Abstract: The file contains supplements listing amendments, additions and cancellations to entries in the Indian Word Code 1924 and also to the distribution lists for both the Indian Word Code 1924 (IWC) and the Government Telegraph Code 1922, as follows:Supplement nos. 31-61, dated 1927-1928, to the ‘List of holders of the Indian Word Code 1924’;Supplements nos. 3-90, dated 1928-1933, to the ‘First edition of the Permanent Supplement to the Sixth edition of the Indian Word Code 1924’;Two copies of ‘B. List ii. Distribution of Economical Code for use in Inland State Telegrams’, 1922;Correction memoranda nos. 1-17, dated 1924-1926, to the ‘Distribution List (B) of Economical Code (now called New Indian Word Code, 6th edition, 1924) for use in Inland State Telegrams’;Several correction slips, dated 1928, 1929, 1932 regarding the distribution in India of the ‘List of Holders of the Government Telegraph Code 1922’.These regular updates were issued by the India Office, London and then widely circulated to Government of India departments and offices by the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department. The Secretary to the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf forwarded copies to the Political Agent, Bahrain and others, so that Agency clerks could make the necessary alterations to the Agency’s office copy of the Indian Word Code and related distribution lists.Indian code words were made available to designated I.W.C. holders for use in certain official communications. Code words could be substituted for and replace the names of Government of India post holders, departments and external organisations. Code words were also used to communicate a specific instruction, such as a particular action to be carried out by the recipient.The file also contains a few circular letters and correspondence as follows :Several circular letters dated 1930-1933, from the British Legation, Jeddah and other British and Indian Government departments and offices, about cancellations or changes to their telegraphic addresses in the Government Telegraph Code;A telegram from The Imperial and International Communications Ltd, Head Office, Karachi to the Officer in Charge of its Wireless Station at Bahrain and a memorandum from the Political Agent, Bahrain to the Secretary to the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, both dated 1931, about the telegraphic address for the Bahrain Agency, in view of the company’s withdrawal of free services for British and Indian Government telegraphic addresses from 1 January 1932.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled and can be found in the top right of the recto side of each folio. Fold out folios: 61-73, 89-93, 95-111, 114-115 and 118-119.
Abstract: A summary of the British Position in the Persian Gulf detailing the rulership and ownership of the coastal territories and the agreements made between their rulers and Great Britain.The territories and areas described in the summary include:The Trucial Chiefs: Rasel Kheimah [Ras al-Khaimah], Umm al-Kawain [Umm al Qaywayn], Ajman, Shargah [Sharjah], Debai [Dubai], and Abu Dthabi [Abu Dhabi]; includes details of their treaties and agreements with Britain, and the inclusion of El Katr [Qatar] as a Trucial Chief from 1916 onwards.The Persian province of Arabistan, including details of the assurances given to him by both the Persian and British Governments.The Islands of the Gulf, in particular Kishm [Qeshm] and Henjam [Hengām].The coast of Persian Baluchistan, giving details of the overland wires of the Indo-European Telegraph Company that run through the area, and the agreements made for detachments of Indian troops to be stationed at Jask on that coastline.The Arab state of Muscat, detailing the recognition of its independence in 1862 and the British influence over the state.Koweit [Kuwait] including the agreements made with the Shaikh in 1899 and 1907, and the recognition of Kuwait as an independent principality under British protection in November 1914.Bahrein [Bahrain], including the steps taken there to protect British interests.The summary goes on to describe the British position and responsibilities with regards to the waters of the Gulf, including the Indian Marine's commitment against slavery in the nineteenth century; its struggles to prevent Piracy, which led to the establishment of treaty relations with the Arab Chiefs; the surveys of the waters and shorelines undertaken by Naval Officers of the Indian service; the development of British trade and foreign commerce; the protection of pear fisheries; and the maintenance of the submarine cables of the Indo-European Telegraph Company.The summary concludes with a brief description of the strategic importance of the Gulf, particularly in relation to threats to India; the threat to the British position by the Turkish Government in the years leading up to World War One, and the actions taken by the British Government to nullify it; and Great Britain's role as an arbiter and guardian of the Persian Gulf.There are two copies of the summary, the author of which is unknown.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of both folios.
