Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, an extract of a Political letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 31 March 1852. It is the first in a series of eight items about the Persian Gulf.The letter makes brief references to recent events in the Gulf. Related enclosures can be found at: IOR/F/4/2475/138724; IOR/F/4/2475/138725; IOR/F/4/2475/138726; IOR/F/4/2475/138728; IOR/F/4/2475/138729; IOR/F/4/2475/138730; and IOR/F/4/2475/138731.The item also contains correspondence from Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, to the Government of Bombay regarding his imminent departure from the role of Resident and his last tour of the Arabian Coast of the Gulf, on which he is accompanied by his successor, Captain Arnold Burrowes Kemball. Hennell's correspondence includes reports on his conversations with numerous rulers on the coast, including:Shaik Sultan bin Sugger, Joosmee 'Chief', of Shargah [Shaikh Sulṭān I bin Ṣaqr al-Qāsimī, Leader of al-Qawāsim tribe, of Ra’s al-Khaymah and Sharjah]Shaik Abdoollah bin Rashed, leader of Amulgavine [Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Rāshid al-Mu’allā, Shaikh of Umm al-Qaywayn]Syed Saeed, Imam of Muscat [Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Sulṭān Āl Bū Sa‘īd, Imām of Muscat]Shaik Saud bin Thanoon, Chief of Aboothabee and Shaik of the Bunyas [Shaikh Sa‘īd bin Ṭaḥnūn Āl Nahyān, Shaikh of Abu Dhabi and the Banī Yās tribe]Shaik Mukhtoom of Debaye [Shaikh Maktūm I bin Buṭṭī Āl Bū Falāsah, Shaikh of Dubai].The conversations cover several topics, notably:Acts of 'piracy' committed by Abdool Ruheem bin Sabir [‘Abd al-Raḥīm bin Ṣābir] and Soheil bin Ateesh [Suhayl bin ‘Uṭaysh]The upcoming expiration of the current maritime truceComplaints by Shaik Abdool Ruhman of Kishm [Shaikh ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Ṣaqr al-Mu‘īnī, Shaikh of Qeshm]Relations between past and current rulers of Bahrein [Bahrain]Recent tensions between Syed Saeed and Syed Ges bin Azan of Sohar [Sayyid Qays bin ‘Azzān Āl Bū Sa‘īd of Suhar].The item also contains minutes by the Governor of Bombay, as well as a copy of Hennell's instructions for James McAllister, Civil Surgeon, who is in charge at Bushire [Bushehr] during Hennell and Kemball's absences.Hennell is also referred to as the Resident at Bushire. There are multiple spellings for individuals’ names and place names.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department', 'Draft No. 733 of 1852', 'Collection No. 7 (in 8 volumes)', 'Vol: 1', and 'Examiner's Office'. Originally, the Collection number was given as '1 of No. 35' but this has been crossed out.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 917, and terminates at f 934, 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: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence cited in, or enclosed with, a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 16 June 1847. A copy of this Political Letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2238/112322, alongside details of further enclosures. The item is the fifth in a series of fifty-nine items on events in the Persian Gulf.The item relates to reports by Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, on his visits in April and May 1847 with:Shaik Abdool Rahman, Chief of Kishm [Shaikh ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Ṣaqr al-Mu‘īnī, Shaikh of Qeshm]Shaik Mukhtoom bin Butye, Chief of Debaye [Shaikh Maktūm I bin Buṭṭī Āl Bū Falāseh, Shaikh of Dubai]Shaik Sultan bin Suggur [Sulṭān I bin Ṣaqr al-Qāsimī, Shaikh of Ra’s al Khaymah and Sharjah]Shaik Abdoollah bin Rashid, Chief of Amulgavine [Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Rāshid al-Mu’allā, Shaikh of Umm al-Qaywayn]Shaik Azeez bin Rashid, Chief of Ejman [Shaikh ‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin Rāshid al-Na‘īmī, Shaikh of Ajman]Shaik Saeed bin Tahnoon, Chief of Aboothabee [Shaikh Sa‘īd bin Ṭaḥnūn Āl Nahyān, Shaikh of Abu Dhabi]Hennell reports on the topics covered in the interviews, which include: disputes and grievances amongst the rulers; planned attacks; general complaints; and the English [British] government’s policy of non-interference in local disputes. Hennell also reports on the general peaceful status of the above areas, and provides his opinion on the characters of some of the rulers.Multiple spellings for the above rulers and places are present in the item.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘Draft No. 345/48’, ‘Collection No. 2 of No. 78, Vol: 5.’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 244, and terminates at f 259, 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 file contains inward letters from the Government of Bombay plus enclosures from the Government of India to Captain David Wilson, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf. Subjects include Britain’s relations with Persia and the Imam of Muscat, as well as issues concerning the Russo-Persian War and the new Persian currency.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the cover and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An original pagination sequence in ink also runs throughout the volume.
