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in sending Political Agent, Gwadur, in vessel of war to Charbar with instructions to take every
measure necessary to protect lives and property of British subjects. Viceroy bc^a you will
again lay before Persian Government serious nature of questions likely to arise from ill-treat­
ment of British subjects and demand that IIossein Khan bo restrained,"
25‘i. On 9th March Mr. Alison telegraphed :—
*'Your telegram of 8th March. Further telegram sent to Hossein Khan at Charbar
from Grand Vizier in following torms:—‘ Je vous ai deja tolegiaphic do l ien accuciller ct de
prot. gcr les sujets anglais si vous n’oboisscz pas mes ordes vous vo.is cn repent ii cz.’ Telegram
ends. Tho Grand Vizier wishes to impress upon tho Viceroy that iho Persian Government is
most desirous and resolved to render full jusiico and redre.-s to British subjects, and for this
purpose he is taking tho Shah’s orders for sending a special Commissioner to Charbar, but Mis
Highness begs that it may also be taken into consideration that the Persian Government is
imperfectly informed of the late occurrences and of the nature of the aggressions made on
British subjects and property. lie reiterates the assurance that suitable redress shall be
afforded in due time/'
This was considered highly satisfactory, aud the Viceroy thanked
Mr. Alison for his prompt action, adding a hope that ho would convey to the
Persian Government expression of His Excellency’s satisfaction with the
assurances given. Captain Miles was requested to expedite onquiry into
circumstances and extont of British losses.
255. The Bombay Government, on the 10th March, telegraphed :—
" Following from Commissioner in Sind': — Mr. Walton telegraphs as follows ‘ Portuguese
servant of Superintendent, Charbar station, fired on by Hossein Khan’s men this morning
when proceeding iu boat to obtain provisions from bugla just arrived. One shot grazed
servant’s arm. Can protection be afforded to Telegraph establishment at Charbar. Captain
Miles informed, I have replied to Mr. Walton. Government have been referred to, and
instructions must be awaited.’ ”
In reply they were told that the Political Agent, Gwadur, had already
been authorized to tako measures for protecting the lives and property of
British subjects at Charbar.
25G. Ou 12th Maroh Mr. Alison again telegraphed:—
“ I am informed by the Grand Vizier that a special courier has been sent to the Governor
of Kirraan with orders to him to despatch a Commissioner to C harbar for tho adjustment of
British grievances. This officer may be expected to reach in about 20 days.”
257. Tho Secretary of State forwarded * to the Viceroy copy of a telegram
• No. 11 of 8th February 1872. addressed by Mr. Alison to tho Foreign
No. 12 of 16th February 1872. Office, London :—
“ Persian Government alarmed at the reported capture of Charbar by the brother of the
Ruler of Maskat. Grand Vizier roquests me to say that Persia is anxious to establish her
authority along the whole line of Coast starting west from the point marked dowu iu General
Goldsmid’6 map; and that considering the rcadiues-s which she has always shown in acceding
as far as possible to the wishes of ber old ally, England, sho hopes that Her Majesty's
Government will, in this matter, afford their moral support."
The Secretary of State informed Lord Granville that the subject would
doubtless be cousidored by tho Government of India, and that pending the
expression of the opinion of that Government, he was not aware of any reason
for refusing the request of the Persian Government.
258. The Government of India wrote t
f No. 17, datod 22nd March 1872.
to the Secretary of State:—
“In forwarding the papers as per accompanying Abstract of Contents, regarding 1 ho
capture of Charbar by the Persians, and the plunder of British subjects residing there, we
tako the opportunity to reply to Your Grace’s despatches No. 11, dated 8th, aud No. 12, dated
16th February 1872, on the subject of the Shell's desire to receive the moral support of Her
Majesty’s Government iu establishing the authority of Porsia along the coast wost of the
boundary line laid down by Major-General Goldsmid.
“ From our telegram of 29th February to Her Majesty's Minister at Tolicran, Your
Grace will perceive that when wo received from Mr. Alisou a telegram to the effect that the
Persian Government were desirous of our moral support in the annexation of Charbar we
replied that as Ma-kat is a Slate iu long and friendly alliance with British Government no
aggression upon her by Persia, or any other Power, could be countenanced or encouraged. W e
also expressed our regret at the outbreak of hostilities and our willingness, if a-ked by both
parties, to exercise our good offices in the amicable adjustment of t heir quairel. \t lido we
con>ider that wc should not be justified in countenancing any aggression ou tho part of Persia
againrt the Sultau of Maskat, wo are not of opinion that the interests of India are in the
least bound up with the possession of Cluubar bv the Sultan, nor would wo use our influence
or intervention to promote tho restoration of that place to tho Government of His Highness