Abstract: Memorandum, written by Adolphus Warburton Moore, 8 January 1878, with later amendments up to 12 April 1882, regarding the proposal for a Turkish telegraph line from Taiz [Ta‘izz] to Aden.The memorandum discusses British policy towards the tribes surrounding Aden, and attempts by Turkish officials in Yemen to extend sovereignty over them, particularly following the capture of Senaa [Sanaa] in 1872; and offences by Turkish forces against the tribes in 1873, which were stopped by British forces from Aden.The memorandum, which includes excerpts of letters to the Foreign Office, subsequently discusses the first proposals for a telegraph line, which were raised in 1875, the objections of the Resident at Aden, General John William Schneider, to the proposals; the possibility of using the proposal for a telegraph line to settle with the Porte (Ottoman Government) the situation with regards to the tribes near Aden under British protection; the suggestion that should the telegraph line be constructed, those parts passing through protected territories should be constructed by British agencies, and paid for by the Ottoman Government; the appointment by Turkish authorities of a telegraph agent at Aden in July 1875; a report from the Director of the Telegraph Department for the Ottoman Empire stating that the construction of such a telegraph line was not contemplated and would present many difficulties, November 1875; and the re-opening of the proposals in January 1878.A postscript to the memorandum records the continuing discussion on the matter up to 12 April 1882, including Lord Salisbury (Secretary of State for India)'s opinion that although the Government had no objections to the scheme, there were concerns regarding the territories occupied by those tribes under British protection, and that any proposal which would involve Turkish troops or officials there could not be agreed to; as well as suggesting that a submarine cable might be laid instead. These views were communicated via the Foreign Office to the Porte in March 1878 and the subject lay dormant until February 1882 when Her Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople, Lord Dufferin was again informed of the intention to construct a telegraph line from Taiz to Aden, to which he replied with the same objections as in 1878 and again proposed that a submarine cable might be equally suitable.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 56 and terminates at folio 65, 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 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.
Abstract: Memorandum providing an overview of the British connection with the island of Henjam.Covering:introduction to the location of Basidu [Bāsa‘īdū] and its strategic importance; use of the island by the British; the Beni Yas tribe inhabitants;international status of Henjam – Persian and Muscat claims;the British Telegraph Concession at Henjam - a history from 1868 – and the use of the location as a base for naval authorities and as a coaling station;1926-8: reassertion of Persian claims – customs; enquiry by the Persian Government as to the right of property of His Majesty's Government in Basidu and Henjam; the expulsion of the Shaikh of Henjam in May 1928; and consideration of action to be taken at Henjam in the event of Persian aggression under the Telegraph Concession;relations between the Sheikh [Shaikh] of Henjam and Persia: 1904-28 – friction between Persian officials and the Arab inhabitants, and the expulsion and return of the Shaikh.It includes a summary detailing the position and legal rights of His Majesty's Government in Henjam, and the desirability to maintain the connection. In addition, a list of points referred to the Persian Gulf Sub-Committee, and the views expressed by the Government of India are given.Written by John Gilbert Laithwaite of the India Office.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 60, and terminates at f 63, 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: The volume relates to construction, by the British Government, of electric telegraph communication between India and England, specifically the line through Sind [Sindh], along the Beloochistan [Balochistan] and Mekran [Makran] coasts and dominions of the Sultan of Muscat, December 1860-October 1867. It comprises a mixture of manuscript original and copy letters and reports; printed letters, reports and surveys; manuscript transcribed and translated Persian letters; and some telegraphic messages.The contents notably cover and include:Copy of original proposals submitted to the Government in Bombay, on the options