'Persia, Herat, and Seistan' [‎84v] (12/28)

12
panded in tlie following despatch* (22nd October)
addressed to Mr. Thomson:—
“ The more recent occurrences at Cabul, subse
quent to the signature of the treaty of Gundamak,
terminating in the massacre of Sir L. Cavagnari’s
special mission, and the capture of the city by the
English troops under General Roberts, has again
raised, the question of the disposition of Herat, and
is at this juncture engaging the serious attention of
Her Majesty’s Government.
“ It appears to them that the abdication of
Yakoub Khan, and other circumstances, may render
it impossible to unite the whole territory hitherto
held under the sway of the Ameer under one head,
and that, in any future combination for the settle
ment of the country, it may be more prudent to
entrust Herat to the Shah of Persia than to leave it
to the chance guardianship of some petty Chief who
may be accessible to the influence of Russian
bribes. The control which could be exercised by
this country over Persia would probably be greater
than any Her Majesty’s Government could have
over such a Chief.
“ But before any decision can be taken upon this,
it will be necessary to know upon what conditions
Persia would be disposed to accept so important a
trust.
“ On their side, Her Majesty’s Government would
have to insist upon the right of occupation by
British troops as a precautionary measure in case
of danger of the place falling into wrong hands, and
also a right to have a certain number of British
Officers permanently employed in the garrison,
in order to ensure that every precaution shall
be taken to ensure its effective defence.
“ It might also be expedient, at the same time,
to secure the navigation of the Karun river, and
some amendment of the commercial relations
between Persia and this country.
“ I have, therefore, sent you instructions this
evening, by telegraph, to sound the Persian Minister
for Poreign Affairs cautiously upon this subject,
taking for your basis the overtures which were
made to me early in the year by Malcom Khan,
and which were communicated to you in my
despatch, No. 35, Secret, of 31st of March.
“ When you have done this, I should wish you
to communicate the result to me, also by telegraph,
giving me, at the same time, a resume of your own
views with regard to the question of policy involved
in the cession of Herat to Persia.”
Mr. Thomson replied on the 28th October :—
. . . “I have the honour to state that I con
sider that, provided safety be ensured, the transfer
of Herat to Persia would be an expedient measure.
“ Our nominee would be dependent on us for his
position and tenure of office. We could dictate
* From Foreign Office, 29th October
1879.
From Foreign Office, 29th October 1879.