Abstract: This file concerns the disputed Hashtadan lands, on the Perso-Afghan frontier. It begins with a confidential letter, dated 24 May 1885, from Colonel Joseph West Ridgeway, Assistant Commissioner in charge, Afghan Boundary Commission, Camp Sinjao, to Earl Granville [Granville George Leveson-Gower, 2nd Earl Granville], Foreign Secretary, London.In his letter, Ridgeway summarises the current dispute, which began in March 1885, when the Persian authorities took steps to cultivate the disputed land, which had reportedly remained uncultivated for two generations. Ridgeway reports that on 12 April the Afghans responded by sending twenty irregular infantry with orders to stop the work. On 15 April, the Governor of Karaz (also spelled in the file as 'Karez') [Kārīz, Iran] arrived at Hashtadan with thirty Persian troopers. Ridgeway states that the matter was only temporarily resolved by William Rudolph Henry Merk, political officer on special duty with the Afghan boundary commission, who arranged that, pending inquiry, the Afghans should retire to Kafir Kala [Islām Qal‘ah, Afghanistan] and the Persians to Karaz.Ridgeway includes with his letter a series of enclosures which document the ongoing dispute. The enclosures are as follows:No. 1 Letter from Kazi Saad-ud-din Khan, agent of Abdur Rahman Khan, Amir [Emir] of Afghanistan, to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, member of the Council of India and Afghan boundary commissioner, dated 23 March 1885No. 2 Letter from Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, Tirpul [Tir Pol, Afghanistan], to Kazi Saad-ud-din Khan, dated 26 March 1885No. 3 Telegram from Sir Ronald Ferguson Thomson, Her Britannic Majesty's Minister, Teheran [Tehran], to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, no. 42, dated 2 April 1885No. 4 Letter from the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs (unnamed) to Sir Ronald Ferguson Thomson (no date)No. 5 Letter from William Rudolph Henry Merk, Hashtadan, to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, dated 16 April 1885No. 6 Letter from Sir Peter Stark Lumsden to Kazi Saad-ud-din Khan, dated 17 April 1885No. 7 Letter from Kazi Saad-ud-din Khan to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, dated 18 April 1885No. 8 Letter from William Rudolph Henry Merk to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, dated 27 April 1885No. 9 Letter from William Rudolph Henry Merk to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, dated 1 May 1885No. 10 Telegram from Sir Peter Stark Lumsden to Sir Ronald Ferguson Thomson, dated 2 May 1885No. 11 Letter from Sir Peter Stark Lumsden to the Governor General of Khorassan [Khorasan], dated 2 May 1885No. 12 Letter from the Governor General of Khorassan to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, dated 5 May 1885No. 13 Extract from a report of Khan Baba Khan, Native Agent, to Colonel Joseph West Ridgeway, Assistant Commissioner in charge, Afghan Boundary Commission, dated 6 May 1885No. 14 Telegram from Sir Ronald Ferguson Thomson to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, dated 7 May 1885No. 15 Extract from a demi-official letter from Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, Mashad [Mashhad], to Colonel Joseph West Ridgeway, dated 11 May 1885No. 16 Telegram from Colonel Joseph West Ridgeway to the Government of India, no. 549, dated 13 May 1885No. 17 Telegram from Colonel Joseph West Ridgeway to the Government of India, no. 557, dated 14 May 1885No. 18 Letter from Captain Albert Frederick de Laessoe to Colonel Joseph West Ridgeway, dated 22 May 1885In his letter Ridgeway makes special reference to the final enclosure, Captain Albert Frederick de Laessoe's letter, which concludes in favour of the Persian claim. Ridgeway suggests that, if possible, the matter regarding Hashtadan should be deferred until the question of the Perso-Afghan frontier can be resolved outright, preferably by one officer.It should be noted that the list of enclosures which follows Ridgeway's letter incorrectly states that item no. 10 is from Sir Ronald Ferguson Thomson to Sir Peter Stark Lumsden, whereas in fact the telegram is from Lumsden to Thomson.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence for this description commences at f 192, and terminates at f 197, 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. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 5-206; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.Pagination: the volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This file consists of a memorandum written by Sir West Ridgeway, in which the author records his opinion that it is not the fault of the British Government that the Perso-Afghan boundary dispute at Hashtadan remains unsettled. The author goes on to suggest that the dispute be allowed to continue unresolved until the Russo-Afghan boundary has been settled and perhaps until after the death of the Amir [Emir] of Afghanistan.A further note records that the Shah of Persia subsequently accepted the arbitration of the Indian Government in the Hashtadan dispute.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences and terminates at folio 206, as it is part of a larger physical volume; this number is written in pencil, is circled, and is located at the top right corner of the folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel; this number is also written in pencil, but is not circled.
