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• Copy to Bombay Gnrprnrarnt in No. 474*P., 247. On the same dntn (30tli Eehru-
dated 29th February 1872. ary) another telegram, No. 468-P-, was
sont* to Mr. Alison.
«Your telegram of 3th February. As Mnskat is a 6tatc in long and friendly alliance
with British Government, no aggression upon her by Persia or any other power can bo counten
anced or encouraged.
“ With reference to subsequent telegrams from Bombay Government, reporting the capture
of Charbar by the Persians and the plunder of British subjects, the Viceroy legrots the out
break of hostilities and will be willing, if asked by both paities, to exerci-e bis good ofliccs in
procuring an amicable adjustment cf the quarrel. Meanwhile tin- Viceroy desires that you
will call upon the Persian Government to issu- stringent orders to their local offic.rs not to
molest British subjects but to afford protection to them.
243. Colonel Peliy telegraphed on the 29th, through Bombay, that Salim
had landed on the Coast near S**or, and t hat, the Mnskat < Jowrnmont were address,
ing Bombay, appealing against apprehended Persian seizure of Charbar. Colonel
Pelly had heard from Mr. Alison that the Persian Government stated they had
received no intelligence of the capture of Charbar. Mr. Alison reported that the
Persian Government on the 3rd March had telegraphed orders for the full pro-
tection of British subjects at Charbar.
249. The Secretary of State was apprized by telegram t of the capture, of
Charbar by the Persians and the orders
f No. 492-P., dated 2ud March 1S72.
issued to Bombay Government and Mr.
Alison.
250. On 1st March the Bombay Government again telegraphed :—
“Following from Commissiner in Sind : * Captains Miles telegraphs as follows : Charbar
traders iu distress, reduced, borrowing food from each other. Hossein Khan still detains their
property. Submit expediency of early action/ Telegram ends. It would appear from this
that something more than watching events is required.”
Accordingly Mr. Alison was com
: No. 1S0-P., dated 2nd Maroh 1872. municated l with, thus :—
" Captain Miles reports Charbar traders in distress, reduced, borrowing food from each
other. 11 ossein Khan still detains their property. Please move Persian Government to cause
restitution and to take prompt and proper notice of proceedings of their officers. Represent
strongly serious questions likely io arise from plunder of British traders and reserve all
claimB that may arise hereafter out of these proceedings”.
The Bombay Government were informed, and the Secretary of State was
asked to move the Foreign Office to send similar instructions to Mr. Alison.
251. No gnn-boat being available, the Bombay Government requested
the Senior Naval Officer to despatch a vessel of war. They were subsequently
told to lose no time. Eventually the Hugh Rose was directed to convey to
Charbar the Political Agent, Gwadur, and to remain until arrival of the vessel
of war.
252. On 6th March the Bombay Government telegraphed :
“ Following from Commissioner in Sind : Captain Miles telegraphs as follows: Charbar
traders telegraph Hossen Khan told us Sunday, had received message from Teheran protect
British subjects. Last night two our godowns in fort burnt. Goods unwarrantably withheld,
Hossein Khan's people deride Us with * what can your Sircar do * also say ' wait awhile will
carry off few banian-'/ Two Sahibs here can do nothing, will British Government counten
ance and not interfere? Suggest 1 be allowed to interfere at once. Superintendent there reports
traders not allowed food, had to give them rice. English Government spoken of with great
est disrespect by Hossein Khan and followers. Telegram ends. I replied to Captain Milos
do not interfere in any way until instructions are received from Government.”
And also:—
“Colonel Pelly—Have received subjoined from Political Assistant, Gwadur :—Abdul
Azccz has commenced firing on Charbar fort from boats, Ilussein Khan telegraphs, if British
do not prevent him from destroying maritime peace, shall send for Ibrahim Khan and Kirman
Commissioner. Telegram ends. Have again requested him to report to Commissioner in Sind
under whose orders he is.”
253. Mr. Alison was again addressed§
§ No. 689-P., dated 7th March 1872.
(and the Secretary of State and Bombay
Government informed)
“ Information received by telegraph to effect that notwithstanding receipt of message
from Teheran, Hossein Khan detains property of British subjects, and speaks of English
Government with greatest disrespect. Bombay Government have been ordered to lose no lime