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States that ever since he has been at Bombay, there has been trouble with the Persian Government. He has been constantly told to send steamers to Bushire, but fears this kind of demonstration has now lost its effect. It would be easy to blockade the whole Persian Coast, but this would do more harm to British trade than to the Persian Government Thinks that the capture of Bushire and Bunder Abbas would bring the Persians to their senses, all the other places in the Gulf belong to Arab Chiefs who pay tribute to Persia but are largely independent. Believes Bunder Abbas should be restored to the Imaum. If the occupation of Bushire and Bunder Abbas was insufficient, operations would have to be undertaken in the interior, though these would be very expensive and contain some risk of failure. The main body would march from Bushire upon Shiraz, routes discussed, and one column from Bunder Abbas to Kerman, and another column up the Karoon to Ahwaz and perhaps to Shuster. The Shiraz column might advance to Ispahan. Suggests the employment of Futteh Ali Shah, the head of the Khojahs, who married a daughter of the old King of Persia. Lord Canning will see Colonel Rawlinson's remarks on supply and transport, Elphinstone believes it is quite impossible to do anything before the monsoon. It will be easier to obtain steamers at a later date. Elphinstone has not gathered much information about the interior of Persia, but he will consult Colonel Holland when he arrives from England. Holland is a very clever fellow, but his rank is too low to allow him to command a considerable force. Elphinstone could not recommend any of the Bombay General Officers to command an expedition on a large scale. Major General Stalker is probably the best, and might do for the command of a Division. Gives a few details about Bushire and Bunder Abbas. If troops are to be sent inland, some English regiments will probably be necessary as additions to the troops already in India, as at least 1/3 of the force should be European. Madras might spare two regiments of European Infantry and one of Cavalry. A despatch has just been received from Colonel Jacob with two letters from Mahomed Yussuf, the Chief of Herat, copies will be sent to Lord Canning. The Persians have apparently retired from Herat. Elphinstone hopes that the discouraging reply sent by Jacob to Mahomed Yussuf will not force Mahomed Yussuf to make terms with the Shah. Major Taylor, attached to the Persian Mission, might collect information about Persia. Mir Ali Moorad, the Amir of Khyrpoor is in Bombay on his way to England, Elphinstone has declined to see him as he is going to England against the wishes of the Supreme Government. Private.

Enclosed: 1. Note by Lord Canning, marked 'Immediate' ordering various papers to be sent to Colonel Durand: a packet of papers, two papers on the Persian Gulf which might be in Canning's writing table, and a memorandum by Sir H Rawlinson.

2. Long memorandum, by H C Rawlinson, Political Agent, Turkish Arabia, Baghdad, 24 May 1854, entitled 'Practical observations on the co-operation of an Anglo-Indian Army in he present Russian War.' Suggests that Asia should be the scene of operations. Gives reasons against the route via Egypt, and in favour of the route via the Persian Gulf. Considers the general question of Persia. Describes a suitable force, the season for operations, routes, supplies, carriages, horses and treasures.

3. Copy of a letter from Colonel Jacob, Acting Commissioner in Sind, to Lord Elphinstone, 16 Apr 1856, reporting despatch of letters from the Chief of Herat, and his (Jacob's) reply, sent through the Acting Political Superintendent on the Frontier, to the effect that the British Government has at present no intention of interfering with proceedings at Herat. Jacob adds his opinion, that the news in the letters from Herat is of no importance.

4. Copy of a letter from Captain Merewether, Acting Political Superintendent Frontier, Upper Sind, to the Acting Commissioner in Sind, forwarding letters from Mahomed Yussuf, which were to be delivered to the first English official the messenger met. A Persian Army of about 10,000 came to Herat on the request of the Shahzada, who feared an attack by the Ameer Dost Mahomed. Shortly after the Persians arrived, they were found to be intriguing to obtain possession of Berat. Mahomed Yussuf asked them to withdraw, and the Persians besieged Ghaur. A person claiming to be an Englishman had arrived at Herat. Rumours of a rupture between England and Persia had reached Herat, with a report that a large British Force had landed at Bunder Abbas. Merewether asks for instructions.

5. Translation of a sunnud from Mahomed Yussuf, the ruler of Herat, 16th Rujjub, declaring that from the 12th Rujjub Mahomed Yussuf together with the inhabitants of Herat considered themselves to be servants of the British Government and planted the British Flag on the Chaharbaz; Mahomed Yussuf will never again consult the Persian Government. Asks if the Governor General will send him aid, if not he will destroy himself or take flight.

6. Translation of a letter from Mahomed Yussuf, the ruler of Herat, 16th Rujjub, describing the political state of Herat. With the consent of the Afghans and Persians, Mahomed Yussuf took possession of Herat. When Amir Dost Mahomed Khan moved from Kabul to Kandahar, Mahomed Yussuf feared an attack on Herat and culled in the Persians. Describes the actions of the Persian troops. There was treachery inside Herat, but the plot was defeated. The Persians withdrawing, someone came to Mahomed Yussuf from the British Government. He was granted a salute of 21 guns, and lodged in the Chaharbaugh. Herat now asks for help from the British Government and considers itself part of the British Empire. Mahomed Yussuf asks for an adviser from the British Government, and treasure. A British flag has been hoisted in the City of Herat; if the place is taken by the Persians, it will be bad for the British. Mahomed Yussuf expects a reply within 3 months.

7. Copy of a letter from Captain Kemball to Lord Elphinstone, Bushire, 22 Mar 1854, describing the places on the mainland of Persia against which an Expedition from India might effectively be directed. Annexed are 2 sketches of the fortifications at Bushire, and of the country around Bushire.

8. Copy of a letter from Colonel Rawlinson to Lord Elphinstone, 14 Mar 1854, describing the political state of Teheran. The Ottoman Minister maintains his position with difficulty. The Shah believes in the invincibility of Russia, and dislikes England because of the British protection of his younger brother, and because of Mr Thomson's quarrel with the Persian Government. There is a powerful Russian party at Court. It seems likely that after the declaration of war between England and Russia the Emperor will bring pressure to bear upon the Shah to join the Russian side. Though Rawlinson thinks it would be far better to aid the Shah against Russia, he imagines that the British will treat the Shah as they treated Dost Mahomed, that instead of bribing they will attack him, or prepare to attack him. In view of this, considers the relative advantages of occupying Mohumrah, Kurrack, or Bushire.