for land and sea lines between Kurrachee [Karachi] and Bussorah [Basra, in modern-day Iraq], via Persia, by George Perry Badger, Chaplain (later in charge) of the Muscat-Zanzibar Commission, December 1860 (folios 10-15); views on Badger’s scheme by the Political Agents in Khelat [Kalat, also spelled Kelat in the volume] and in Turkish Arabia, March-May 1861 (folios 18-20, 28-30); Badger’s detailed geographical report on the coast from Bunder Abbas [Bandar-e ʻAbbās] to Kurrachee (folios 31-33)Surveys undertaken for the Bombay and Sind authorities, analysing the geographical, historical, political and socio-cultural character of territories the telegraph is proposed to run through, including: printed reports by the Political Agent in Khelat and J P Darke, Commanding HM Steamer
Hugh Lindsay, on the ports of Gwadur [Gwadar], Ormara and the Mekran coast (folios 34-38), June 1861; manuscript copy of detailed report by Major Frederic John Goldsmid, Acting Commissioner in Sind, on Official Duty in Mekran, February 1862 (folios 75-140), documenting the Mekran Coast Route with reference to the telegraph’s purposes, agriculture, water and supply sources, inhabitants, political history of the Mission, ancient geography and history (printed version on folios 298-324), supplemented with ‘rough notes’ by the mission’s Assistant Surgeon, Lalor, 2nd Sind Horse, adding analysis of the climate, water, general health of the people, security and fertility of the land (folios 154-180)Negotiation of terms and conditions with the Shah of Persia regarding territories acknowledged to be within his realm but over which we was not exercising direct control, materials costs, protection expenses, and future ownership of the telegraph (folios 64-74)British negotiations with local chiefs and rulers ‒ in the context of political instability and diplomatic sensitivities ‒ concerning permission to construct the line through their territories and arrangements for its protection, with particular regard to disputed lands and ports along the Beloochi [Balochi] and Mekran coast (e.g. Gwadur); agreements with the Khan of Khelat and the Jam of Beyla [Jam, or Cham, of Las Bela, Balochistan]; British payment of subsidies to local rulers (and their rivals) for protection services. Includes printed report by Goldsmid ‘On Special Duty’, to the Government in Bombay, December 1863, on the respective claims of Persia, Khelat and Muscat to sovereign rights in Mekran and on what they are founded (folios 243-246)Engineering logistics, labour, security, costs and materials, including formation of the Mekran Telegraphic Department on 20 January 1863 in the territory of the Khan of Kelat, with construction commencing 7 February 1863 (folios 187-188)Temporary recall of the telegraph work party on the Pusnee [Pasni] to Gwadar line due to unstable situation created by ‘ravaging’ activities of a 'Beloochi Sirdar named Oughan’, late 1863 (folios 202-211)British convention with the Sultan of Muscat, Sultan Soweenee [Sayyid Thuwaini bin Said Āl Bū Sa‘īd] for extension of the telegraph line through his dominions of Gwadar (sovereignty historically disputed with the Khan of Khelat) and Chabhar [Chahabar], including challenge to the Sultan’s rights in Chahbar by the Governor of Bunpoor [Bampur], ‘Ibrahim, a Persian Sirhang’) in March 1863 (folios 192-194, 218-226).Folios 339-417 chiefly comprises correspondence and papers of the Commissioner in Sind, Political Superintendent and Commandant, Frontier Upper Sind, and the Secretary to the Government, Bombay, 1864 and 1866. They are covered by two manuscript lists of numbered contents. (Folios stated below include the title page to the item number).Folio 339: ‘1866. Political Kelat’, comprising a list of items numbered 1-8. Items (No. 4 ‘Disturbance at Muscat’ and No. 8 ‘Raids on the Punjab Frontier’ are not present)Folios 340-346 (item No. 1): ‘Murree affray at Soee, death of Naib Rassuldar Shaik Hassan Ali [Nā’ib Rasūldār Shaikh Ḥasan ‘Ali], 3rd Regiment Sind Horse’, regarding attack made by 'the Native Officer Commanding the Outpost at Soorie' [probably Suri, also spelt Sooee in this volume] upon a group of Murrees [inhabitants of Mari] who had assembled 'for the purpose of plundering in British territory'Folios 347-349 (item No. 2): ‘Khureetas for HH the Khan of Kelat’ [Kalat] (two letters, not kharitas)Folios 350-359 (item No. 3): ‘Pension for Abdool Russed Khan’. Includes correspondence with Pension Pay Office, Poona [Pune]Folios 360-363 (item No. 5): ‘HH the Khan of Kelat’s subsidy for 1866/67’Folios 364-367 (item No. 6): ‘Trade and revenues of Gwadur’. Printed ‘Report on the