The volume discusses the ongoing negotiations in Constantinople between the Ottoman, British and Russian Governments through 1912 and 1913 regarding the Turco-Persian Frontier. Also discussed is the decision in July 1913 to establish a delimitation commission to which Albert Charles Wratislaw and Arnold Talbot Wilson are appointed as representatives of the British Government.Also discussed in the volume is the region of Kermanshah and in particular Qasr-i-Shirin [Qaşr-e Shīrīn], along with the Anglo-Persian Oil Company's concerns over the rights accorded to them in their 1901 concession should some of that territory be ceded to Turkey.Further discussion relates to the movements of Russian and Turkish troops near the frontier and the withdrawal of Turkish troops from certain places along the frontier.This volume is part two of two. 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.1 volume (334 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the rear to the front of the volume.The subject 1356 (Turco-Persian Frontier) consists of 2 volumes, IOR/L/PS/10/266-267. The volumes are divided into 2 parts, with each part comprising one volume.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 334; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the two leading and ending flyleaves. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
The memorandum consists of printed papers on the subject of whether persons of Persian origin born in India are entitled to protection as British subjects. The question arose from the fact that Persia did not recognise British nationality in persons of Persian descent. In particular, it references the case of Agha Mehdee; a person of Persian descent who has enjoyed British subject status for a number of years. His status as a British subject is accepted by the Government of Persia, but they do not consider this to be a precedent to be conferred on others. The attitudes of France and Russia towards their subjects are considered in order to inform the British position on the matter. The papers included are outlined below.A letter (No. 1, folios 96-100) from William Taylor Thomson, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, to Edward Henry Stanley, Earl of Derby, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, dated Tehran 15 February 1876, with the following enclosures:1. Translation of a memorandum from Minister for Foreign Affairs, dated 19 January 1876 respecting the position of Agha Mehdee;2. Memorandum No. 920 of 1868 respecting Nazir Mohammed Mehedee, signed W Whinvail, Acting Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, dated Bombay Castle 16 May 1868;3. Memorandum No. 2740 of 1870 respecting Nazir Aga Ahmed bin Aga Ali, signed Herbert Henry Jacomb, Under Secretary to the Government of Bombay, dated Bombay Castle 11 November 1870;4. Letter from Colonel Lewis Pelly, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, to E [Charles] Gonne, Secretary to the Political Department, Government of Bombay, dated Bushire 27 January 1872;5. Government Resolution No. 1905 regarding the position of persons of Persian parentage born in British territory, dated Bombay Castle, 27 March 1872;6. Opinion of J W [James Sewell] White, Advocate-General, Bombay, regarding the position of persons of Persian parentage born in British territory. It is dated Bombay Castle 5 March 1872;7. Telegram from Colonel Lewis Pelly, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, to E [Charles] Gonne, Secretary to the Political Department, Government of Bombay, dated Bushire 27 May 1872;8. Telegram from E [Charles] Gonne, Secretary to the Political Department, Government of Bombay, to Colonel Lewis Pelly, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, dated Bombay 7 June 1872;9. Telegram from Colonel Lewis Pelly, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, to E [Charles] Gonne, Secretary to the Political Department, Government of Bombay, dated Bushire 7 June 1872;10. Letter from Colonel Lewis Pelly, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, to E [Charles] Gonne, Secretary to the Political Department, Government of Bombay, dated Bushire 26 June 1872;11. Government Resolution No. 5446 regarding the position of persons of Persian parentage born in British territory, dated Bombay Castle 14 December 1872;12. Opinion of C J Mayhew, Acting Advocate-General, Bombay (No. 34), regarding the position of persons of Persian parentage born in British territory, dated Bombay 2 September 1872;13. Letter from Charles Umpherston Aitchison, Secretary to the Government of India, to Colonel Ross, dated Fort William 5 September 1874;14. Letter from G C Paul, Assistant Advocate-General, Bengal, to Charles Umpherston Aitchison, Secretary to the Government of India, dated Fort William 21 August 1874;15. Telegram from the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Governor of Bushire, dated 22 Zuhejjeh 1292 (20 January 1876);16. Letter from William Taylor Thomson, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, to B Schimanovsky, Russian Chargé d'Affaires, dated Tehran 25 January 1876 (enclosure in French);17. Letter from B Schimanovsky, Russian Chargé d'Affaires, to William Taylor Thomson, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, dated 31 January 1876 (enclosure in French);18. Memorandum of a conversation between Mr Larcom and B Schimanovsky, Russian Chargé d'Affaires, respecting the laws regulating Nationality in Russia, dated Tehran 10 February 1876;19. Letter from William Taylor Thomson, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, to R de Balloy, French Chargé d'Affaires, dated Tehran 10 February 1876 (enclosure in French);20. Letter from R de Balloy, French Chargé d'Affaires, to William Taylor Thomson, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia, dated Tehran 11 February 1876 (enclosure in French);21. Extract from "Les Codes Français" (enclosure in French);22. Extract from a law modified 7 February 1851 concerning persons born in France to foreign parents (enclosure in French).A memorandum (No. 2, folios 100-101) as to the protection to be granted to persons of Persian origin born in India, signed by A Walmisley, dated Foreign Office 20 April 1876. It considers a couple of cases; the case of 'Bagio', a Jew born to Ottoman parents; and 'Schlizzi', a man born in Ottoman territory, but who had resided for a time in England.1 file (6 folios)Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 96, and terminates at f 101, 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.
