Middle East and Islamic Studies Collections: an Exhibition of Treasures
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Memorandum regarding affairs in Turkey, 1835
Ponsonby Papers
John Brabazon Ponsonby (ca.1770-1855) came from a family prominent in Irish politics and as a young man Ponsonby himself was a member of the Irish Parliament from 1793 to1800. In 1806 he succeeded his father as 2nd Baron Ponsonby. Inherited debts and his own extravagance eventually forced him to seek employment abroad and his family connection, through marriage, to the 2nd Earl Grey undoubtedly advanced his career in later years. Ponsonby’s diplomatic career included missions to South America (1826-29), Belgium (1831), Naples (1832), Constantinople, where he was Ambassador (1833-41) and Vienna (1846-50).
Memorandum regarding affairs in Turkey, 1835
This long and detailed memorandum of Lord Ponsonby’s views
chiefly concerns the level of Russian influence and interference at the
court in Constantinople and his fears for the future of the Turkish Empire.
Ponsonby was opinionated and headstrong and several members of the British
government and some of his fellow diplomats had little confidence in him,
but Lord Palmerston, the Foreign Secretary, though not blind to Ponsonby's
shortcomings, praised his achievements and defended him against numerous
attacks both at home and abroad.
GRE/E/631/75
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