nature of the Trade at Gwadur and the probable amount of its Revenues’ by Lieutenant Edward Charles Ross, Assistant Political Agent at Muscat and KelatFolios 368-373 (item No. 7): ‘Abdoolla Jageer [Abdullah Jagir, a trader] claims British Consular protection from the Jam of Beyla’Folio 374: ‘1864. Political Miscellaneous’ comprising a list of items numbered 1-8. (Items No. 1 ‘Report on the political state of the Frontier Districts for 1863’ and No. 8 ‘Naturalised B…’ [this is crossed through] are not present)Folios 375-379 (item No. 2): ‘Proposition for including in travelling allowances to Political officers allowances for tentage also’Folios 380-384 (item No. 3): ‘Sanction for Political Superintendent’s Toshakhana’ [treasury of objects]Folios 385-390 (item No. 4): ‘Bhawalpoore [Bahawalpur] rebels’Folios 391-394 (item No. 5): ‘Transfer of the Ionian Isles to the Greek Government’. Official notices to the Indian authorities that the British Government has left the Ionian Islands in June 1864 and the protectorate will be handed over the ‘King of the Hellenes’ [King of Greece] next yearFolios 395-401 (item No. 6): ‘Sulphur imported from Bagh in Cuchee [Kacchi, in Kalat, Balochistan] by the Engineer Department’Folios 402-403 (item No. 7): ‘Rates for Telegraph in Persia and Russia’The end of the volume consists of :Folio 404: ‘Sketch of Oka Mandel’ [Okhamandal, Gujurat, India]. Map, signed Lieutenant-Colonel R Phayre, Quartermaster-General, 27 September 1859Folio 405: ‘Route surveys in Abyssinia [Ethiopia] from Antalo to Magdala’ surveyed by the Quartermaster-General’s Department, Abyssinia Field Force. Map, signed Captain T J Holland and Lieutenant-General R Napier, 25 May 1868, with notesFolios 406-413: Manuscript, badly water damaged (past repairs visible), possibly relating to SindFolios 414-416: Printed ‘List of Dehs in the Frontier District of Upper Sind, with their population, etc., etc.’ by Colonel Francis Loch, Political Superintendent, Frontier District of Upper Sind (undated)Folio 417: Printed memorandum, dated 25 Sep 1875, issued by Bombay Government Financial Department on tentage allowances.The principal correspondents over the period 1860-67 are: H L Anderson, Chief Secretary to the Government, Bombay; A Kinloch Forbes, Acting Secretary to the Government, Bombay; M J Shaw Stewart, Acting Secretary to the Government, Bombay; Jonathan Duncan Inverarity, Commissioner in Sind; Samuel Mansfield, Commissioner in Sind; A D Robertson, Acting Commissioner in Sind; Major (later Lieutenant-Colonel) Henry W R Green, Political Agent in Khelat, later (sometime Acting) Political Superintendent and Commandant, Frontier Upper Sind; Major (later Lieutenant-Colonel) Malcolm S Green, variously Political Agent in Baluchistan, Political Agent in Khelat and Political Superintendent and Commandant, Frontier Upper SindOther correspondents include: Captain William Dickinson, Acting Political Agent in Kelat; James McAdam Hyslop, Officiating Political Agent in Turkish Arabia; Lieutenant-Colonel Arnold Burrowes Kemball, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia; Major William Lockyer Merewether, Political Superintendent and Commandant in Chief, Frontier of Upper Sind; Charles Umpherston Aitchison, Secretary to Government of India; Colonel Henry Mortimer Durand, Secretary to Government of India (Foreign Department); Sir George Russell Clerk, Governor and Resident in Council, Bombay; Charles Gonne, Secretary to Government, Bombay; William Henry Havelock (Officiating Secretary), Bombay; Charles Alison, British Minister at Teheran; Earl (John) Russell, British Foreign Secretary; Hormuzd Rassam, Acting British Resident at Muscat; Captain Herbert Disbrowe, Acting Political Agent, Muscat; Lieutenant Edward Charles Ross, variously Assistant Political Agent Gwadur, Assistant to the Political Agent in Beloochistan [Balochistan], and Assistant to the Political Agents at Kelat and Muscat; Major P Stewart, HM Bengal Engineers, on Special Duty at Kurrachee; Lieutenant Arthur William Stiffe, Acting Director, Mekran Coast and Submarine Telegraph; H Izaak Walton, Superintendent, Mekran Coast and Submarine Telegraph; P W Hewett, 1st Class Inspector of Telegraphs.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 420; 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 original pagination sequence dating from the 1920s is also present in parallel; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. This sequence correlates to the description found in Samuel Charles Hill's
Catalogue of the Home Miscellaneous Series of the India Office Records(London: HMSO, for the India Office, 1927).
