This book examines the diplomatic activities and behind-the-scene negotiations which led to the Karun opening, including an 'Assurance' given by Britain to the Shah against a Russian retaliation. It also provides a comprehensive analysis of the region's demography, commerce and industry before the advent of the Karun, and the impact of Britain's political and commercial penetration, which eventually resulted in her total domination of the south.

This analytical study of the Anglo-Iranian relationship is unique in its extensive use of primary Persian sources and original material found at the Iranian Foreign Ministry archives which have been accessed by the author for the first time.