Persian Affairs and 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], No. 19 dated 5 March 1856. The enclosures are dated 7 February-4 March 1856.

The item comprises correspondence of the Secretary to the Government, Bombay; the Board (Governor and President and members in Council, Bombay); the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Bombay; the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Bombay; and the Military Board, Bombay. Also included are: minutes of the Governor and President and the members in Council, Bombay, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Bombay; and the substance of a letter from the Native Agent Non-British agents affiliated with the British Government. at Muscat conveying intelligence of Persian troop movements from Tehran and Shiraz.

The papers cover the reasons why 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. considered it potentially necessary to send a land expedition to the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. following the diplomatic rupture between Charles Augustus Murray, HM Envoy in Persia [Iran] and the Persian Government, including: what effect the acceptance by Russia of peace with Britain [Crimean War, 1853-1856] may, or may not, have on Persia’s policy towards HM Envoy and plans to occupy Herat; whether Murray’s requisition for troops was sent before he knew of the Anglo-Russian peace; and the importance of awaiting instructions from the Government of India by electric telegraph prior to despatching any force.

The papers also cover the Government of Bombay’s investigations and instructions regarding military and naval resources and preparations for the defence of the sea board of Fars, of Bushire [Bushehr] and the island of Karrack [Kharg, also known as Khark] in the event that a British expedition to Persia were to take place, including:

• The nature and extent of the force required and proposed expedition aims
• The suggested composition of a force to occupy Karrack
• The availability of vessels of war and means of sea transport available and obtainable from Bombay, including steamers from the River Indus flotilla and private steamers
• Commissariat and Ordnance requirements.

Extent and format

1 item (30 folios)

It is part of

'ENCLOSURES TO SECRET LETTERS FROM BOMBAY', Vol 124

1014 images

Ref: IOR/L/PS/5/486

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/5/486, ff 277-306

History of this record

Date(s)

5 Mar 1856 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

Transport planningDiplomacyBilateral relationsMilitary operationsMilitary supplyPreparations for invasion

Places

Persian Gulf

People & organisations

Government of Bombay, Chief SecretaryGovernment of BombayGovernment of Bombay, Military BoardNative AgentHM Ambassador to IranGovernment of Persia

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Cite this record in your research

Persian Affairs and Persian Gulf Affairs, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/5/486, ff 277-306, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100129828683.0x000011> [accessed 11 July 2026]

Link to this record

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