Abstract: Papers mainly relating to Jacob’s career in Sinde [Sindh, also spelt Scinde and Sind in this volume], notably as Political Superintendent and Commandant on the Frontier of Upper Sinde before the Anglo-Persian War; terms of the Anglo-Persian peace treaty and post-war events 1857; political instability in Sind and Beloochistan [Balochistan] and the state of affairs in Kelat [Kalat, also spelt Khelat in this volume], 1857-72. Documents are copies unless otherwise stated.(There are no indexes, or lists of contents, in this volume.)Folios 9-10: Extracts of Brigade Orders, February 1840, by Brigadier Gordon, on transferring command of the troops in Upper Scinde to Brigadier Keverson, and by Major Billamore on breaking up of the force under his command, both praising the conduct of the troops and performance of Lieutenant John Jacob, commanding the artilleryFolios 11-36: Correspondence of and relating to Lieutenant Jacob, Bombay Artillery, dated 21 May 1840-1 December 1841, mainly regarding Jacob’s much-lauded report and map of his journey from Hyderabad to Nuggur Parkur, confirming it as a practicable route to march troops between Sinde and Guzerat [Gujarat], plus praise for his ability, endeavours and enterprise when he was based in Upper Sinde in 1839. Correspondents include Captain James Outram, Political Agent in Lower Sinde; Henry Torrens, Officiating Secretary to the Government in India; J P Willoughby, Secretary to the Government, Bombay; L R Reid, Chief Secretary, to the Government, Bombay; Lieutenant-Colonel P Wilson, Commanding 3rd Regiment Light Cavalry; J D Leckie, Assistant Political Agent in charge, HyderabadFolios 27-28: Two Revenue Department letters, June and September 1842, relative to Jacob's allowances whilst on foreign field service in AfghanistanFolios 29-33: Letters from Outram, praising the conduct of various officers including Jacob and his Sinde Irregular and Horse for quelling activities the of Northern Hill Tribe ‘marauders’ and bringing ‘tranquillity’ to that area in Cutchee [Kacchi, in Kalat, Baluchistan], Scinde and Afghanistan, October-November 1842Folios 34-75: Correspondence and papers, dated February 1848-September 1853, regarding Jacob's claim for the considerable costs he has incurred since 1847 in exercising political duties assigned to him as Political Superintendent (as well as Commandant) on the Frontier of Upper Sinde. Jacob notes that he has only been paid for his regimental command of the Sinde Irregular Horse, despite all his other work in bringing tranquillity to the previously violent territory and improving agriculture and the economy; he additionally complains of disadvantages from the post not having a permanent establishment. Chiefly, correspondence between the Henry Bartle Edward Frère, Commissioner in Sinde (who supported Jacob’s case), and Jacob; Frère’s letters to Viscount Falkland, Governor and Resident in Bombay; Jacob’s petitions to Frère and memorial to Marquis Dalhousie, Governor-General of India, 15 September 1853 (folios 66-75)Folios 64-65: The Court's ‘confidential’ letter to the Government of India, 22 June 1853, recommending Lieutenant-Colonel Outram, who had been recalled from his post as Resident in Baroda [now Vadodara, in Gujarat], for return to duties in India, and the circumstances of his recall from BarodaFolios 76-87: ‘Memoranda of a personal communication by Major Jacob to HH the Khan of Kelat at Mustoong [Mastung] on the 13th May 1854’ proposing a new Treaty between the Khan and the British Government; and copy, in English and Persian of ‘Treaty between the British Government and Nusseer Khan, Chief of Kelat’, concluded by Jacob on behalf of the Governor-General of India, 14 May 1854, ratification by the Governor-General 2 June 1854, and two amendments (1855)Folios 88-105: Letters, dated October 1856-January 1857, from Lieutenant-Colonel Jacob, Acting Commissioner in Sind, to Lord Elphinstone, Governor and President in Council, Bombay, regarding Major Frederic John Goldsmid, whom Jacob asserts is opposing his authority and has attempted to claim credit for the work of the Jagheer [jagir or jageer] Enquiry in Sind, when (Jacob