Abstract: This file begins with draft instructions, under the heading 'Anglo-Russian Relations', apparently written by John Morley, Secretary of State for India, for Sir Arthur Nicolson, British Ambassador at St Petersburg, in advance of negotiations over an Anglo-Russian agreement.The instructions are divided into two sections, 'Persia' and 'Afghanistan', and they concern Britain's and Russia's respective interests in Persia and Afghanistan. The instructions outline important points on which Nicolson is expected to base any future agreement with Russia (of which a fundamental requirement is Russia's recognition both of the independence and integrity of Persia, and of the territorial integrity of Afghanistan). The remaining instructions relate to issues of trade in Persia and Afghanistan.The draft instructions are followed by an extract from a private letter from Lord Minto [Gilbert John Elliot Murray Kynynmound], Viceroy and Governor-General of India, to John Morley, dated 12 June 1906.In the letter, Lord Minto responds to Morley's draft instructions for Sir Arthur Nicolson. Minto gives his opinions on the wording and possible implications of each paragraph of the draft instructions. Most of Minto's letter details his opposition to the idea that Great Britain and Russia should agree not to extend their railways in the direction of the frontiers of Afghanistan for the next ten years, for which Minto offers a number of political and military considerations.Minto's letter is followed by a letter from Lord Kitchener [Horatio Herbert Kitchener] to Lord Minto, dated 23 May 1906, in which Kitchener responds to Minto's letter of 19 May 1906, which requested Kitchener's opinion on the question of the Frontier railways. In his letter, Kitchener argues that the possibility of extending the British railway system is not only of great strategic importance for the defence of British India, but is also important for maintaining friendly relations with the Amir [Emir] of Afghanistan [Habibullah Khan].Kitchener's letter is followed by two loose folios which repeat word for word the aforementioned draft instructions on Afghanistan and Persia (folios 8 and 9 respectively). Both sets of instructions have the heading 'Secret'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the first folio, and terminates at the last folio; 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 file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This document was compiled and signed by H Le Poer Wynne (Foreign Department) and covers the history of Seistan and Lash-Jowain [Lāsh-e Juwayn], including the dispute over sovereignty which led to the Anglo-Persian War (1856-7).The document is divided into the following sections:1. The history of the Province up to the Persian War of 1856-7.2. Events and correspondence regarding the Province from the period immediately preceding the Persian War of 1856-7 down to 1861.3. The alarm which Dost Mahomed's [Dost Mohammad Khan] advance on Furrah [Farāh]and Herat [Herāt]caused the Persian Government, and the correspondence which followed, 1861-1864.4. The views expressed by the Home Government during this period.5. The quiet occupation of the Province by Persia from 1864 to the end of 1867.6. Her further advance and raids into the territory of Sheikhnassoor, Furrah, and Candahar[Kandahār], from end of 1868 to present date.7. The despatches of the British Minister at Tehran regarding (1) Persia's apprehensions of Shere Ali's designs on Seistan; (2) the late raids into Afghan territory.8. Correspondence regarding the proposal to submit the matter to British arbitration.Much of the document is compiled using extracts from correspondence submitted between officials in Britain, Persia and Afghanistan.Physical description: 38 folios
Abstract: A report from Sir William Gerald Vesey Fitzgerald, Under Secretary of State for India [Political Aide-de-Camp to the Secretary of State for India], for the India Office. The report concerns Shahzada Nasrulla Khan of Afghanistan and his return trip from England following a state visit during the summer of 1895; the focus of the report is the part of the journey between Marseilles and Suez, which was undertaken aboard HMS
Clive.The report briefly mentions an outbreak of sickness among the crew of HMS
Clive, and a brief visit made to Rome at the Shahzada's request. However, the main focus is on the measures taken during the trip by Sir William Fitzgerald to — successfully — dissuade Nasrulla Khan from making a trip to Mecca and Medina. This includes preventing the ship from touching at Yembo [Yanbuʻ al-Baḥr] and issues surrounding Nasrulla Khan disembarking at Suez; these issues relate to objections from the Egyptian authorities to the Shahzada landing with a group of armed followers.Appended to the report is a list of relevant telegrams from the aforementioned voyage between 30 September 1895 and 4 October 1895. The principal correspondents are Sir William Fitzgerald, Lord Cromer [Evelyn Baring], and Edmund Neel (Assistant Secretary to the Political and Secret Department at the India Office).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the first folio and terminates at the last folio; 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 file also contains two original printed pagination sequences.