Abstract: The item consists of correspondence and extracts of papers relating to French influence and activities in the Red Sea (often referred to as the ‘Arabian Gulph’) and Persia [Iran], sent to the Chairman of the Court of Directors, Charles Grant, and the Secret Committee.Matters covered include:French efforts to establish a trading and military settlement on the island of Cameran [Kamaran] through the agency of Syed Mahomed Akil [Sayyid Muḥammad ‘Aqīl]The preparations for and progress of an expedition to the Red Sea to counter French activitiesThe plunder and destruction of the American ship
Essexby Syed Mahomed Akil and his followersDiscussion of the legality of seizing Syed Mahomed Akil and his shipsAntoine-Alexandre Romieu’s mission to the Court of Persia as an agent of FranceFrench influence in Persia, Bagdad [Baghdad], and AleppoThe impact of any agreement reached between France and Persia on Anglo-Persian relationsA second French embassy to the Court of Persia following Romieu’s death in TehranHajee Mohsen’s [Ḥājī Muḥsin] deputation to Tehran to gather intelligence on French activities and to try and counter their influenceThe proposal of Sir Harford Jones, Resident at Bagdad, that he travel to Persia as British EnvoyThe dispatch of a Persian Embassy to FranceHostilities between Russia and Persia along the latter’s northern frontier.Correspondence regarding the Red Sea comes from the following: the Government of Bombay; Sir Edward Pellew, Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station; the Government of Bengal; Lieutenant Charles Court, Commander of the
Panther, at Mocha; the Government of Madras; Searkrun/Searkum Kirjee, East India Company Broker at Mocha.Correspondence regarding matters in Persia comes from the following: Samuel Manesty, Resident at Bussorah [Basra]; John Barker, Consul General at Aleppo; Harford Jones, Resident at Bagdad, and John Hine, Acting Resident at Bagdad; William Bruce, Acting Resident at Bushire [Bushehr]; Alexander Stratton, Ambassador at Constantinople; Leopold Sebastiani, Prefect of the Catholic Mission in Ispahan [Isfahan]; and Lord Viscount Castlereagh, First Commissioner for the Affairs of India.Physical description: The papers are arranged in rough chronological order, from the left to the right.
Abstract: The volume consists of chronological diary entries containing transcripts of correspondence sent and received, and notes on the arrival and departure of vessels at Bushire. The Resident during the period covered was William Bruce (acting).The correspondence sent is entered under the date the letter was written; that received is entered under the date of receipt at Bushire. The correspondence is mostly between the Resident and other East India Company officials, particularly officials of the Government of Bombay; the Resident at Bagdad [Baghdad] (Harford Jones); the Resident at Muscat (David Seton); officials in charge of the Residency at Bussora [Basra] (John Law and Lieutenant William Eatwell); and commanders of ships of the Bombay Marine (the East India Company's navy).The records of shipping consist of a note of the day of arrival and departure of ships of the Bombay Marine and country ships (privately-owned merchant ships, which operated under licence from the East India Company), and information on their port of origin and destination. The term 'imported' is used to indicate the arrival of a vessel.General topics covered in the volume include:political developments in the Gulf;movements of ships;piracy;sale of East India Company merchandise;appointments;personnel matters;accounting and financial matters;administrative matters;relations with the Court of Persia;relations with local rulers and Persian officials;the activities of the French in the region;reports of political and military developments in Europe.Specific topics include:correspondence concerning the activities and whereabouts of a French officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Alexandre Romieu, former minister at Corfu, who had made his way from Constantinople into Persia on a mission the objectives of which were unclear, entries for 27 September - 22 November 1805 (folios 14-32v);correspondence relating to the recovery of cargo from the merchant ship
Hector, 29 October - 22 November 1805 (folios 23v-32v);letter from Lieutenant W Eatwell, Bombay Marine, commanding the
