The Times emphatically contradicts a telegraphic despatch in the Post
yesterday, to the effect that "the English expedition against Persia will probably not proceed to the Persian Gulf, the Shah having, it is said, yielded to the demands of Great Britain." The Times "cannot under- stand the object which led to the publication of this telegraphic mes- sage "; and in proof of its inaccuracy, points to a letter among the mili- tary intelligence from Bombay, giving " authentic information rela- tive to the preparation of the naval part of the expedition intended for Persia"— "We are very busy, and our days fully occupied in fitting out an expe- dition for the Persian Gulf. It is a formidable armament, and will include (followers and all) 11,000 men and 1200 horses (exclusive of seamen and marines), 30 transports, 15 steamers of war, four of them carrying ten 68- pounders and four from 2 to 4 ditto ; two sloops of 18 32-pounders each ; two schooners of 2 guns each, 25 cwt. 32-pounders ; 10 heavy gun-boats, carrying two 7i-inch howitzers each. It is not settled who is to command this powerful fleet, but there is no doubt that the Government here will wish Rear-Admiral Sir H. Leek to take it ; and right well it will be for the re- sult, we all think, if he does—a more energetic man or gallant officer never was shelved by the Home Admiralty. What a farce is the fact that, while Sir Henry has been most actively and indefatigably engaged for some years as Commander-in-chief of the whole Indian navy, and at work with un- flagging zeal day and night, when necessary, in the discharge of his duties, he stands on the list of the Royal Navy as an Admiral unfit to be actively employed in that service ! Our dockyard and harbour show an amount of efficiency and activity none at home ever surpassed."
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