'Baluchistan and Persia. Note by Sir Dennis Fitzpatrick'

Content

This file consists of a note, written by Sir Dennis Fitzpatrick, member of the Council of India, on the subject of the northernmost portion of land in the province of Baluchistan [Balochistān], south of the Durand line, which is described as being situated between British India and Kelat [Kalat] on the east side, and Persia on the west side.

The note begins by referring directly to the following letter of correspondence: 'Letter from India, No. 189, Secret,' dated 19 October 1899. The note is principally concerned with the costs and benefits of a proposed railway line, which would run from Nushki (recently taken over by the British from the Khan of Kelat) to Koh-i-Malik-Siah [Malek Sīāh Kūh], in Seistan [Sīstān].

The file questions the argument that such a railway line would counteract Russian influence in Seistan. Also discussed is the extent to which the Government of India should be expected to finance such a scheme. Fitzpatrick makes the argument that it is wider Imperial interests, rather than those of the Government of India, which are most at stake, and that therefore a distribution of the cost should be made by fixed shares, rather than by relying solely on Indian revenues. He concludes by referring to a note that he wrote some months earlier, in which he advised that the control of all British affairs west of Baluchistan and Afghanistan should be vested exclusively in the Foreign Office.

Extent and format

1 file (3 folios)

Arrangement

This file consists of one note which is divided into a series of numbered paragraphs, which proceed from 1 to 15.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the first folio, and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio.

Pagination: the volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.

Written in

English in Latin script

Type

Archival file

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

IOR/L/PS/18/A145

History of this record

Date(s)

22 Nov 1899 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

Railway linesTrade routes

Places

Durand LineSeistanPersiaKoh-i-Malik-SiahKelatBaluchistan

People & organisations

Foreign OfficeKhan of Kalāt, rulers of KalātGovernment of IndiaCouncil of IndiaSecretary of State for India, United KingdomViceroy and Governor-General of India in CouncilSir Dennis Fitzpatrick, Knight

Share this record

• Share on twitter
• Share on facebook

Cite this record in your research

'Baluchistan and Persia. Note by Sir Dennis Fitzpatrick', British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/18/A145, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100000000788.0x000302> [accessed 5 July 2024]

Link to this record

https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100000000788.0x000302

IIIF details

This record has a IIIF manifest available as follows. If you have a compatible viewer you can drag the icon to load it.https://www.qdl.qa/en/iiif/81055/vdc_100000000788.0x000302/manifestOpen in Universal viewerOpen in Mirador viewerMore options for embedding images

Copyright: How to use this content