Page 27 - Gulf Precis (VI)_Neat

0
paragraphs 130 to 151 of tho Turkish Arabia Precis, 1616* 184.6, and Selections
from State Papers, 1600—1S00, Nos. CCVIII and QQXXV, also para-
graphs 47—51 below).
15. In 1821 war broke out between Persia and Turkey, arising from the
insults offered to the Persian pilgrims at Mokka. Mahomed Ali Mii'za invaded
with a largo Kurdish forco the Pashalik of Baghdad, and when on the point
taking the city of Baghdad was carried away by cholera. A subsequent expedi­
tion, led by his brother Abbas Mirza, ended abortively owing to the outbreak
of cholera in the Persian Camp.
16. Por years tho border lands between Turkoy and Persia commencing
Mxrkbnm’a Ilittory of Pertia, pages 4S1—8G. from the delta of tho Karun and Euphrates
to mount Ararat, wore scenes of strife
Aitchlson’s Treatiei 1892, Vol. X, pages 23—26.
and disorder. The exact boundary line
have never boon determined, and there wore constant complaints of passage of
nomad tribes to and from the Pashalik of Baghdad and of the grant of asylum
to marauders and refugees by tho frontier authorities.
17. In tho treaty* couoluded at Erzeroura in 1823, articles were inserted
• Appendix No. ic of AUchiton'* Treaiia (1892), providing for the remedy of these abuses.
Vo1- *• These provisions, however, proved ineffec­
tual, and disputes between Turkey and Persia began afresh and their rapid ac­
cumulation threatened to involve them in a destructive war, which was averted
through the good offices of England and ltussia. By the mediation of the
ministers of these powers, the troops and other military demonstrations collect­
ed on the frontier were withdrawn and an agreement was made that two Pleni­
potentiaries on the part of Turkey and Persia, with two mediative agents on tho
part of England and ltussia, should meotat Erzcroum to investigate and discuss
tho claims of both parties. The commission was assembled at Erzcroum in 1843
in which England was represented by Colonel Williams, Major Farrant aud
Mr. Curzon. Major ltawliuson was appointed in place of Colonel Taylor,
Besident in Turkish Arabia, especially with a viow to preserve place between
Turkey and Persia. His two reports about tho stato of affairs on his arrival at
Baghdad are printed below—

No. 19, dated tho 2Sth Deccmbor 1813.
From — Muon II. Rawlinsok, Political Agent, Turkish Arabia,
To—Tho Secretary to tho Government of India in tho Foroign Department.
In continuation of my letter No. 6 fo your address, under dato November 30lli, 1843,
1 have the honour to report, for tho information of tho Eight Hon'ble tho Governor-General of
India in Council, that. 1 arrived at Baghdad on the Gth instant, and duly received charge of the
I Political Agency of Turkish Arabia from my Predecessor Lieutonaot-Colonel Taylor.
2. The Right Ilon'blo tho Governor-General was not awaro, I apprehend, when he
issued his instructions t to me of the lGth of
t F. D. Coos., 23rd September 1843, Kcs. 183 and September, that Lioutenant-Colonel Farrant of the
181.
Bombay Army and attached lo the Persian Mis­
sion, who was deputed in the first insfanoe as a Speoial Commissioner to report upon tho attack
and capture of Kcrbela, had been subsequently directed by Ilis Excellenoy Sir S. Canning to
remain at Baghdad during tho progress of tho ncgociationsat Erzoroom, and to retain in his own
hands the management of affairs, relating to the frontier disputes between tho Governments of
Persia and Turkey. Such, however, being the case I hnvo carefully avoided bringing my powers
into collision with those of the Commissioner. Where my co-oporation has been required, I have
of course lent the full weight of my official influence to the support of tho Lieutenant-Colonel's
communications with the Pasha, but I have judged that during his temporary employment
at Baghdad any active nr.d unsolicited interference upon my part in the settlement of tho
frontier disputes, would ralhor embarrass than assist our common object of proserving general
tranquility.
3. Tho annexed copy oE a despatch which I have had tho honour to address to the Hon'ble
tho Secret Committee will acquaint IIis Lordship with the present state of affairs in the
Pashalio of Baghdud.
4. I have availed myself of ov«*ry opportunity that has offered sinco my arrival in
Turkish Arabia, (o communicato with Her Majesty's Ministers at tho Courts of Constantinople
and Tehran, but I have not yot received auswers to my despatches.
[S.164FD]