The file consists of a printed copy of the Convention between the United Kingdom and Russia relating to Persia [Iran], Afghanistan and Thibet [Tibet], signed at St. Petersburgh [St Petersburg] on 31 August 1907, and ratified at St. Petersburgh on 23 September 1907. The Convention was presented to both Houses of Parliament in the United Kingdom in October 1907.The Convention sets out the respective spheres of influence of the United Kingdom and Russia in Persia, recognises the United Kingdom’s influence over Afghanistan, and states that both countries would refrain from all interference in the internal administration of Thibet, in recognition of the suzerain rights of China in Thibet.The text of the Convention is written is French, and is followed by an English translation.1 file (10 folios)Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 10, these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Bound volume containing two secret reports, both authored by Colonel Wilfrid Malleson (referred to as Division of the Chief of the Staff in the first report, and Assistant Quarter Master General for Intelligence in the second), and both issued by the Division of the Chief of the Staff in 1909.The first report is entitled
Statistics regarding the Masqat [Muscat] Arms Traffic (Revised.)(ff 4-16), and contains several appendices and fold-out tables giving details of: caravan routes along which arms trafficking is carried out on the Makran coast; total values of arms and ammunition imported into Muscat and other Persian Gulf ports; importers and (European) exports of arms.The second report is entitled
Special Reports on the Masqat Arms Traffic, Season 1908-09(ff 17-60), and comprises a number of reports on the arms trade through Muscat, submitted by ‘secret agents’, and a map illustrating the arms traffic from Muscat to Persia, Baluchistan and Afghanistan (f 59). The report also includes two appendices, lettered G and H. Appendix G is a letter (in French) dated 28 October 1907, from M Pick to Messieurs Malcom and Company of Muscate [Muscat]. Appendix H comprises lists (in French) of arms for sale, with prices given in French francs.The voluime includes a map illustrating the Muscat arms traffic, dated 1909, indicating routes taken by the Muscat arms trade from the Persian (Makran) coast and inland, into Persia, Baluchistan and Afghanistan (f 59).1 volume (60 folios)Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 62; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: this part also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
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.
