Britain and Russia signed the Anglo-Russian Convention in St Petersburg on 31 August 1907, settling several disputes that had sustained their rivalry in Central Asia for much of the previous century.

British governments had long been concerned about Russian expansion towards Afghanistan and the approaches to India. Russia had extended its influence across Central Asia and into northern Persia. The competition between the two powers became known as the Great Game.

By 1907, both governments had reasons to ease tensions. Britain had already settled several colonial disputes with France through the Entente Cordiale of 1904. Russia had been weakened by defeat in the Russo-Japanese War and the 1905 revolution.

The convention dealt separately with Persia, Afghanistan and Tibet.

In Persia, Britain and Russia divided much of the country into recognised spheres of influence. Russia claimed the larger northern area, while Britain secured an area in the south-east. Between them was a neutral zone in which neither power had exclusive privileges.

Russia accepted that Afghanistan lay outside its direct sphere of influence and agreed to conduct political relations with the country through the British government. Britain stated that it did not intend to change Afghanistan’s political status or interfere in its internal administration if the Afghan ruler fulfilled his existing commitments.

The agreement on Tibet restricted both countries from interfering in its internal administration and recognised Chinese suzerainty.

The governments of Persia, Afghanistan and Tibet had not taken part in negotiating arrangements that affected their independence and foreign relations. The convention reduced the chance of Britain and Russia coming into conflict by agreeing where each power would exercise or limit its influence.

It also changed Britain’s diplomatic position. Britain had reached an agreement with France in 1904 and had now settled its principal disputes with Russia. Britain, France and Russia became known collectively as the Triple Entente, although the 1907 convention was not itself a military alliance.