Abstract: Abstract of the Russian projet delivered by General Termasoff [Tormasov] to Meerza Bozurg [Mīrzā Buzurg], Vizier of the Crown Prince of Persia [Iran]. The document contains the articles of a proposed armistice between Russia and Persia, to last for a period of two years.The abstract was enclosed in Sir Harford Jones's letter of 2 June 1810, and was received on 4 October 1810.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: This item consists of copies of a Political Despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secretary of State for India, dated 1 September 1874, forwarding a copy of correspondence relative to the imposition, by the Government of Fars, of a tax which, though nominally levied from muleteers, in reality falls on the owners of goods. The despatch also draws attention especially to this matter as illustrating the necessity for a revision of the British Commercial Treaty with Persia [Iran].Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 11, and terminates at f 21, 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. The sequence contains three foliation anomalies: f 11a, f 12a, and f 13a.
Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 33 of 1854, dated 31 May 1854. The enclosures are numbered 3-5 and are dated 8 December 1853 to 29 April 1854.The enclosures contain correspondence discussing the view of the Prime Minister [Ṣadr A‘ẓam] of the Government of Persia [Iran] on the journey of the mother of Prince Abbas Meerza [ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār] from Mecca to London. Correspondents include HM Chargé d’Affaires, Tehran; Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs; and the Secretary to the Government of India.Physical description: 1 item (67 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. 21 dated 29 March 1856. The enclosures are dated 29 January-25 February 1856.The papers comprise:1) Copies of despatches of Charles Augustus Murray, HM Envoy to Persia [Iran], to the Earl of Clarendon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, forwarded for information to the Government of Bombay and the Government of India, with numerous enclosures. They cover subjects including the following:Reports in the
Tehran Gazetteof the capture of Candahar [Kandahar] by Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy], and his purported plans to capture HeartReports of the movement of Persian military forces to Khorassan [Khorasan] and Persian plans to repel Dost Mahomed Khan at Herat and any British force in the southern provinces of PersiaPersian claims that the British Government has broken its agreement not to interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan, following the production of: letters intercepted by the ruler of Herat, Prince Mohammed Yousuf [Muḥammad Yūsuf Khān, Regent of Herat], purportedly sent by the British Mission to Dost Mahomed Khan, which Murray insists were forged in order to provide a pretext to send troops to Herat; and letters delivered to Richard Stevens, HM Consul in Tehran (for Murray), said to be from ‘several chiefs of the principal Heratee Tribes and factions’ (f 339) proposing to support Britain against Persia (ff 341-342), which Murray claims are also forgeriesA copy of a lengthy anonymous paper (ff 346-356), which Murray claims is a ‘scurrilous libel’ originating from the Persian Government, intended for publication in Europe alleging the: misdemeanors of individual British officials in Tehran leading to the recent break in diplomatic relations; the duplicitousness of the British Government towards Persia; and active British support of Dost Mahomed Khan regarding Candahar and HeratCopies of six of translated letters, forwarded to Murray by Stevens, originating from the Sudr Azem [Ṣadr-i Aʿẓam, Persian Prime Minister], to various officials near the Persian borders with Afghanistan instructing them to cooperate with the approaching Meer Alum Khan [Mīr ‘Ālim Khān, also spelled Meer Allem Khan in this item] who has been ‘nominated to the post of protecting the boundary of Herat and certain other duties’ (f 358)Reports that the ruler of Herat has asked the Persian authorities at Meshed [Mashhad] to delay sending an army in the hopes of settling amicably with Dost Mahomed KhanMurray’s modification of the demands he deemed requisite for the restoration of diplomatic relations with the Persian Government, including an apology, drafted by Murray, which he requires to be signed by the ‘Mooshtehids and Moollahs’ [mujtahids and mullahs] withdrawing their ‘charges and accusations’ against him and the British Mission (f 333)Reports from the British Agent at Sheeraz [Shiraz] of an agreement concluded between the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat and Prince Governor of Fars regarding the port of Bender Abbass [Bandar Abbas], including the principal