Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 11 Downing Street Policies
Muhammad sensed the host's ill intentions, but he still held back and spoke.

"As neighboring countries, Britain and Russia naturally hope that the two countries can coexist peacefully. But if your country continues to be aggressive, then we will protect Iran's rights even if it means fighting."

Mustafa hadn't expected the king to be so firm, but fortunately he had a backup plan. He looked at the minister beside him, Haji Agasi. He had specifically met with the king beforehand and given him a gift of 20 tomans.

Agassi knew it was his turn to step forward, so he advised Muhammad: "Shah, the negotiations must be completed as soon as possible. If it takes too long, Britain and Russia will also come to our aid."

Muhammad looked at him without saying a word. But he told Mustafa to go back to his lodgings first, and then he roared at Agassi.

"Does Iran have no choice but to obey the Ottomans' orders and give up the land that its ancestors received, even in war?"

Agassi advised, "Your Majesty, have you forgotten the lesson of Herat?"

Mehmed twice attempted to conquer Herat, sending officials to Louis-Philippe I of France to request cooperation, but both military campaigns failed. This also strained relations between Persia and England, which have only recently begun to improve.

Muhammad's gout flared up again, and this time it was even worse, so much so that he couldn't speak. The Grand Vizier was left to handle the negotiations with the Ottomans.

The situation in Persia was even worse than in Egypt, so the Ottomans naturally became more assertive. However, Mustafa also knew that he couldn't push the other side too hard, otherwise foreign powers would get involved.

The following day, Mustafa stated that the rights to Sulaymaniyah and the Shatt al-Arab region could be set aside, but the disruption of market order by Persian merchants must be stopped. Of course, as a show of sincerity, the Ottoman Empire would provide protection for Shia pilgrims traveling to the Hajj.

Agassi continued to persuade the king, because if the other party signed the agreement, Mustafa would give him 60 tomans. He had to succeed to secure the money he was about to receive.

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After many twists and turns, the Persian governor's loan request and Wallace's report finally arrived in London and landed on the table at Downing Street. Prime Minister Robert Peel was carefully reading the documents written by Wallace.

In Wallace's document, he hoped the United Kingdom would increase its support for Persia. The Ottoman Empire alone could not stop Russia's southward advance; they had already helped the Ottomans subdue Egypt, and could not continue to bail them out indefinitely, as this would mean having to send troops at any time, which was not in the Kingdom's interest.

In comparison, Persia's geographical location was comparable to that of the Ottomans, as Persia bordered India directly, and a Russian occupation of Persia would directly threaten Britain's most valuable colony. Therefore, he suggested emulating the Ottoman Tanzimat's approach, supporting local Persian regimes to undergo certain changes, enabling them to resist Russia.

“This document is well written. Protecting India is an important national policy of the Kingdom. We must also consider Russia’s recent aggressive stance,” Peel said to the people at the cabinet meeting.

Regarding foreign policy, Foreign Secretary George Hamilton-Gordon was best positioned to speak. Colleagues described him as "devout and cultured, kind and generous, cautious and impeccable, with refined manners, though somewhat rigid." During his previous tenure as Foreign Secretary, he helped Greece gain independence and resolved several thorny border disputes between British North America and the United States. "Your Excellency, we must recognize that there is hatred and conflict between Persia, the Ottomans, and Russia. The Ottomans and Persia are vying for control of the area around Baghdad, while Russia has seized vast tracts of Persian land."

Preventing Russia from breaking through the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean has always been the kingdom's policy, but we must also consider the local balance; the right approach is to make Persia work for us without alienating us.

Hamilton analyzed the situation from a geopolitical perspective, noting that although relations between the two countries had deteriorated sharply since the Battle of Herat, Britain would not give up any opportunity to hinder Tsarist Russia.

"Well, what does Lord Edward think?"

Secretary of State for the Army and Colonies Edward Smith then spoke: "Gentlemen, we cannot ignore the geographical location of Persia, but we must also consider whether the Kingdom should help Istanbul again, as it did in the invasion of Egypt, should a war break out between Persia and the Ottomans in the future."

Like their foreign minister, they all felt that a future war between the Ottomans and Persia was inevitable, and maintaining a balance of power while winning their respect was a difficult problem. However, they unanimously agreed to help Persia with certain reforms to halt Russia's southward expansion.

"Gentlemen, centuries have proven that the Kingdom's balance of power policy is real and effective. We supported Prussia in the Seven Years' War, Russia in the war against Napoleon, and now we support the Ottomans against Russia. It is because of this that the world has maintained peace under British leadership, and Britain is destined to lead all the people of the world into a civilized world, not only the Ottomans, Persia, and Egypt, but also the tribes from the desert, and the Qing Dynasty in the Far East."

The mere mention of the Qing Dynasty invigorated them. Thanks to Queen Victoria's decisive actions, they hadn't expected to defeat such a powerful nation and gain considerable benefits. The future undoubtedly belonged to Great Britain.

As for Naserdin's request, the Chancellor of the Exchequer approved it directly and prepared the goods according to his requirements.

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Wallace acted swiftly; these students would depart from Tabriz, pass through the Ottoman Empire, and then travel by ship from Istanbul to Paris and London. All expenses were reimbursed by the Governor's Office.

Amir looked at the young people who were about to study abroad and encouraged them. "Everyone, please remember that you are doing this for the future of the country. Only by studying hard can you live up to the expectations of your country."

“We will, sir!” Sadiq shouted. Suleiman also accompanied him on his studies abroad; Suleiman planned to study diplomacy, while Sadiq studied economics.

Urged by the British, 175 young people embarked on their studies abroad. Amir watched their figures recede into the distance and returned to the Governor's residence. A mountain of matters awaited his assistance to the Governor.

Tabriz was now bustling with activity, filled with people eager to make their mark. Some were preparing to join the army, while others were planning to start new factories; everything was improving.

(End of this chapter)