IOR/L/PS/5/434, ff 45-165

Enclosure nos. 2-5 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay [Mumbai], dated 23 January 1845. The enclosures are dated 1 August 1844-23 January 1845, and contain for reference material dated 1 March 1825-17 February 1844.

The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to Persia [Iran], including:

• The release from imprisonment in Bokhara [Emirate of Bukhara] of German missionary Dr Joseph Wolff, with the assistance of Persian [Iranian] diplomat Abbas Koolee Khan [‘Abbās Qulī Khān], and Dr Wolff’s journey to Meshed [Mashhad]
• Territorial disputes between Persia and Russia, and requests by the Government of Persia, under the terms of the Anglo-Persian Treaty of 1814, for British financial assistance against perceived Russian aggression
• A mission to Persia by the Secretary to the French Legation, Constantinople [Istanbul], to request that the Government of Persia allow the return of French Catholic clergymen who were expelled from Persia on charges of proselytising
• Territorial disputes between Persia and the Ottoman Empire
• Allegations of unfair charges and impediments imposed on British merchants in Bushire [Bushehr] and Tabreez [Tabriz], and a petition by Persian merchants in Tabreez to ban the import of European goods.

The primary correspondents are: HM Ambassador to Persia; the Prime Minister of Persia; the Foreign Minister of Persia; the Russian Minister, Tehran; the Foreign Minister of Russia; the Secretary to the French Legation, Constantinople; the Foreign Minister of France; the Governor of Asterabad [Gorgon]; Dr Joseph Wolff; and the Government of India.

There are five items in French, despatches from the Secretary to the French Legation, Constantinople and the Foreign Minister of France (folios 79, 83-86 and 111), and one item in Persian, a copy of the credentials for Sir Justin Sheil to serve as HM Ambassador to Persia (folios 162-63).