Report written by Adolphus Warburton Moore, Assistant Secretary in the Political Secret Department of the India Office, and dated 14 February 1877. The report, which deals with the question of British consular jurisdiction in Persia and the Persian Gulf, was written in order to close a matter that had been the subject of correspondence for over ten years. The report is a narrative of Government of India correspondence dating from 1866 to 1876 on the subject, and covers matters such as: questions over the extent of the territory over which jurisdiction may be exercised; the extent of jurisdictive powers held by the Political Resident, his Assistant, and other officials; implementation of jurisdictive powers; tribunals; legal procedure; civil and criminal law; the slave trade. An appendix to the report (folios 17-18) contains extracts from treatises (most in French) held between Persia and Great Britain (dated 4 March 1857), Persia and Russia (22 February 1828), and Persia and Germany (21 June 1873).18 foliosA single report, followed by a single appendix.Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover, and terminates at the inside 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. Pagination: The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
The volume contains records of correspondence (abstracts, lists, copies and originals) concerning relations between Russia and Persia during the period 1837-1875. The papers are as follows:Papers relating to Russian proceedings on the island of Ashoorada [Ashuradeh] covering the years 1837-1854 (but compiled at an unspecified later date):abstract of correspondence covering the years 1837-1854 (folios 1-13);lists of dispatches and correspondence covering the years 1837-1852 (folios 14-21A).Papers relating to Russo-Persian relations, c1860-1862:abstract of a memoir on the general policy of Russia in the East by M. Sawarykielwiez (folios 22-33). The abstract is signed WHB. A note in blue crayon on folio 22 reads '?About 1860';letter from Charles Alison, Tehran to John Russell, Earl Russell, dated 14 June 1862, enclosing a translation of a draft [not transcribed] of a secret treaty between Persia and Russia proposed during the Crimean War (original manuscript copy and two typescript copies) (folios 34-37).Copies of secret dispatches from the British Embassy at St Petersburg to the British Government, dated 1874-1875, relating to Russian activities in Transcaspia and Central Asia, with copies of supporting correspondence (folios 38-146). Many of the dispatches are in French.1 volume (173 folios)The papers are bound in chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1 on the first folio after the front cover and terminates at 157 on the back cover. These numbers are written in pencil, are enclosed in a circle, and appear in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio. Foliation anomalies: ff. 21, 21A; ff. 74, 74A; ff. 114, 114A; ff. 115, 115A; ff. 116, 116A; ff. 127, 127A; ff. 130, 130A; ff. 131, 131A; ff. 132, 132A; ff. 136, 136A; ff. 137, 137A; ff. 139, 139A; ff. 140, 140A; ff. 141, 141A; ff. 146, 146A; ff. 151, 151A; ff, 152, 152A.
The file contains correspondence in 1928 and 1930 from the Political Agent, Bahrain and Charles Dalrymple Belgrave (Financial Adviser to the Government of Bahrain) regarding the Bahrain Government’s attitude to Persian subjects resident in Bahrain who, either travel to India on Persian passports only, or wish to apply for naturalisation as Bahraini subjects.The file also contains the following circulars and translations relating to Persian nationality law:Notification dated 1934 from the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, about the procedure to be followed by British residents in Persia, to relinquish their Persian nationality, if they were born in Persia to parents who were either British subjects or British Protected Persons;English translations of the Persian Naturalisation and Nationality Acts, 1894, 1929, 1930;English translation of a circular memorandum dated 1929 from the Persian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the British Legation, Tehran providing a period of grace in which British subjects would be allowed to divest themselves of illegal ownership of Persian land and other property without penalty;French translation of the Persian Agricultural Law 1931, forbidding foreigners to own agricultural land in Persia.1 file (51 folios)File papers are arranged chronologically. They are followed by file notes (folios 50-52) which include a chronological list (folio 50) of the several most recent documents added to the file (folios 42-49), together with their unique document reference number to help identify them. The list also records the folio numbers of the documents, to help locate them in the file. The list records the earlier, secondary foliation number.Foliation: numbered 1-53. The numbering is written in pencil in the top right corner of the folio and encircled. The numbering starts at the front of the file, on the file cover (f 1) and ends on the inside cover at the back of the file (f 53). In the more complete of two earlier and secondary foliation sequences, folios 3 to 43 are also numbered 1 to 41 in pencil in the top right corner of the folio.
This volume concerns the geography, political history and economic conditions of Persia and was published by the Historical Section of the Foreign Office in June 1919.It is divided into three sections: 'Geography Physical and Political'(folios 4-8); 'Political History'(folios 9-32); 'Social and Political Conditions' (folios 33-36) and 'Economic Conditions' (folios 37-64). In Appendix, extract from treaties, in English and French, and statistic tables regarding trade in Persia 1910-1915.1 volume (78 folios)There is a foliation sequence, which is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the first folio with text, on number 1, and ends on the last folio with text, on number 78. There is also an original pagination, from 1 to 149.