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8 March 1856, Numbers 10-11) and the Government of Bombay (19 March 1856, Number 20). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 95-101) discuss the extent that Persia supports the position of Prince Mahomed Yoosoof [Mohammad Yusuf Khan] at Herat, and whether the Government of India should encourage Dost Mahomed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan] to annex Herat. It also covers the killing of an unnamed individual, claimed to be in self-defence, by Major Nicholson in the Punjab.The section from Bombay (folio 102) is concerned with updates on Aden.Physical description: 1 item (8 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (22 October 1856, Number 51-54) and the Government of Bombay (1 and 3 November 1856, Numbers 82-86). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The letters from the Governor General (folios 108-115) are concerned with the establishment of ‘Hindustan fanatics’ in Punjtar [Panjtar], the supply of arms and finance for Ameer Dost Mahomed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan], and discuss the question of whether Colonel John Jacobs (Acting Commissioner in Sind) should be put in direct communication with the Ameer. It also covers a report from Colonel Herbert Benjamin Edwardes (Commissioner in Peshawar) of an interview held with envoys from Herat, and his views respecting the non-viability of an independent Herat. Dost Mahomed's dismissal of a Persian envoy at Cabool [Kabul] and his reasons for returning to Cabool are also discussed.The section from Bombay (folios 116-119) reports preparations for a military expedition against Persia, arrangements for a declaration of war against Persia by the Government of India, and arrangements for the delivery of arms and finance to aid Dost Mahomed.Physical description: 1 item (12 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8 September 1856, Numbers 35-40) and the Government of Bombay (12 September 1856, Numbers 66-70). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 43-49r) are concerned with the release of Kashmiri prisoners held by Thibet [Tibet], and the motivations of Jung Bahadoor [Jung Bahadur Rana] in accepting the title of Maharaj of Kaski and Lamjung. They also discuss the proceedings of the Persian Army against Kelat [Kalat], the possibility of providing British assistance for the Khan of Kelat, and the size of the force required from India to occupy Karrack [Khārk] and Bushire.The section from Bombay (folios 43-52) includes reports of the situation at Bushire, and the successful conclusion of negotiations between the Imam of Muscat and the Government of Persia for the rent to be paid by the former for Bunder Abbass [Bandar-e ʻAbbās]. It also includes discussion of the particulars surrounding the supply of British weapons and ammunition to Dost Mahomed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan], the position at Herat, and the size of the force proposed by the Commander-in-Chief for the proposed expedition against Persia.Physical description: 1 item (10 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8 November 1856, Numbers 55-58) and the Government of Bombay (17 November 1856, Number 87-92). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The letters from the Governor General (folios 120-128) discuss a request from Dost Mahomed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan] for an audience with a representative of the Government of India to discuss Herat, and a decision by the Government of India to grant a temporary subsidy to Dost Mahomed to facilitate operations against Persia. They also cover British preparations for war against Persia, and a defence of Commander James Felix Jones (Political Resident, Persian Gulf) for his dismissal of British staff officers from Bushire. The carelessness displayed at Bombay in packing arms for Cabool [Kabul], and financial aid for Herat are also discussed.The section from Bombay (folios 129-131) includes arrangements for an expedition against Persia, and details (in terms of troops and ships) of the composition of the force.Physical description: 1 item (12 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (8-9 January 1857, Numbers 1-5) and the Government of Bombay (16 January 1857, Numbers 7-14). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The letters from the Governor General (folios 31-41r) outline discussions between British officials over the likelihood of a Persian advance against Candahar [Kandahar], the prospects of Dost Mahommed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan] retaking Herat from the Persians, and a proposal to raise a British force at Quetta. They also include discussion over the appointment of Sir James Outram as commander of the British Expeditionary Force against Persia, and his endowment with diplomatic powers by HM Government. Sir James Outram's pay and allowances, and Lieutenant-Colonel John Jacobs' promotion to Brigadier-General are also outlined.The section from Bombay (folios 41v-50) includes the following topics: the appointment of Sir James Outram's staff; a request from Brigadier William Marcus Coghlan (Political Resident, Aden) that Lieutenant Playfair should remain at Aden rather than serve in Persia; details of reinforcements sent to Bushire; Lieutenant Colonel Jacobs' views that the withdrawal of the Sind Horse [14th Prince of Wales's Own Scinde Horse] for service in Persia will leave the Sind frontier vulnerable to Afghan or Persian attacks; the re-occupation of Perim Island; news from Herat; an impending visit by Brigadier Coghlan to Lahedge [Lahej]; and reports from Major-General Foster Stalker on the progress of the British Expeditionary Force in southern Persia and efforts made to solicit the assistance of local chiefs.Physical description: 1 item (20 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (7 February 1857, Numbers 8-10) and the Government of Bombay (16 February 1857, Numbers 31-38). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The letters from the Governor General (folios 3-8) include a brief report on Canton, and reports of developments in Afghanistan following the fall of Herat, with particular attention given to the position of Dost Mahommed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan].The section from Bombay (folios 9-16) contains reports on the British Expedition against Persia; reports on the strength, movements, and intention of Persian forces in southern Persia; an outline of British policy towards the Chiefs of southern Persia during the invasion; and updates on Afghanistan and Perim.Physical description: 1 item (12 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the Governor General of India (22 February 1856, Numbers 8-9) and the Government of Bombay (5 March 1856, Number 9). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The despatches from the Governor General (folios 85-89) include discussion of a report by Major Allen on the Northern Frontier of Pegu, a report on a visit by the Governor General (James Broun-Ramsey, Marquess of Dalhousie), accounts of Herat and Candahar [Kandahar], and opinions over the policy of Dost Mohamed [Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir of Afghanistan].The section from Bombay (folios 90-91) outlines who should be consulted over the troops that could be sent to Persia in the event of conflict between Britain and Persia.Physical description: 1 item (8 folios)