terms (f 338-339)2) A letter from Murray to the Governor-General of India stating his intention to remain at Tabreez [Tabriz] and his opinion that it may be necessary to remove troops from India for a foreign expedition against Persia in order to ‘ensure for [Britain] repose and respect for many years to come’ (f 365).3) Copies of despatches from Stevens to Murray, covering various matters including:Reports relating to Dost Mahomed Khan’s activities, intentions towards Herat and rumoured deathPersian claims that William Taylour Thomson, former British Envoy at Tehran, administered anti-Persian bribesA protest by Stevens regarding restrictions on British Indian subjects at Kirman [Kerman] and Yezd [Yazd] with regard to wool exports from those provincesA report that the Persian Government has attempted to delay Dost Mahomed Khan’s advance to Herat by creating an alliance with him against BritainPersian instructions to officials in eastern Persia inviting them to cooperate with and place troops at the disposal of Meer Alum Khan for duty on the frontiers and ‘other services’The arrival in Tehran of the first interpreter of the Persian Embassy at St Petersburgh [St Petersburg], bringing news of: the embassy’s financial needs; the request of the Persian ambassador to return to Persia; rumours, said to be false, of a Russian proposal for an alliance with Persia; economic hardship in Russia and the population’s desire for peace [Crimean War 1853-1856]; a rumour that Emperor Alexander wishes to meet the Shah in Tiflis [Tbilisi] next year; and rumours, suspected to be false, that the Russian Government promised the Persian Government monetary inducements to occupy Herat and CandaharIntelligence of the movement of Persian military forces to Shiraz intended for Bushire [Bushehr], Kermanshah, and Mohamura [Khorramshahr].4) Despatches from Commander James Felix Jones, Indian Navy, Acting Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, to the Secretary to the Government, Bombay, notably covering the following matters:Murray’s advice that Jones neither take any action following the ‘maritime outrage committed by the dependents of the Sheikh of Chaab’ (f 378) nor alienate the chiefs of any other Arab tribes in southern Persia, especially since Mohumrah [Khorramshahr] is a potential landing point for a British expeditionConcern of the Persian authorities at Shiraz at the appearance of the steam vessels
Victoriaand
Ajdahafrom Bombay, and Persia’s removal of their troops and armaments from the island of Karrack [Kharg, also known as Khark]The continuing dispute between the Imam of Muscat and Persian Government over Bunder Abbas [Bandar Abbas] and the alleged plans of the Imam to attack Karrack and Bushire, and to recruit mercenaries from Gulf Arab tribes and tribes in Mesopotamia [Iraq] subject to [Ottoman] TurkeyIntelligence from the British Agent at Shiraz on Persian military strength, and the strategy of the Prince Governor of Fars regarding BushireJones’s correspondence with Murray, the Governor of Bushire, and the Commodore of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Gulf, to quell the alarm caused by recent British Squadron target practice exercises in the Bushire Roads.Physical description: 1 item (63 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. 8 dated 16 January 1856. The enclosures are dated 3-22 December 1855.The item comprises copies of despatches, with relevant enclosures, from Charles Augustus Murray, HM Envoy in Persia [Iran], to the Earl of Clarendon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, forwarded to the Government of Bombay and the Government of India, and from Commander James Felix Jones, Indian Navy, Acting Resident in the Persian Gulf, to the Secretary to the Government, Bombay.Murray’s despatches relate to his suspension of diplomatic relations between the British Mission in Tehran and the Persian Government in connection with: the opposition of the Sadr Azim [Ṣadr-i Aʿẓam, Persian Prime Minister, spelled in various ways in this item] to Murray’s appointment of Meerza Hashem Khan [Mīrzā Hāshim Khān] to the British Agency at Sheeraz [Shiraz]; the Sadr Azim’s imprisonment of Meerza Hashem Khan’s wife; and the ‘insults’ and ‘calumnies’ circulated by the Persian Government against Murray and other British officials in Tehran. Notably covered are:Murray’s assertion of the Sadr Azim’s excessive influence over the ShahThe purported feud between the families of Meerza Hashem Khan and the Sadr AzimThe Sadr Azim’s contention that there has never been a British Agent at Shiraz and that Meerza Hashem Khan was in the pay of the Persian Government and therefore ineligible for employment by the BritishAttempts by Nicolas Prosper Bourée, French Consul at Tehran, to mediate between Murray and the Persian GovernmentMurray’s decision to haul down the flag of the British Mission