Memorandum written in French and published by the Foreign Office in 1874.The memorandum discusses the situation in Persia, including the interior and exterior threats the country faces, and the potential threat the situation poses to the borders of the British Empire.The perceived exterior threat to Perse is the progress and advancement of the Russian Empire in Asia and their perceived interest in occupying Merv, the ancient capital of Khorassan [Khorāsān]. The interior threat is considered to be the general situation in Persia and its difficulties in establishing administration within its own borders.Also discussed in the memorandum is the strength and skill of the Turcomanes (Turkmen) cavalry which could potentially disrupt Russia's plans in Asia and the lack of continuous British representation in Persia and the possible need to provide support to their ally in order to stop Russia from advancing through Asia.1 file (3 folios)Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at f 61, 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 item also contains an original incomplete printed pagination sequence.
Memorandum prepared by Edward Hertlset, Foreign Office Librarian, on 5 March 1874 (printed by the Foreign Office 10 March 1874). The document gives a historical overview (from 1517 to 1874) of claims on the Red Sea coast, with particular focus on those of the Ottoman Turks and the Egyptians. It discusses attempts by the French, Italians and Americans to gain a foothold in the region. It ends with a summary of things as they stand, with political and commercial considerations, as well as those of the slave trade.Hertslet quotes extensively from his sources, notes on which appear in the left-hand margin.35 foliosAt the beginning (folios 1-2) there is a table of reference to facts and dates, with reference to the printed page number.Foliation: the 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. A second foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 1-34; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: The booklet also contains an original typed pagination sequence.