IOR/L/PS/5/450, ff 290-303

This item comprises copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 68 of 1847, dated 5 August 1847. The enclosures are dated 9-23 June1847 (although some internal copy documents date back to 1 June 1847).

The primary documents are letters from Major Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia [Ottoman Iraq], to Arthur Malet, Secretary to the Government, Bombay, enclosing his correspondence with Lord Cowley [Henry Wellesley, 1st Earl Cowley, known as Lord Cowley 1847-1857], HM Minister Plenipotentiary at Constantinople [Istanbul, Ottoman Empire], and relevant associated letters.

The subjects covered notably include:

• Attainment by Rawlinson of adjustments to disproportionate [Ottoman] fixed rate tariffs on imports and exports
• Return of refugee Kurdish Prince, the Meer of Rowanduz [Mir of Rawandiz] to Turkey, following the mediation of HM Consul at Tabriz, and restoration of good relations with Nejib Pasha [Mehmed Necib Pasha also known as Muhammad Najib Pasha], Governor of Baghdad
• Arrival of the new Persian [Iranian] Consul in Baghdad and his formal reception by the Governor of Baghdad
• Notice of the Treaty between the Courts of Constantinople and Tehran, to be signed by the Porte [Ottoman Empire] in Erzeroom [Erzurum], forwarded to Rawlinson for information
• Intelligence relating to the ‘intimidating’ activities in the Persian Gulf by a deputation led by the Sultan’s Chamberlain, notably its efforts to persuade the rulers of Bahrein [Bahrain], Muscat and Koweit [Kuwait] to place their ships under the Turkish flag; and Turkish engineer’s survey of the town and vicinity of Mohamerah [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammerah], for transmission to Constantinople
• The arrival of Lieutenant Arnold Burrowes Kemball in Baghdad to cover for Rawlinson whilst the latter takes a leave of absence for three months, journeying from Kermanshah to Moosul [Mosul]
• The application of Turkish passport regulations to cover all foreigners and the prospective impact on religious pilgrims from Georgia and India next season.