![File 4345/1912 'Trans-Persian Railway' [‎47r] (98/330)](https://iiif.qdl.qa/iiif/images/81055/vdc_100000000419.0x0000c7/IOR_L_PS_10_307_0098.jp2/full/!1200,1200/0/default.jpg "File 4345/1912 'Trans-Persian Railway' [‎47r] (98/330)")
File 4345/1912 'Trans-Persian Railway' [47r] (98/330)
The record is made up of 1 volume (163 folios). It was created in 1911-1913. It was written in English. The original is part of the British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity. .
Transcription
This transcription is created automatically. It may contain errors.
3
I, 1
* [The Germans, under the “ Potsdam ”
agreement of 1911, hold a reversionary right
to build the Tehran-Khanikin line if Russia
does not do so within a prescribed term
after the completion of the Khanikin branch
of the Bagdad system.]
but this theoretical assent, which was expressly
coupled with certain conditions made in the
military and commercial interests of Great Britain
and India, was subject to the junction of the
two systems being financially practicable,
for His Majesty’s Government carefully refrained
from holding out any prospect of a guarantee.
In the autumn of 1912 the Bussian Foreign
Minister visited this country and, influenced by
certain developments in the progress of the
Bagdad Boilway system, his Excellency urged
that the British and Bussian Governments
should move a step further in the Trans-
Persian project* : the Bussian Government had
decided that it was imperative to link up
their system with Tehran ; a concession to build
this connecting line might therefore be sought by
the Societe d’Etudes, who at the same time
might apply for an option for the whole Trans-
Persian Bailway.
His Majesty’s Government agreed to support
the Socidte in this course at Tehran, subject to all
reservations already made, and on condition that
the option, if obtained, should be “ limited,” that
is, that construction should not proceed beyond
the Bussian sphere until such time as His
Majesty’s Government should consider it both
politic and feasible.
M. Sazonoff accepted this position ; and it was
unequivocally agreed to by the British group in
October 1912.
An altered situation has, however, just arisen
owing to a declaration of the British group that
they are unwilling to send a representative to
negotiate at Tehran unless His Majesty’s Govern
ment will modify to some extent their attitude of
reserve, and agree to support them in securing an
option, not merely for a main line, but for
branches and maritime facilities also.
It is in these circumstances that the question
has been referred to the Committee of Imperial
Defence ; and, as it is no doubt felt that such a
course will facilitate the work of the Committee
in making recommendations on the points sub
mitted, the occasion has been taken to reopen the
whole question, including that of our agreement to
the scheme in principle, ab initio.
This fresh examination of the question is not
unwelcomed by the Foreign Office ; but as there
may be points overlooked or insufficiently empha
sised, the following notes have been prepared:—
About this item
- Content
This volume comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, notes, printed reports, a press cutting and a map, relating to the connection of the railway system of Europe to the railway system of India by the construction of railway lines through Persia.
The discussion in the volume relates to the proposal of a Russian consortium and the response of the Government of India to this proposal. A Report (No. 18 of 1911' folios 144 - 160) notes that the Government of India would do well to accept in principle the Russian proposal subject to a number of modifications. A map entitled 'Indexed Map Showing Proposed Railways in Persia' (folio 160) accompanies the report. Suggested modifications included:
- the point of intersection of the trans-Persian railway with the Indian railway system (British preference for Karachi); and concessions for branch lines (Bandar Abbas, Charbar, Mohammerah);
- the requirement that both main and branch lines in Persian territory be deemed international with Russia and Britain holding preponderant shares and Persia included as a participant;
- and the use of a different gauge railway in the British and Russian zones. As a quid pro quo for their support on this matter Britain expected the Russians to cease any consideration of extending the Trans-Caspian Railway to the Persia-Afghan border.
Also discussed are the negotiations about a loan between the Société des Études du Chemin de Fer Transpersan and the Persian Government and a suggestion that the British and French governments should guarantee a substantial loan by securing it against the crown jewels.
The following topics are also discussed: the Foreign Office proposal to refer the whole question of railway development in Persia to the Committee of Imperial Defence; a draft application for the concession; a memorandum by Brigadier General A H Gordon; dispatch of instructions to His Majesty's Ambassador at St Petersberg on the attitude of the Her Majesty's Government; the view of the Sir G Buchanan on the attitude of the Russian Government to the question of alignment.
The principal correspondents in the volume include: His Majesty's Secretary of State for India, the Earl of Crewe; Deputy Secretary to the Government of India, E H S Clark; His Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Sir Edward Grey; the Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Lieutenant-Colonel Percy Zachariah Cox; the President of the Railway Board; Agent to the Governor-General and Chief Commissioner in Baluchistan.
This volume 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.
- Extent and format
- 1 volume (163 folios)
- Arrangement
The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the rear to the front of the volume. The subject 4345 (Trans-Persian Railway) consists of 1 volume.
- Physical characteristics
Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 163; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio.
- Written in
- English in Latin script View the complete information for this record
Use and share this item
- Share this item
File 4345/1912 'Trans-Persian Railway' [47r] (98/330), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/10/307, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100036625670.0x000063> [accessed 12 June 2026]
https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100036625670.0x000063
Copy and paste the code below into your web page where you would like to embed the image.
<meta charset="utf-8"><a href="https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100036625670.0x000063">File 4345/1912 'Trans-Persian Railway' [‎47r] (98/330)</a> <a href="https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100036625670.0x000063"> <img src="https://iiif.qdl.qa/iiif/images/81055/vdc_100000000419.0x0000c7/IOR_L_PS_10_307_0098.jp2/full/!280,240/0/default.jpg" alt="" /> </a>
This record has a IIIF manifest available as follows. If you have a compatible viewer you can drag the icon to load it.https://www.qdl.qa/en/iiif/81055/vdc_100000000419.0x0000c7/manifestOpen in Universal viewerOpen in Mirador viewerMore options for embedding images
Copyright: How to use this content
- Reference
- IOR/L/PS/10/307
- Title
- File 4345/1912 'Trans-Persian Railway'
- Pages
- front, back, spine, edge, head, tail, front-i, 2r:42v, 43v:159v, 161r:162v, back-i
- Author
- East India Company, the Board of Control, the India Office, or other British Government Department
- Usage terms
- Open Government Licence