states) the majority was undertaken by Captain Lewis Pelly whilst Goldsmid was on sick leave in Europe and then with the Turkish contingent in the Russian [Crimean] WarFolios 106-107: Letter (original) from Outram to Sir George Clerk, Under-Secretary of State for India, 20 November 1856, containing suggestions relative to the Persian ExpeditionFolios 108-109, 132-143: Letters from, and intelligence (originally sent to the Earl of Clarendon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs) forwarded by the Secret Committee, East India Company to Lieutenant-General Outram, relative to conclusion of peace with Persia, the Paris Peace Treaty (4 March 1857), and Russian troops on the Persian Frontier, March-May 1857Folios 110-111, 120-121: Letters from Clarendon to Rt Hon Robert Vernon Smith, MP, President of the Board of Control, regarding the peace treaty and suitability of the British soliciting the assistance of disaffected ‘native tribes’ in Persia, March-April 1857Folios 112-115: Correspondence between Lord [John] Wodehouse, British Envoy Extraordinary to Russia in St Petersburg, and Clarendon, regarding Russian views on the British peace with Persia and the treaty ratification, including Wodehouse’s conversations with Prince Gortchakoff [Alexander Gorchakov], Russian Foreign Minister (see also IOR/H/550 folios 188-206), March 1857Jacob, regarding post-conflict dispersal of the British troops from Persia, 20 April 1857Folios 122-125: Letter from Outram to Clarendon, relating to the peace and dispersal of British troops from Persia, 22 April 1857Folios 126-127, 130-131: Letters (originals) from Outram to Jacob, relating to Persian acceptance of the treaty terms, May 1857Folios 128-129: Letter from Charles A Murray, in Baghdad, to Outram, regarding ratification of the treaty with Persia, 2 May 1857Folios 144-145: Extract from the
Tehran Gazette, 6 August 1857, confirming the release of Afghans recently taken prisoner in Persia and granting of their free movement in any part of the country. (Forwarded by Captain Felix Jones, Political Agent, Persian Field Force and Civil Commissioner and Resident in the Gulf, to Jacob, 3 Sep 1857)Folios 146-147: Letter from Lord Elphinstone, Bombay, to Outram, relating to the peace treaty terms, 7 April 1857Folios 148-156: Accounts of bravery, recommendations for medals, and honourable mention of officers who served during the Persian war, May 1857 (see also IOR/H/550, folios 111-167)Folios 157-168: Memorandum by Frère, Commissioner in Sind, Kurrachee, dated 6 June 1857, detailing measures necessary for maintenance of order in and external defence of India (following uprisings and ‘mutiny’ against the British), and ‘Route between Hindioon or Endgaon on the Persian Gulf and Kalay Sadawut on the direct route from Bushire to Shiraz, turning and avoiding the passes of Kootoob-i-Muloo and Kootoob-i-Kanaredje’ (suitable for troops accompanied by artillery)Folios 169-170, 173-174: Letters from Jacob to Brigadier H W Trevelyan, Commandant of Artillery, ‘Late on Duty’, concerning the latter’s mission to the camp of Meerza Mahomed Khan [Mirza Muhammad Khan], Persian Commander in Chief, and relations between the British and Persian camps, 8 July 1857Folios 171-172, 203-204: Letters (originals) from Outram to Jacob, 7 and 14 July 1857, appearing to discuss arrangements for Outram’s return to India and Jacob’s role in Bushire (the handwriting is partly illegible)Folios 175-176: Letter, dated 11 July 1857, of commendation and congratulation from HM Government (Foreign Office) to Outram for his conduct of the campaign in PersiaFolios 177-178: undated middle section of a letter (probably from Jacob, based on handwriting comparisons in this volume and IOR/H/549-550), regarding troop transports in Bushire, c.1857Folios 179-202: Letter from Jacob to Clarendon, 11 July 1857, conveying reports on the recent mission to the Persian military camp by Trevelyan and Herbert Frederick Disbrowe, Assistant Resident Persian GulfFolio 205: Letter, 12 August 1857, from H L Anderson, Secretary to the Government, Bombay, to Jacob, confirming approval of the mission to the Persian campFolios 206-208: ‘Memorandum