Fury, at Bussora, dated 20 October 1805, reporting the death of John Law, Resident of the Factory at Bussora and stating that he had taken temporary charge of the Residency there (entry for 31 October 1805, folio 28v)correspondence from the Political Department of the Government of Bombay concerning the Persian Embassy, particularly relating to an affray that had taken place on a road near Bombay in November 1805 between an East India Company officer cadet and two servants of the Persian Ambassador, 26 January 1806 (folios 60-89v).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1A on the front cover and terminates at 92 on the back cover. The numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and appear in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio. Foliation anomalies: ff. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F; ff. 21, 21A; ff. 35, 35A.Pagination: an original pagination sequence written in ink numbered 1-178 is present between ff. 1F-89. These numbers appear in the top right or top left corners of each page.Condition: there is a hole measuring approximately 60x50mm in the top centre of folio 1F, probably caused by the oxidisation of iron gall ink. This hole reappears, diminishing in size, in the following nine folios (to f. 10). The holes have caused loss of text between ff. 1F-9. There is also minor damage to the edges of some folios, but this has not caused any serious loss of text. The entire volume was conserved, probably in the 1980s, in the form of an appliqué-coated guard book.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, extracts of the Government of Bombay Political Consultations. The item is concerned with multiple issues pertaining to the political situation in the Persian Gulf, in particular:Reports and discussions of the hostilities between the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat and the Chief of Bahrein [Bahrain] in one conflict and between Sultan bin Suggar [Shaikh Sulṭān bin Ṣaqr Āl Qāsimī, Ruler of Ra's al-Khaymah] and Shaikh Tanoon [Shaikh Ṭaḥnūn bin Shakhbūṭ Āl Nahyān, Ruler of Abu Dhabi] in anotherAttempts by Major David Wilson, Resident in the Persian Gulf, to de-escalate the above conflicts; his instructions for several East India Company ships to gather information whilst delivering packets along the Arabian side of the Gulf and their subsequent reportsDubious activities of the Greek vessel
Hellasat Mocha; the detaining of the Company's ship
Trois Freresby the Dowlah [Dola, Governor] of Mocha due to his suspicion of its involvement with the
Hellas; the intervention of the Native Agent at Mocha and Captain Robert Moresby, Captain of the Company ship
Thetis, to secure the release of the
Trois Freres; the subsequent establishment of a Committee to investigate the character of Nicolo Chiefala, Captain of the
HellasReports of piracy on the merchant vessel
Carnaticby subjects under the control of the Imaum of MuscatSultan bin Suggar's killing of the 'pirate' Mooslim bin Rashid [Muslim bin Rashīd al-Qāsimī], the capture of his crew, and the debate between the Imaum of Muscat and the Government of Bombay as to whether certain members of the crew should be released.The item also touches on other matters including: the charging of pilotage at Bushire; the financial drain of hosting an Envoy from the Pacha of Bagdad [Baghdad] at Bussorah [Basra]; the introduction of two men to Wilson by the Prince of Sheraz [Shiraz] and his request that Wilson provides them with every assistance; the granting of aid to an esteemed Jewish merchant who wishes to remove his property from Bagdad and settle in Bombay.A section (ff 129 verso - 131 verso) of the item, which pertains to the forced collection of money from the people of Burburra [Berbera] by Captain Frederick W Greer, of the Company ship
Elphinstone, has been crossed out with pencil.The item consists mainly of correspondence between Wilson and William Newnham, Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay. Other correspondents include: W Clerk, Acting Persian Secretary; Major Robert Taylor, Political Agent at Bussorah; Shaik Syeb Ibraheemjee [Shaikh Sahib Ibrahimji], Native Agent at Mocha; numerous officials of the Marine for the Government of Bombay; Secretaries to the Supreme Government, the Government of Mauritius and the Government at Fort St George; the Imaum of Muscat, the Prince of Shiraz, Sultan bin Suggar, the Dowlah of Mocha and several of their agents.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘P.C. 783, Draft 477, Season 1829/30’ and 'Examiner's Office 1830’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 4, and terminates at f 140, 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: A historical memorandum relating to Egyptian claims to sovereignty over the Somali coast, written by A W Moore, Assistant Secretary to the India Office, in two parts, submitted 26 February 1876 and 11 October 1879.The first part of the memorandum provides a historical narrative of events leading from the discovery in June 1870 of an Egyptian warship at Berbera on the Somali coast, with consequent suspicions that the Egyptian Government wished to occupy that place, up to the production of a draft Somali Coast Convention in 1876. The memorandum reproduces correspondence between the Resident at Aden, the Secretary of State for India, and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in