in TehranMurray’s vehement denial of Persian claims that both he and William Taylour Thomson, the former Chargé d’Affaires at the Court of Persia, had affairs with the wife of Meerza Hashem Khan (see ff 101-102, 103-106 and 116-117) and that Thomson originally took Meerza Hashem Khan under the protection and employment of the British Mission for this reasonMurray’s refusal to rehoist the flag unless the Meerza’s wife is released and an apology is received from the Sadr Azim for the ‘gross and groundless’ ‘calumnies’ (f 98)Murray’s arrangements for the withdrawal the British Mission to Turkish [Ottoman] Territory, and (despite the opposition of the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs) for HM Consul, Richard Stevens, to remain in TehranThe Persian Government’s insistence on its continued friendship with the British Government.The despatches include copies of Murray’s correspondence with the Sadr Azim and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and copies of notes written by the Shah.Also covered in Murray’s despatches are:Rumours of the death of Dost Mahomed Khan [Emir Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy]Reports of the seizure of Herat by Prince Mahomed Yoosuf [Muḥammad Yūsuf Khān, Regent of Herat] and the apparent state of ‘civil war’ in Afghanistan (f 67)Intelligence from the British Agent at Meshed [Mashhad] relating the story of Hassan Ali Khan [Ḥasan ‘Alī Khān] in Bokhara [Bukhara] concerning his encounters with a man he suspects is a European [‘Perhaps Ferguson’ is noted in the left hand margin of folio 64]Russian incursions into the territory of the Khan of Khokand [Muḥammad Khudāyār Khān, Khān of Kokand]The Imam of Muscat’s letter asking Murray to mediate in his dispute with the Persian Government concerning ownership of Bender Abbass [Bandar Abbas].Jones’s despatches cover his reaction to the news of the suspension of diplomatic relations between Britain and Persia, including his: concerns about the defences of Bushire [Bushehr] and a potential conflict there with Persia; communications with Commodore Richard Ethersey, Commanding the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf, with regard to strengthening the squadron in the Bushire Roads to protect British subjects; and measures to establish good communications with Murray. Also included is a copy of a ruckum [raqam] from HRH Prince Tamasp Meerza Prince Governor of Fars [Shāhzādah Ṭahmāsp/Ṭahmāsb Mīrzā Muʾayyid al-Dawlah], to the News Writer and Agent for Foreign Affairs, Bushire, intimating he has no quarrel with the Resident.Physical description: 1 item (76 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. 19 dated 5 March 1856. The enclosures are dated 7 February-4 March 1856.The item comprises correspondence of the Secretary to the Government, Bombay; the Board (Governor and President and members in Council, Bombay); the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Bombay; the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Bombay; and the Military Board, Bombay. Also included are: minutes of the Governor and President and the members in Council, Bombay, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Bombay; and the substance of a letter from the Native Agent at Muscat conveying intelligence of Persian troop movements from Tehran and Shiraz.The papers cover the reasons why the Government of Bombay considered it potentially necessary to send a land expedition to the Persian Gulf following the diplomatic rupture between Charles Augustus Murray, HM Envoy in Persia [Iran] and the Persian Government, including: what effect the acceptance by Russia of peace with Britain [Crimean War, 1853-1856] may, or may not, have on Persia’s policy towards HM Envoy and plans to occupy Herat; whether Murray’s requisition for troops was sent before he knew of the Anglo-Russian peace; and the importance of awaiting instructions from the Government of India by electric telegraph prior to despatching any force.The papers also cover the Government of Bombay’s investigations and instructions regarding military and naval resources and preparations for the defence of the sea board of Fars, of Bushire [Bushehr] and the island of Karrack [Kharg, also known as Khark] in the event that a British expedition to Persia were to take place, including:The nature and extent of the force required and proposed expedition aimsThe suggested composition of a force to occupy KarrackThe availability of vessels of war and means of sea transport available and obtainable from Bombay, including steamers from the River Indus flotilla and private steamersCommissariat and Ordnance requirements.Physical description: 1 item (30 folios)
