IOR/L/PS/9/70/224

Translation of a rackum [raqm and raqim, a letter or an order] from Abbas Meerza [Crown Prince of Persia, ʿAbbās Mīrzā Qājār] to the Chairmen of the Court of Directors of the East India Company (IOR/L/PS/9/70/224 (1)), accompanied by the original rackum in Persian (IOR/L/PS/9/70/224 (2)). In the rackum, Abbas Meerza indicates that Persia [Iran] was ‘obliged to have recourse to arms’ against Russia following repeated Russian encroachments into Persian territory and the failure of the mission of Prince Menchikoff [Prince Aleksandr Sergeevich Menshikov] to resolve Persian grievances in the face of fresh Russian encroachments. He thus argues that Persia is not at fault for the outbreak of war between Russia and Persia [Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828]. Abbas Meerza also appeals to the Court of Directors for assistance, requesting British mediation between Russia and Persia, and for British assistance in the war at the current moment of crisis.

This document was originally enclosed, numbered 2, in the letter of the East India Company Envoy to Persia, Lieutenant-Colonel John Macdonald Kinneir, to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 8 May 1827 (IOR/L/PS/9/70/222).