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'P. 1. 2410/1903. Persia:- Financial Situation. Loans.' [‎14r] (32/1056)

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The record is made up of 1 volume (526 folios). It was created in 3 Apr 1903-17 Jan 1906. It was written in English and French. 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. .

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Note by Sir John Edge.
I am in favour of granting the loan. It appears to me to be greatly
to our advantage to prevent, if possible, the chance of Persia borrowing
further at present from Russia. Hard pressed as Russia may be now for
money, I conceive that Russia could easily raise the amount required on the
security that Persia has to give. Purther, Russia might obtain a, lien on
the revenues of Seistan. We know that Russia has been intriguing to
obtain a foothold in Seistan, and if we refuse the loan we throw Persia into
the arms of Russia, and in that case Russia will be able to obtain her own
terms.
I would grant the loan mainly on the security of the southern
customs and get rid of the still difficult question as to the meaning of “ the
customs of Pars and of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .” The revenues of the Caspian
fisheries are to my mind worthless to us as a security. It would, I think,
be useless to propose to Persia that the revenues of Seistan should be a
collateral security. Persia, not without some reason having been afforded to
her, suspects our intentions with regard to Seistan, but she would possibly
agree, as one of the conditions for the loan, that she would give us the first
option, should it become necessary for her to borrow on the security of the
revenue of Seistan.
We must not think of any occupation of Persian territory in Seistan or
elsewhere on the mainland. We would be too far from our base, and would
only court disaster in the event of a war with Russia, a disaster which would
have serious effects if we had to defend India against invasion by Russia.
Our fleet could not prevent Russia, if she were in force, taking, fortifying,
and holding a harbour in or near the Gulf, and a mere blockade by our fleet
could not be indefinitely prolonged.
I have said that it appears to me to be greatly to our advantage
to prevent, if possible, the chance of Persia borrowing further at
present from Russia. Time is everything to us. We could not by
arms prevent Russia taking Persia, but, in the not distant future,
I foresee that Germany will have interests in Persia which would
be destroyed if Persia became practically a Russian province; and
when the German trading interests in Persia have become developed Russia
will have to deal with Germany as well as with us. In the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran.
Germany could do practically nothing as against Russia without our
assistance, and could do nothing as against us, but Germany could put such
pressure on Russia in Europe as would prevent Russia annexing Persia.
John Edge.
11th January 1906.
S. 37.
^ ^ / / n A c.

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Content

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 The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ' 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 Douanier signed 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 The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. (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.

Extent and format
1 volume (526 folios)
Arrangement

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.

Physical characteristics

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 The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio.

A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.

Written in
English and French in Latin script
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'P. 1. 2410/1903. Persia:- Financial Situation. Loans.' [‎14r] (32/1056), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/10/8, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100025717271.0x000021> [accessed 28 March 2024]

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