Abstract: This item comprises an abstract listing enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 146 of 1846, dated 11 December 1846. In the abstract the enclosures are dated 4 November 1844-26 November 1846.The enclosures, which are not present in this item, relate to the proceedings of the Government of Bombay in connection with Aga Khan Mehlatee [Āqā Khān Maḥallātī also known as Ḥasan ‘Alī Shāh], a refugee subject of the Government of Persia [Iran], including: his residence in Sind [Sindh] and then Bombay [Mumbai]; the attendance of a European Medical Officer on Aga Khan and his family in Sind; the allowance paid for his support by the Government of Bombay; the refusal of the Persian Government to grant permission for him to re-visit Sind (in 1846) to settle his affairs; the demand of the Persian Government that he be removed to Calcutta [Kolkata]; the Shah of Persia's encouragement of his return to Persia and promises to receive him 'kindly' and release all his property and estate from sequestration; the payment of arrears of his allowance by the Government of Bombay; and his apparent wish to return to Persia.Physical description: 1 item (15 folios)
Abstract: Enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 33 of 1846, dated 24 March 1846. The enclosures are dated and contain correspondence (in English and French) relating to affairs in Qajar [Qājār] Persia [Iran]. Contents relate to: protests from the Government of Persia over the persecution of Shia [Shīʿah] communities and pilgrims by the Turkish Government [Ottoman Empire]; the plunder of mules loaded with the merchandise of Hindoo [Hindu] merchants in Kerman and Yazd; and unauthorised Russian structures on the Island of Ashoor Ada [Ashuradih], Astarabad [Gorgan], and Mazandaran. This item commences with an abstract of contents (folio 355). Correspondence from Her Majesty’s Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Persia addressed to Her Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.Physical description: 1 item (22 folios)
Abstract: The volume contains correspondence and other papers relating oil exploration in Persia [Iran] by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC), particularly the protection of oilfields in Arabistan [the southern part of Khuzestan Province] and agreements for new oilfields at Dasht-i-Qil, an area inland from Genawah [Bandar Ganaveh].Each part includes a divider which gives the subject and part numbers, the year the subject file was opened, the subject heading, and a list of correspondence references contained in that part by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 294. Two additional foliation sequences are also present in parallel between ff 83-103 and ff 210-217; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. An additional pagination sequence is also present in parallel between ff 234-242; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: An extract of an anonymous letter from Shiraz to Jonathan Henry Lovett, Resident in Bushire [Bushehr], dated 28 April 1803.The letter discusses the delay in summoning Lovett to the Court of Persia [Iran], noting that the death of Hajee Khulleel Khan [Ḥājī Muḥammad Khalīl Khān Qazvīnī, Persian Ambassador to India] has created unfavourable attitudes towards Britain at Court.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: This item consists of copies of a Political Despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secretary of State for India, dated 30 June 1874 and received by the India Office Political Department on 24 July 1874, forwarding, for information, papers regarding the deputation of a Persian [Iranian] Agent to Herat, in continuation of Despatch No. 26 of 17 April 1874.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 357 and terminates at f 364, 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. The sequence contains one foliation anomaly: f 357a.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of a Political Despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secretary of State for India, dated 7 July 1874. The despatch forwards for information a copy of a letter from HM Minister at Teheran addressed to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, from which it appears that there is no son of Shureef [Sharif] Khan detained there, and that it is possible that the Cabul [Kabul] Envoy meant the son of Ibrahim Khan, a Sirdar who owns lands on the Afghan side of the frontier, and that the entire possessions of Kamal Khan, whose son is also detained, are in Afghan Seistan [Sistan]. The despatch observes that there is no justification for the detention of those persons against their will by the Persian [Iranian] Government. The despatch is in reference to the despatch from the Secretary in the Political and Secret Department, No. 249 of 19 December 1873.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 30, and terminates at f 32, 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. The sequence contains one foliation anomaly: f 30a.