Persian Gulf Affairs

Content

This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee Pre-1784, the Committee responsible for protecting East India Company shipping. Post-1784, its main role was to transmit communications between the Board of Control and the Company's Indian governments on matters requiring secrecy. : Bombay Secret Letter 9 November 1822. The enclosures are dated 6 July-1 November 1822.

The enclosure comprises correspondence between Captain William Bruce, 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. , Bushire [Bushehr]; Francis Warden, Chief Secretary to the Government, Bombay; James Farish, Acting Secretary to the Government, Bombay; and Mountstuart Elphinstone, Governor of Bombay. Also included are Bruce's enclosures to his letters and a Minute of the Governor with an associated enclosure.

The main subjects covered are: the negotiation by Bruce of an unauthorized treaty with the Prince at Shiraz, relating to the British occupation of the island of Kishm [Qeshm], the destruction (by the British Navy) of local inhabitants’ ships at Lingua [Bandar-e Lengeh] and Charrack [Bandar-e Chārak], and the British naval presence in the Gulf; the admonishment of Bruce by the authorities at Bombay for exceeding his remit; and the replacement of Bruce as Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . Notably included are:

• Bruce’s account of events at Shiraz and a translation of an agreement with the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. proposed by the Hossein Ali Meerza, Prince at Shiraz [Husayn 'Ali Mīrzā A title of honour originally applied to princes, later to military leaders, and later still to secretaries, chieftains, and other ‘gentlemen’. Farmānfarmā, Prince-Governor A Prince of the Royal line who also acted as Governor of a large Iranian province during the Qājār period (1794-1925). of Fārs], who was acting on behalf of the Shah of Persia [Iran] (ff 119-122)
• A letter from Warden to Farish angrily berating the ‘entirely unauthorized’ negotiation and treaty which is ‘in every article opposed to the views and intentions of Government’ (f 124) and recalling Bruce to India, enclosing drafts of letters of retraction and explanation to be sent to the Prince of Shiraz, Imaum [Imam] of Muscat, and Shaikh of Bahrein [Bahrain] (ff 128-132)
• Draft instructions to Lieutenant John MacLeod (ff 138-145), appointed successor to Bruce, detailing how he is to: oversee the withdrawal of British troops at Kishm and recompense the owners of destroyed property at Lingua and Charrack without appearing to capitulate to the demands of Persia or accept liability for the destruction of boats; and to conciliate all the Arab chiefs of the coast and to protect the East India Company’s trade and commerce in the region of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .

Extent and format

1 item (34 folios)

It is part of

'ENCLOSURES TO SECRET LETTERS FROM BOMBAY', Vol 7

557 images

Ref: IOR/L/PS/5/369

Arrangement

The despatch comprises enclosures numbered 1-5. The enclosure number is written for reference on the verso The back of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'v'. of the last folio of each enclosure.

Written in

English in Latin script

Type

Archival item

Access & Reference

Original held at

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.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

IOR/L/PS/5/369, ff 112-145

History of this record

Date(s)

9 Nov 1822 (CE, Gregorian)

People & organisations

Political ResidentGovernment of BombayPrince-Governor of FārsImam of Oman

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Cite this record in your research

Persian Gulf Affairs, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/5/369, ff 112-145, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100122005751.0x000009> [accessed 28 August 2026]

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