which the authors consider the impact of Egyptian and Turkish influence at Berbera on British trade interests at Aden; on the independence of local Somali tribes; and on British efforts to suppress the slave trade. The memorandum also includes the terms by which HM Government agree to recognise Egyptian sovereignty.Appendices to the first part of the memorandum reproduce several 'Treaty Relations with Tribes on the African Coast' and 'Geographical Notes'.The second part of the memorandum opens with an account of events which preceded the signing in 1877 of the Somali Coast Convention by the British Government and by the Egyptian Khedive, describing the Khedive's attempts to extend the limit of proposed Egyptian sovereignty as far south as the Juba River, and subsequent British threats to enter into agreements with Somali chiefs independently of the Khedive.The memorandum goes on to describe renewed discussions in connection with the procedure in Constantinople necessary to give validity to the Convention after it was signed by the Khedive, and reproduces a note issued by the Ottoman Porte, which asserts Turkish sovereignty over the territory covered by the Convention, but falls short of providing assurances against ceding any of that territory to other foreign powers.The memorandum closes with the reproduction of correspondence discussing the text of a proposed firman, to be issued by the Ottoman Porte, which would give validity to the Convention signed by the Khedive.Appendices to the second part of the memorandum reproduce the text of the 'Somali Coast Convention' and an 'Agreement in regard to the Island of Socotra'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 31; 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 concerns Saudi Arabian boundary negotiations between 1949 and 1950 and specifically concerns boundaries with Qatar (folios 2-3 and 6-12), Buraimi [al-Buraymī] (folios 4-5 and 16-19) and the Trucial Coast (folios 14-15). The file contains correspondence between Herbert George Jakins, Cornelius James Pelly and R Andrew, Political Agents at Bahrain; Arthur John Wilton, Political Agent at Doha; and Patrick Desmond Stobart, Political Officer at Sharjah.Physical description: Foliation: The main foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; 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 incomplete sequence is also present in parallel between ff 2-19; these numbers are written in a combination of pen and pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the governments of Bombay [Mumbai], Madras [Chennai] and Bengal. The item is principally concerned with the news that Syed Syeed bin Sultan [Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Sulṭān Āl Bū Sa‘īd], the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat, has signed a Treaty with the United States of America. In particular the item relates to:Discussions by the above governments as to whether the Imaum has broken existing treaties with the British by signing this new treatyThe Imaum's offer to amend or break the treaty with the Americans if the British are displeased, and his offer of a vessel, the
Liverpool, to the King of England [King of the United Kingdom] as a presentThe Imaum's 'complaints' that the British take a long time to reply to his correspondence and also do not support him against his enemiesFurther news that a French frigate has arrived at Zanzibar with the object of negotiating new treaties with the Imaum.The item includes a report (folios 34-52) by Captain Henry Hart, commanding HMS
Imogene, on his dealings with the Imaum at Zanzibar. The report contains information on the Imaum's power, influence and trade in his dominions and neighbouring territories (notably Madagascar), as well as details of the treaty with the USA.As well as a copy of the treaty with the USA (folios 52-55), the item also includes copies of treaties between the Imaum of Muscat's predecessor, Syeed Sultan [Sayyid Sulṭān bin Ahmad Āl Bū Sa‘īd], and the East India Company signed in 1798 (folios 16-17) and 1800 (folio 18).In addition to numerous secretaries to the above governments, other correspondents include: William Henry Wathen and A N Shaw, successive Persian Secretaries to the Government of Bombay; Vice Admiral Sir John Gore, Naval Commander in Chief; Lord William Cavendish Bentinck, Governor General; Captain Henry Hart, HMS
Imogene; and Captain Hanway Plumbridge, HMS
