‘Confidential. Persia’ [‎477r] (3/112)

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1834.
(1) Integrity of Persia.
The first declaration of British policy
in Persia was made in 1834 on the occa
sion of the nomination of a successor to
the Persian throne, when an “ under
standing ” was come to between the
British and Kussian Governments to
respect the integrity and independence of
Persia. No formal treaty was concluded
on the subject, but this understanding
has since been frequently confirmed.
2 . Abbas Mirza, eldest son of Path Ali
Shah, who had been nominated by his
father, under Article VII of the Treaty of
Turcomanchai, as heir to the throne, died
in 1833. The East India Company’s
Envoy at Tehran, in reporting the death
of Abbas Mirza, who had been the main
stay of Persian independence, directed
attention to the aggressive designs of
Russia, and advised that assistance should
be given to Persia if she were to be main
tained as a barrier State between India
and Russia. The opportune arrival of a
despatch from the Honourable Mr. Bligh,
British Minister at St. Petersburg, in
which he stated that Count Nesselrode
was apprehensive lest Persia should be
come the scene of discord upon the death
of the Shah, and was anxious that the
two powers should come to a “ good
understanding ” respecting that country,
“ where he considers that our interests are
so very similar,” afforded an opportunity
to Lord Palmerston to seek an inter
change of views w ith Prince Lieven upon
the affairs of Persia. His Lordship dwelt
on the importance to both Russia and
England of maintaining the tranquillity of
Persia and offered to recommend the Shah
to settle the crown upon his grandson,
Muhammad Mirza, whose pretensions the
Prussian Government were known to
favour. Prince Lieven reported the con
versation to his Government. The Rus
sian Minister heard with great satisfaction
the unanimity of opinion of the two Gov.
ernments, and said that orders would be
sent to the Russian Ambassador in Persia
to co-operate in this affair with the British
Resident, with the result that the Shah
nominated Muhammad Mirza as successor
to the throne. Einally the “ understand
ing ” between the twm Governments was
recorded in a despatch addressed by Vis
count Palmerston to Her Majesty’s
Ambassador in St. Petersburg on the Stir
September 1834, wdiich ran as follows :
Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bligh.
Hertslet’s (Persian) Treaties, page 210.
• Respecting the affairs of Persia and Afghanistan.
Foreign Office, September 5, 183*
"In acknowledging the receipt of your des
patch of the 6th August,* I have to instruct yo