of portions of recent correspondence between the Acting Commissioner in Sind and Government relative to the attempts of the Persians to obtain a footing in Mekran and the aid afforded to the Persians by Azad Khan of Khursan [Khorasan]’, recording events December 1856 to April 1857Folios 209-245: Detailed report by Frère to Lord Elphinstone, on the ‘present state of affairs at Kelat’, dated 19 February 1857Folios 246-263: Documents on Kelat forwarded by Jacob to Frère on 28 May 1858, comprising letters from Henry Green, Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind, to Jacob, 20-21 May 1858, and from Colonel H B Lumsden to Green, 13 May 1858. Plus, document (author not identified) relating events in the Kelat territory from August 1868, when Green was succeeded by Colonel R Phayre in August 1868, and from March 1869 when Captain Harrison became Political Agent in Kelat, with a ‘Table of routes in Upper Sind and Cutchee’ with distances between places, state of the roads, conditions for camps, supplies, forage and water (folios 256-263)Folios 264-299: Copies of Despatches from Sir Charles Wood, Secretary of State for India, (India Office, London) to the Governor-in-Council, Bombay, relative to the construction of the Mekran Line of Telegraph. The Despatches cover July-December 1862 and include reports and communications of Brevet Major Patrick Stewart, Bengal Engineers and Lieutenant-Colonel in Persia, and cover more generally telegraphic communications with India through Persia, extension of the line to Bussorah [Basra] and Bagdad [Baghdad], connection with the Turkish telegraph, and laying a submarine cable in the Persian Gulf (Set of despatches forwarded by Major William Lockyer Merewether, Acting Secretary to the Government, Bombay, to Major Malcolm Green, Political Agent in Khelat, 27 February 1863)Folios 302-304: copies of letters by the British India authorities relating to passports for British subjects passing to the West of the Indus (into ‘foreign territory’), 1863 Folios 305-319: Printed copies of correspondence, 12 December 1868-12 April 1869, between Colonel R Phayre, Political Superintendent, Frontier of Upper Sind, Colonel Sir W L Merewether, Commissioner in Sind, Captain R G Sandeman, Officiating Deputy Commissioner, Deyra Ghazie Khan, Rt Hon Sir William Robert Seymour Vesey-Fitzgerald, Governor and President-in-Council, Bombay, concerning ‘outrages’ committed by the Murree [Mari] tribe on the Sind Frontier, violent instability caused by warring Murree, Boogtee [Bugti], Doombkee [Dombki] and other Belooch [Baloch] tribes, and British relations with Khans of Khelat for purposes of alleviating the conflictsFolios 320-352: Report, dated 30 November 1872, by Colonel Phayre to Colonel Merewether, detailing his visit to the Frontier, including places visited, geography, inhabitants, warring tribesFolios 353-386: printed reports to Colonel Merewether, on disturbances in Kelat, notably conflict between Murree and Boogtees and British relations with the Khans of Kelat. Reports by Colonel Phayre, 15 February 1872, and Captain R Sandeman, on Special Duty in Jacobabad, 6 March 1872, accompanied by Merewether’s letters and detailed comments criticising the analysis and actions of both Phayre and Sandeman, January-March 1872Folios 387-401: Document ‘Notes on Persia’ by Lieutenant-Colonel J Holland, Quartermaster-General, Bombay, originally prepared for Lord Elphinstone in February 1854, with table of the ‘Route between Bushire and Shiraz’, covering terrain, climate, roads, villages, availability of supplies and water, assailability, value of possible British possessionsFolio 402: Coloured ‘Sketch showing the localities of the Tribes on the Frontier of Upper Sind', 1854Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 405; 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 original pagination sequence dating from the 1920s is also present in parallel; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. This sequence correlates to the description found in Samuel Charles Hill's
Catalogue of the Home Miscellaneous Series of the India Office Records(London: HMSO, for the India Office, 1927).