Magicienne.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 1453 Draft 267. 1835.’ and 'Examiner's Office 1835'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 4, and terminates at f 83, 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 part of the volume is concerned with the return of leading Iraqi officers Gaafar Pasha el Askari [Jafar Pasha al-Askari, also written as Jaafar and Jafar] and Nury Said [Nuri Pasha al-Said, also written as Noury] to Iraq.Also discussed are the appointment of Percy Cox as High Commissioner for Mesopotamia [Iraq]; the British Government’s proposal that Sherif Feisal [Sharif Faysal bin Husayn bin Ali al-Hashimi] should be offered the Emirate of Mesopotamia; the creation of an Arab State in Mesopotamia headed by an independent Arab Government and mandated by the British; the relation between Sharif Feisal and the French in Syria; the arrangement of a meeting between Jafar Pasha and Percy Cox at Port Said; and the need to encourage division between Arabs and Turks which could lead to the friendship between Arabs and British.The principal correspondents are: the Viceroy and Governor-General of India, Foreign Department; the Secretary of State for the Colonies; the High Commissioner for Mesopotamia; the Under Secretary of State, Foreign Office; the British Consul, Port Said, Egypt; the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs; and Nury Said.Physical description: 1 item (58 folios)
Abstract: The memorandum is divided into the following chapter headings:'General Status of Persia', ff 2r-12;'Persia and Herat', ff 12v-24r;'Persia and Seistan [Sīstān]', ff 24r-31v;'Persia and Kohuk', ff 31v-35;'Persia and the Navigation of the Karun [Kārūn] River', ff 35v-39r;'Persia and her integrity', ff 39r-47;'Persia and Merv', ff 47v-52v;'Continuation of General Status of Persia', ff 52v-61;'Appendices', ff 63-78.'General Status of Persia' provides a geographic description of the Kingdom including details of its boundaries, rivers, and transportation links. It also includes an outline of its demography, and its revenue by province. Military matters are also covered in this section; this includes an in-depth look at the Persian army — its pay and composition — and a look at the employment of British officers in Persia. This section concludes with a narrative of Persia's modern history from the sixteenth century.'Persia and Herat' describes the extent to which the province's boundaries can be defined, and provides a brief description of each district within; Ghorian, Sabzawar, Farah, Bakwa, Kurak, and Obeh. It also includes a description of the town of Herat, and information on the province's demography and climate. The section also provides detailed coverage of the tribes in the region. The development of British policy towards Herat is explained through the use of select correspondence. This includes the relative merits for Britain in either maintaining Herat's independence, or supporting Afghan or Persian rule; extensive reference is made to the Treaty of Paris (1857).'Persia and Seistan' also provides a geographic description of the province, along with information on its administrative divisions, climate, and transportation links. Its main purpose however is to outline the development of British attitudes concerning the governance of this province; should it be overseen by Afghanistan or Persia? To provide context, it covers the historical basis for the two competing claims. It concludes by describing the British arbitration of the matter in 1871-72 by General Frederick John Goldsmid, and its outcome; summaries of the statements provided by the Afghan and Persian sides are included.'Persia and Kohuk' explains how Persia has disputed the award of this province to Khelat by General Goldsmid in 1871, and British reluctance to amend the award in favour of Persia.'Persia and the Navigation of the Karun River' outlines British efforts to open up the Karun River for steam navigation. It explains that Russian success in improving transportation infrastructure in the north of Persia — in contrast to British failure in the south — is seen to be putting British trade at a disadvantage; the Karun River is seen as having the best potential for resolving this. The prospects for the construction of a railway in southern Persia are also briefly examined.'Persia and her integrity' details the development of a diplomatic understanding from 1834 between Britain and Russia, in which both powers established their mutual interest in the maintenance of the territorial integrity of Persia. It chiefly concerns British suspicions that Russian activities in central Asia do not match their professed intentions towards Persia (i.e. British fears that Russia is encroaching on central Asia).'Persia and Merv', in addition to providing an overview of the region's history and ancient settlements, considers what the British consider to be the encroachment of Russia on Persia's northern borders; the British consider any potential Russian occupation of Merv to be a threat, and it is explained that Persian control is preferred.'Continuation of General Status of Persia' concentrates on British concerns over increases in Russian influence at the Persian Court in Tehran; the British fear Persia becoming a vassal of Russia and facilitating