IOR/R/15/1/77, ff 3-7

The letter is forwarding copies of communications related to the 'critical state' of affairs in Persia, the policy adopted by the Government of India, and the measures to be enacted in response.

It therefore outlines details of a military expedition to the Persian Gulf, which is being prepared by the Government of Bombay; it notes that it is their intention to land troops on the Island of Carrack [Khārk, Jazīreh-ye] with or without the consent of the authorities at Bushire. It further explains that the troops will be placed under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel James Shirriff, but that the Resident is to consider them to be under his political control.

The item has one enclosure; a letter from William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India, at Simla to John Pollard Willoughby, Secretary to the Government, Bombay, dated 1 May 1838.

The enclosure is forwarding a copy of a communication from William Hay Macnaghten, Secretary to the Government of India, at Simla to John McNeill, HM Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary at the Court of Persia, dated 1 May 1838. This communication is conveying instructions concerning an expedition to be sent to the Persian Gulf, to which the Government of Bombay is urged to put into effect as soon as possible.

It is explained that the purpose of the expedition is to strengthen the British position in negotiations to preserve the territorial integrity of Herat, which is currently under siege by Persian forces.