Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/14/20

Has already replied to Canning by telegraph that the 'Assaye' will carry the Despatches to the Persian Gulf. Elphinstone has read Canning's letters to Captain Kemball and Captain Jones, and has himself written some supplementary questions to Kemball, who was for many years Resident at Bushire. Sends some papers about Persia. The best map Elphinstone has seen is Zimmerman's West Persia and Mesopotamia, edited by Ritter, in 1843, though there must be more recent maps. Sir William Williams' surveys may have been published. There is a tolerable map of Bushire by Lieutenant Constable. Elphinstone will be sorry to let the 'Assaye' sail without an officer from the Quarter Master General's, and the Commissariat Department but he could not have sent the men without it being known, and this would have given rise to rumours which Canning wished to avoid. Elphinstone has written to Colonel Jacob to find out what arms he wants for the Khan of Kelat.

Enclosed: 1. Extract from a letter from Colonel Rawlinson to Lord Elphinstone, Bussorah, 14 Mar 1854. Rawlinson considers the question of occupying one of three points, Mohumrah, Karrack or Bushire. Mohumrah is very unhealthy for part of the year, and its occupation by the British would have little effect on the Persian Court. The best operation in that quarter would be an advance upon Shuster. Routes beyond Shuster are very difficult. The passes between Shuster and Ispahan cannot be traversed even by a loaded mule. The occupation of Karrack would be the mildest possible demonstration within the range of diplomacy. The trouble with Persia is to know how much is necessary; too little done may be useless, too much done will produce a revolution. Captain Kemball is sending a full report on Bushire. Rawlinson was obliged to admit the place could be converted into a sort of Asiatic Torres Vedras, but nevertheless it has many defects, want of water, excessive heat in summer, difficulty of communications. Suggests that to achieve simple intimidation, the British should occupy Karrack and blockade Bushire to cripple the Government and prevent the Shah employing his arms against British allies, the British should move from Karrack to Mohumrah and from Mohumrah to Shuster. There will be no difficulties of carriage or supplies. Flat-bottomed boats would be needed for the Karoon, and Rawlinson recommends Commander Jones, Indian Navy, who has great experience of the rivers.

2. Copy of a letter from Captain Kemball, Resident at Bushire, to Lord Elphinstone, 22 Mar 1854, giving information in reply to a question about the different points on the mainland of Persia against which an expedition from India might be directed effectively. He has little knowledge of Shuster and Mohumrah, though the climate of the lower Euphrates is said to be very unhealthy, and the population thereabouts is declining. The climate of Shuster is good, but Kemball doubts if the Karoon is navigable for steamers beyond 4 or 5 months of the year, and carriage will be difficult to find. Bunder Abbas is farmed out to the Imam of Muscat, and would not therefore be a satisfactory target. Bushire could be occupied with great effect, being the principal seaport of the country and engrossing almost the whole of the trade with India. The chief obstacle is the want of fresh water within the walls of the town. Sends a rough plan of the Fortress of Bushire, with comments, and also a rough map of the surrounding country, with comments. The possession of Bushire would place in British hands the complete control of the Coast up to the base of the hills, from the Karoon to Bunder Abbas. From it expeditions could be directed inland, and the Persians would be unable to give aid to the Russians, or to operate effectively upon the Frontiers of India. The force required to maintain Bushire should not be less than 5,000 men, and the defences would cost a great. deal. If the object is defensive, in support of Turkey, and not offensive towards Persia, it might be best to send an expedition direct to Baghdad as advised by Colonel Rawlinson. The occupation of Karrack seems a necessary first step to any operation. Considers the suggestion to blockade Bushire suicidal, as it would injure British trade as much if not more than Persian trade. Discusses the climate of the northern part of the Persian Gulf.

3. Sketch map of Fortress of Bushire.

4. Rough map of the country round Bushire.