IOR/L/PS/9/70/106

Extracts from the journal of HM Chargé d’Affaires to Persia [Iran], Henry Willock, for the period 17-22 July 1826. This document concerns the renewed negotiations between the Russian envoy to Persia, Prince Menzikoff [Prince Aleksandr Sergeevich Menshikov] and the Persian Government at the camp of the Shah of Persia [Fath-‘Ali Shāh Qājār] at Solţānīyeh concerning the frontier crisis between Russia and Persia over territory on the shores of the lake of Goukcha [Lake Sevan] (see IOR/L/PS/9/70/105). The journal records Willock’s communications with the Russian Consul General to Tabriz, Mr Amburger, and Prince Menzikoff, and the discussions and negotiations between them and the Persian Government. These communications concern negotiations for a settlement to the dispute, which threatens to lead to war on the basis of the Prince Royal of Persia [Crown Prince of Persia, 'Abbās Mīrzā Qājār] having been ordered to ‘expel’ Russian troops from the contested territory. Proposals for the postponement of hostilities are discussed, including for the evacuation of the disputed territory by Russia, and the dispatch of a Persian envoy to St Petersburgh [St Petersburg].

This document also contains an extract from the journal of the Surgeon to HM Mission in Persia, Dr John McNeill, for the period 19-20 July 1826, detailing his communications with Amburger.

This document was originally enclosed in Willock’s letter to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 23 July 1826 (IOR/L/PS/9/70/99).