IOR/F/4/706/19082

This item consists primarily of copies of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Governments of Bombay and Bengal. It is the first in a series of three items on Bussora [Basra] and Bagdad [Baghdad] (the others are IOR/F/4/706/19083 and 19084). The main correspondents are the Government of Bombay; the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, Claudius James Rich; the Political Resident in Bussora, Robert Taylor.

Letters from Taylor describe the attack of the Najadah [Najdi] Arabs on Bussora; the growing friction between the Arabs and Turks; whom British protection covers; river piracy on the Euphrates. The item is mainly concerned with the dispute between the Pasha of Bagdad [Pasha of Baghdad, Dāwūd Pasha], and the Political Agent, Rich. The British complaints against the Pasha are that:

• He has confiscated the property of Anthony Swoboda and Mr Sturmey
• He refuses to recognise European rights set down in treaties, encouraged by the Khazmadar Hajee Talib Aga [Hājjī Talib Agha, Khazanadar]
• He has doubled customs duties on European goods.

As a result, Taylor moved his establishment from Bussora to Muhammareh [Khorramshahr] and on Rich’s orders, imposed a trade embargo on all ships under British colours. On Rich’s return from Mosul to Bagdad [Baghdad], the Pasha attempted to violently seize the Residency, which was unsuccessful. He then prevented Rich from leaving Bagdad until he had agreed to revised trade terms and lifted the embargo. Rich’s death from cholera on 5 October 1821 is also recorded, along with the legal disputes arising from the embargo.

This item includes a contents page, and the title page contains the following references: ‘Political No. 10, Season [18]23/4, Draft 102, P C 80’; and ‘Examiner’s Office, 1822’.