comprise: a despatch from William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India to Captain Claude Martine Wade, Political Agent in Loodhiana [Ludhiana, also spelled Loodiana in this item]; and a despatch from Wade to Macnaghten forwarding a letter from Lieutenant Frederick Mackeson (at the camp of Runjeet Singh) and the latter’s translation of Runjeet Singh’s reply to a letter from the Governor-General of India.Physical description: 1 item (20 folios)
Abstract: The volume continues on from IOR/R/15/1/638 in discussing a proposed Oil Concession for Kuwait which is negotiated by Major Frank Holmes on behalf of the Eastern and General Syndicate Limited.The correspondence focuses on a proposed clause in the draft concession agreement, known as the 'Nationality Clause', which would prevent non-British companies from obtaining a concession in Kuwait, and which the Shaikh of Kuwait and His Majesty's Government wish to enforce, but which the Syndicate object to as they are American-owned.Central to the correspondence is a letter from Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ, Shaikh of Kuwait, to Major Frank Holmes in which the Shaikh implies that he would be willing to forego the Nationality Clause if the British Government are willing for it to be omitted and thus transfers the onus of responsibility for the clause to His Majesty's Government (folio 35). This leads to substantial correspondence on the matter between the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the India Office and the Government of India, as well input from the Admiralty, Air Ministry and Petroleum Department over the need for such a clause and the military and strategic implications of non-British interests in Kuwait.Also included with this correspondence are letters between the Foreign Office and the US Embassy regarding the United States of America's concerns that Americans are being excluded from negotiating concessions in Kuwait, and their expectations that any concession in Kuwait should be on the same terms as those granted in Bahrain.Further correspondence and documents of interest include:A new draft agreement, drawn up following the decision to drop the Nationality Clause (folios 180-204);Copies of correspondence regarding the question of jurisdiction in Kuwait over non-Muslim foreign powers and referencing an agreement by the Shaikh of Kuwait in 1925 which granted the power of jurisdiction to His Majesty;s Government;The Senior Naval Officer's confidential proceedings of 31 May 1931: 'The status of the Islands of Farsi, Harkis, Al Kuran and Arifi';Correspondence relating to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company who are undertaking a geological survey of Kuwait and considering whether to apply for a concession;A letter by Colonel Dickson, Political Agent in Kuwait, detailing a conversation with Major Frank Holmes in which he outlines where he believes the oil to be in the Persian Gulf, and including, on folio 58, a sketch map of the three principal oil lines that Holmes believes to exist (folios 55-57);Proposed amendments to the clauses of Holmes second draft agreement (found in IOR/R/15/1/638), written before the agreement to drop the Nationality Clause was reached, written by Dr Fermor, Director of the Geological Survey of India (folios 114-126);A letter from the Air Ministry, 19 March 1932, requesting assurances that all possible steps will be taken to maintain the British position in the Gulf and highlighting the need to safeguard oil supplies as they are the main propellant of the RAF (folios 133-134);Memorandum by the Admiralty expressing their concerns over future complications which could arise in the Gulf and their strategic objections to potential oil supplies not being in British control, and outlining current arrangements for obtaining and protecting those supplies (folios169-173).Physical description: Foliation: The file has two sets of foliation; the principal foliation used in the catalogue starts on the first folio and concludes on the last and comprises pencil numbers enclosed in a circle located in the top right corner of the recto of each folio, excepting folios 159-162 where the numbers are not circled. The second foliation sequence is incomplete and covers the first folio of writing through to folio 211, with gaps in between. It comprises of pencil numbers (not circled) also located in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. From folios 100 onwards the numbers have been crossed through where they appear.Foliation anomalies: 3ACondition: The volume has been disbound
Abstract: The item consists of copies of correspondence regarding issues requiring the attention of the Political Resident, Persian Gulf. These include:A complaint from the Shaikh of Bushire concerning undelivered goods from a British ship, the
Duke of BedfordShips from the Gulf arriving at ports in India without proper documentationIncidences of piracy in the GulfThe possibility of war between the emirates of Sharjah and Abu DhabiA tour of the Gulf by the Resident and a potential visit to Bombay [Mumbai, India]The staffing and finances of the ResidencyAn overview by the Resident of the state of the British naval forces in the GulfPrecautions in the Gulf following an outbreak of plague in Baghdad, Iraq.The correspondence consists mainly of letters between the Government of Bombay and the Political Resident. Other correspondents include the Senior Marine Officer in the Persian Gulf and the Imam of Muscat.The bulk of the item dates from October 1827-September 1828, but a copy of a letter dated 25 August 1807 is included for reference.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 153 and terminates at the last folio with 380; 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 item consists of copies of correspondence regarding the political situation in the Persian Gulf, particularly relating to the conduct of British officials in their interactions with Gulf rulers and the settling of disagreements between themselves.A large portion of the correspondence (ff 35-103) deals with the conduct of Captain Betham of the