Russian expansion towards Afghanistan. It therefore discusses the extent to which Britain should take advantage of Persian overtures to establish friendly relations with that power in order to prevent this scenario. It also briefly discusses Persian designs on Bahrain, and the desirability — for Britain — in maintaining its status as an independent state, in addition to emphasizing the need to maintain Britain's protectorate role in the Persian Gulf. Topics also included in this section, but covered in less detail include: the conference of consular powers on the Resident in the Persian Gulf; the development of telegraph lines in Persia; and negotiations respecting the demarcation of the Persian-Turkish border.The memorandum is signed by Owen Tudor Burne of the India Office.The appendix at the back is divided eight sections as follows:I. 'Employment of British Officers with the Persian Army', f 63;II. A selection of memoranda (dated 20 July-24 December 1868) concerning the need to strengthen British influence over Persia, and the means available to achieve it, ff 63v-64;III. A selection of memoranda (dated 10-30 October 1868) on the possibility of employing British officers with the Persian Army, f 65;IV. 'The Policy of Great Britain towards Persia, ff 66-69;V. Instructions given to Major-General Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlingson as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Persia, dated 4 August 1859, ff 68-69;VI. 'Outline Sketch by Colonel Burne of the Shah of Persia's Visit to England, 1873, ff 69-72;VII. 'Note by Colonel Burne on the Persian Army, 20th December 1871', ff 72-73;VIII. 'Abstract of Events in Persia, Afghanistan, &c. from 1722 to the present period', ff 73v-78.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 1A and terminates at f 78, 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.
Abstract: This file consists of a Foreign Office memorandum (author unknown), followed by an annex written by Charles Murray Marling, British Minister at Tehran.The file concerns the revision of the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907. The convention divided Persia into three areas: a Russian sphere in the north, a British sphere in the south-east, and a remaining neutral zone.The memorandum refers to a recent invitation by the Russian government for Britain to enter into possession of practically the whole of the neutral zone. It discusses the possibility of negotiating for a considerable area of the current Russian sphere to be included in the new British territory. The memorandum suggests that Britain's efforts should be concentrated on the towns of Ispahan and Yezd (both of which lie in the Russian sphere) or in the last resort, on Yezd alone. The memorandum goes on to suggest that, as a counterpoise to Russia's cession, Britain might wish to surrender to Russia the oil-bearing districts in Kermanshah, which are located in the Russian sphere, but which currently belong, 'in a more or less undeveloped state', to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company.Also discussed is the possibility of Britain agreeing with Russia to limit the activities of the Imperial Bank (Persia's state bank), which currently has nine branches in the Russian zone, to the neutral zone of Persia. The memorandum suggests that such a course of action would hardly be possible unless Britain would be prepared to pay an indemnity to the Imperial Bank for the loss of its branches. However, it is argued that this action would give Britain a valuable lever in its efforts to have Ispahan included in the new British territory.In the annex which follows on from the memorandum, Charles Murray Marling recounts a brief meeting with Sazonof [Sergei Dmitrievich Sazonov], the Russian Foreign Minister, in Petrograd [Saint Petersburg], who reportedly stated that Russia wishes to retain both the district and town of Ispahan, in order to protect Russian trade in the Russian sphere from British merchants.Marling suggests that it would be both in Britain's and in Russia's interests for Ispahan to be included in the new British sphere, on the grounds that to do otherwise would result in a partition of the Bakhtiari tribe's territory. Such a partition, Marling argues, would divide the tribe into 'British' and 'Russian' parties, and would result in both parties possessing a common grievanace against Britain.Marling questions the extent to which the inclusion of Ispahan within the Russian sphere would benefit Russian trade. He speculates on the real reason for Russia wishing to retain the territory, before emphasising the importance of Ispahan, both to Britain's interests in the oilfields of Bakhtiaristan, and to its future position in Mesopotamia.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 15, and terminates at f 17, 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.