Abstract: This item consists of copies of a General Despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secretary of State for India, dated 25 November 1873 and received via Brindisi on 29 December 1873, forwarding copies of correspondence regarding the debt due to the British Government by the [Ottoman] Porte for telegraph stores. Based on an explanation of the debt received from the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia [Ottoman Iraq], the Government of India requests that HM Minister for Foreign Affairs urges the Ottoman Government to liquidate it. The enclosures chiefly comprise letters and telegrams from the Political Agent in Turksh Arabia. The despatches include only the abstracts of contents; the enclosures are not present.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 125, and terminates at f 130, 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 125a, f 126a, and f 127a.
Abstract: Correspondence discusses the construction of telegraph lines in Persia. Issues discussed include the implications for Britain's relations with the Persian government and how influence could be achieved. Also discussed is the British strategy for negotiating with the Russians who held a sphere of influence in northern Persia, in order to secure British interests in their sphere of influence in southern Persia.The route, costs and staffing of a number of telegraph lines are discussed: Meshed-Seistan, Meshed-Tehran; Robat-Seistan; Nasratabad to Koh-i-Malik Siah, as well as the costs involved in upgrading the lines before their permanent transfer from the Indian Telegraph Department to the Indo-European Telegraph Department. A further isssue discussed is how to overcome a Russian monopoly on the cypress woods which were an essential material for a construction of a telegraph line. Arrangements for the dispatch of British signallers to staff the telegraph offices also features in the correspondence.The file contains a number of statistical tables as well as a technical drawing and a map showing the telegraph offices on the Meshed-Nasratabad (Seistan) line (ff 109-110).Correspondents include: Gilbert Elliot-Murray Kynynmound, 4th Earl of Minto, Viceroy of India; Sir Arthur Nicholson; Sir Edward Grey, Foreign Secretary; Sir Cecil Arthur Spring-Rice; Mr Evelyn Grant Duff; John Evelyn Shuckburgh; H M Consul at Seistan; Sir Walter Beaupré Townley, Minister for Persia.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 422; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The file contains correspondence concerning the Anglo-Persian convention specifically as it related to telegraph lines in the Russian (northern) and British (southern) zones of influence:the transfer of the control of telegraph lines betwen Russia and Britain with reference to the zones of influence agreed in Anglo-Russian convention of 1907. The specific telegraphs lines discussed are Meshed-Tehran and Meshed-Seistan.Anglo-Russian negotiations concerning the procedure by which the transfer would take place.Correspondence discusses specific details such as whether British signallers would be allowed to continue operating in certain areas and the difficulty this would raise if Russia wanted similar arrangement. Also discussed is German interest in these matters.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 382; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top write corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: Correspondence discusses the exchange of telegraph lines with Russia.Telegraph lines discussed are the Seistan line; Arabistan telegraphs (Mohammerah-Ahwaz); North Persian line (Tehran-Khanikin and Tehran-Shahrud). The signing and ratification of the Arabistan Telegraph convention is also discussed.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 236; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: This file contains correspondence, 1905-1911, between officials in the Foreign Office and the Government of India discussing policy options concerning the maintenance and control of telegraph lines in the Arabistan province of Persia.Correspondence discusses the acquisition of control of the Mohammerah-Ahwaz-Borasjun telegraph line. Also discussed is the Government of India's suggestion that Mohammerah-Ahwaz-Borasjun telegraph line be brought under the control of the Indo-European Telegraph Department as well as the the costs of making the necessary repairs.The file contains the Command Paper (Cd 1004) 'Convention between the United Kingdom and Persia extending the system of telegraphic communication between Europe and India through Persia'. Treaty Series, No. 5, 1902, signed at Tehran, August 16 1901.Correspondents include: Major E B Burton, Vice Consul, Mohammerah; Arthur Henry Hardinge, Consul-General, Persia; Percy Zachariah Cox, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; Louis Dane, Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 189; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The volume contains letters and other papers, mainly between the UK Foreign Office Government of India officials, reporting on the proposed telegraph lines Tehran-Khanikin and Tehran-Shahrud. Also discussed is the Indo-European Telegraph Department's undertakings in Persia and German enquiries regarding the concession. The file includes (ff 43-46) the proposed agreement between Imperial Russian and the Persian Government and the Indo-European Telegraph Company.Correspondents include: Sir Cecil Spring-Rice, British ambassador to Persia; Sir Edward Grey, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 211; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.