Clive, including his refusal to accept the authority of deputies appointed by the Political Resident, Persian Gulf, and a confrontation between him and the Shaikh of Bushire.The correspondence also covers the maintenance of good relations between the British and Persian [Iranian] governments (ff 114-129), and the possibility of war between the emirates of Sharjah and Abu Dhabi (ff 134-40).As well as Captain Betham and the Political Resident, the primary correspondents are the Government of Bombay and the Senior Marine Officer in the Persian Gulf.The bulk of the item dates from August-December 1827, but copies of letters dated 19 July 1824 and 8 April 1827 are included for reference.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at f 3 and terminates at f 152 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 item comprises one enclosure to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee: Bombay Secret Letter 8 September 1828.The enclosure consists of a memorandum by the President in Council, John Malcolm, on the condition of affairs in Persia [Iran] as these may concern the future peace and security of the territories of the Presidency. His account is based on his diplomatic experience in Persia and includes his opinions on: past events and diplomatic missions; Britain’s position in the context of international relations notably vis-à-vis Russia and France; and how, in his opinion, Britain should cultivate a continuous, good relationship with Persia. The account was written at Dharpooree [Dapuri], dated 1 September 1828.Physical description: The despatch comprises one enclosure (unnumbered).
Abstract: Letter and Enclosures to HM Secretary of State for India, dated 17 October 1871, concerning the Rebellion of Mahomed Yacoob Khan [Mohammad Yaqub Khan] in Afghanistan.The papers cover: telegram from Charles Alison, HBM's Minister at Teheran [Tehran], concerning Persian policy in Afghanistan (folio 157); 'Narrative of Recent Events in Afghanistan, from the Recovery of Candahar to the Conclusion of the Rebellion of Yacoob Khan', by Henry LePoer Wynne, Under-Secretary to the Government of India, 28 August 1871, including references to the policy of the Persian Government on Yaqub Khan's presence in Persian territory (folios 222-225); and translated intelligence reports from the Agent at Meshed, June 1871.The Enclosures are dated 9 June to 28 August 1871.Physical description: 1 item (87 folios)
Abstract: The file contains notes, telegrams, and letters, regarding: the invitation by General Ritter and General Giles, of the United States of America, to five Turkish Army officers, including the Deputy Chief of Staff and the Director of Military Training, and Prince Peter of Greece, to pay a short visit to India, China and Burma, travelling in General Giles’s aircraft; and the omission by the United States military authorities to seek prior consent for the visit from the Government of India and South East Asia Command.It largely consists of: copies of telegrams between the Foreign Office and the Supreme Allied Command South East Asia, and between the Foreign Office and Sir Maurice Peterson (British Ambassador to Turkey), Istanbul; and telegrams from the Secretary of State for India to the Government of India, External Affairs Department. It also includes copies of correspondence between British Chargé d’Affaires at Washington and the United States Department of State.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 39; 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 2-39; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: This file contains negotiations regarding the desire of Mar Shimun, the Patriarch of the Assyrians, to pay visit to either Iraq or Syria for ecclesiastical matters. Consisting mainly of correspondence between Mar Shimun, the Foreign Office, the India Office, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Government of India, the subjects discussed include:Whether Iraq or Syria would permit Mar Shimun's entry.Whether His Majesty's Government will continue to pay a maintenance allowance for Mar Shimun's family.The travel and visa arrangements required for Mar Shimun to be allowed re-entry into the United States.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 29; these numbers are written in pencil and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: This file contains correspondence between the Viceroy, the Foreign Office, the Secretary of State for the Government of India, and the HM Ambassador, Baghdad regarding the idea of a visit by the Regent of Iraq to India.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 22; these numbers are written in pencil and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: This file consists of a single telegram regarding the proposed visit of Persian Ministry of Finance representative to the Government of India.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 4; these numbers are written in pencil and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.