IOR/R/15/1/132, ff 224-231

The letter is reporting that the British Envoy to Persia, Charles Augustus Murray, has broken off diplomatic relations with the Persian Government, and left Tehran for Monsul [Al-Mawṣil]. It notes that Consul R W Stevens has been made responsible for communications with the Government of Persia, and the protection of British subjects.

It further explains that the Acting Resident intends to maintain the position of the British Residency at Bushire; if instructed, or forced to withdraw, it notes that he intends to relocate to Grain, or Koweit [Kuwait].

It is also reported that it is believed that Persian reinforcements are on route to Bushire from Shiraz, in order to repel an attack from that quarter. It therefore reports on the current strength of the defences and garrisons at both Bushire and Karrack [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye].

The item has two enclosures:

1. Letter from Charles Augustus Murray to the Acting Resident in the Persian Gulf, dated 6 December 1855.

The letter is instructing the Resident to make arrangements to have all disposable vessels of the Persian Gulf Squadron stationed at Bushire for the purpose of warding off any potential aggression towards those under British protection.

2. Translation of a letter from Prince Tahmesp Meerza, the Prince Governor of Fars Province to Meerza Raja, News Writer and Agent for Foreign Affairs at Bushire.

The enclosure conveys instructions ordering that good relations are to be maintained with the British Resident at Bushire; it explains that the incident with the British Envoy at Tehran is of a personal nature, and not related to matters of state.