Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/14/40

Sends a memorandum by Mr Taylour Thomson, who was Charge d'Affaires at Teheran, and is now Secretary of Legation. Also sends a letter from Murray [not enclosed], and an Extra of the 'Sindian' giving some news of Herat, from the late Foujdar of Shikarpoor.

Enclosed: 1. Memorandum by Mr Taylour Thomson, Baghdad, 3 Sep 1856, discusses ways in which coercive measures could be taken against Persia, should the Persian Government refuse to withdraw its troops from Herat. Persia can be attacked from Bunder Abbas, Bushire and Mohumrah, or from Kandahar. Believes that Kandahar will eventually have to be occupied to form a bulwark against the advance of the Russians, but considers that this is not a suitable moment to carry out the project. Discusses the three towns on the Persian Gulf, and suggests the blockade of Bunder Abbas, the occupation of the town of Bushire and the occupation of the island of Mohumrah. Russian intervention should be expected, a Russian force will probably be landed on the South East corner of the Bay of Asterabad. It is possible that Russia will be unwilling to enter into another war, so soon after the close of the last war, and after occupying Asterabad, may urge the Persians to make peace. Discusses routes from Bunder Abbas, Bushire and Mohumrah. The permanent acquisition of Mohummerah and Karrack would repay England for the cost of the war.

2. Newscutting from the 'Sindian' of 29 Oct 1856, giving the latest news from Herat, and describing a battle between Esa Khan and the Persian besieging force, in which the Persians were heavily defeated, in spite of treachery inside Herat. Cholera is raging at Teheran, and the Shah is reported to have died of it. Dost Mahomed's son, Sirdar Gholam Hyder Khan, has been sent with a force to regain the town of Furrah for Kheiroolah Khan. The price of grain at Herat has fallen considerably.