The volume comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, relating to a loan made to the Persian Government in April 1903, and further advances made during 1904 and 1905.The discussion in the volume relates to the terms of the loan agreements including possible concessions and collateral that could be secured against them; and agreements with the Imperial Bank of Persia through whom the money was loaned. Also discussed is the definition of the term 'Fars and the Persian Gulf' in relation to customs duties, as this was one of the concessions that the 1903 loan was secured against.Further discussion surrounds loans and advances which the Persian Government were negotiating with the Russian Government; and a proposal for an irrigation scheme on the Karun River which was considered as a possible concession in return for a further loan advance.Included in the volume is a copy of the
Règlement Douaniersigned on the 29 August 1904 between representatives of the Persian Government and His Majesty's Government (ff 193-232).The principal correspondents in the volume include the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Lord Lansdowne, Sir Edward Grey), the British Minister to Persia (Sir Arthur Henry Hardinge), the Under Secretaries of State for Foreign Affairs (Sir Charles Hardinge, Sir Thomas Henry Sanderson), and for India (Earl Percy, Sir Arthur Godley), the Viceroy of India (Lord Curzon of Keddleston), the Secretary to the Political and Secret Department of the India Office (Sir Richmond Richie) and the London Manager of the Imperial Bank of Persia (George Newell).The volume is part 1 of 4. Each part includes a divider which gives the subject and part numbers, year the subject file was opened, subject heading, and list of correspondence references contained in that part by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.1 volume (526 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the rear to the front of the volume.The subject 2410 (Persia Loans) consists of 4 volumes, IOR/L/PS/10/8-11. The volumes are divided into 4 parts with each part comprising one volume.The foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 526; 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.
The volume comprises correspondence, telegrams, despatches, notes and memoranda relating to financial loans made by the Governments of Great Britain and Russia to the Government of Persia from 1901 to 1905; and potential loans to be made during 1906 and 1907.The volume discusses the failure of the Persian Government to meet repayment schedules for existing loans and the securities such as customs revenue and concessions which the loans were guaranteed against.Also discussed in the volume are a possible joint Anglo-Russian loan to the Persian Government, which was eventually dismissed owing to the illness and subsequent death of the Shah (Muẓaffari’d-Dīn Shāh Qājār) in January 1907.The principal correspondents in the volume are the British Ambassador to Persia (Sir Cecil Spring Rice), the British Ambassador to Russia (Sir Arthur Nicolson), the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Sir Edward Grey), and representatives of the India Office, Foreign Office, and Treasury.Other correspondents include the Chargé d’Affaires for the British Legation at Tehran (Evelyn Grant Duff), the Russian Imperial Minister for Foreign Affairs (Count Alexander Petrovich Izvolsky) and his Assistant Minister (Count Alexander Petrovich Izvolsky), and the Secretary of State for India (Sir John Morley). Also included is correspondence with the Manager (George Newell) and Chairman (Sir Lepel Griffin) of the Imperial Bank of Persia through whom British loans to the Persian Government had been arranged.The volume is part 2 of 4. Each part includes a divider which gives the subject and part numbers, year the subject file was opened, subject heading, and list of correspondence references contained in that part by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.1 volume (527 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the rear to the front of the volume.The subject 2410 (Persia Loans) consists of 4 volumes, IOR/L/PS/10/8-11. The volumes are divided into 4 parts with each part comprising one volume.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 527; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
The volume comprises correspondence, despatches, memoranda, notes and reports on the financial situation in Persia and the possibility of a joint Anglo-Russian loan to the Persian Government. The terms of the joint loan, including financial reforms which would have to be undertaken by the Persian Government, are discussed in detail.Included in the volume are summaries of the financial situation from 1903 onwards, records of the loans made to the Persian Government in 1903 and 1904 and repayments made against them, and discussion on the Persian Government’s difficulties in paying their debts. Also discussed is a request from the Persian Government in 1910 for a conversion loan from the Imperial Bank of Persia in order to consolidate their debts.The principal correspondents are the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Sir Edward Grey), the British Minister in Tehran (Sir Charles Murray Marling, Sir George Heard Barclay) and the British Ambassador to Russia (Sir Arthur Nicolson), along with representatives of the India Office, Foreign Office and Treasury.Other correspondents include the Russian Imperial Minister for Foreign Affairs (Count Alexander Petrovich Izvolsky), the French Financial Adviser to the Persian Government (Eugène Bizot) and the Belgian Administrator-General of Persian Customs (Joseph Mornard).The correspondence from the Government departments from May 1910 onwards contains a thick black border according to official mourning protocol following the death of King Edward VII on 6 May 1910.The volume is part 3 of 4. Each part includes a divider which gives the subject and part numbers, year the subject file was opened, subject heading, and list of correspondence references contained in that part by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.1 volume (605 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the rear to the front of the volume.The subject 2410 (Persia Loans) consists of 4 volumes, IOR/L/PS/10/8-11. The volumes are divided into 4 parts with each part comprising one volume.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 605; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.