Oblique photograph taken in the course of an aerial reconnaissance of the Qatar Peninsula on 11 October 1935 by Squadron Leader J H Dand, Air Headquarters, British Forces in Iraq, Hinaidi. There is a report on the reconnaissance at IOR/R/15/2/159, folios 18-20.Inscribed: 800 feet.1 black and white photographDimensions: 180 x 180 mm.Foliation: the folio number, 23, is written in pencil, enclosed in a circle, and appears above the photograph near the right edge of the recto of the folio. A previous foliation number has been crossed out.
Oblique photograph taken in the course of an aerial reconnaissance of the Qatar Peninsula on 11 October 1935 by Squadron Leader J H Dand, Air Headquarters, British Forces in Iraq, Hinaidi. There is a report on the reconnaissance at IOR/R/15/2/159, folios 18-20.Inscribed: 800 feet.1 black and white photographDimensions: 180 x 180 mm.Foliation: the folio number, 25, is written in pencil, enclosed in a circle, and appears above the photograph near the right edge of the recto side of the folio. A previous foliation number has been crossed out.
The correspondence in the volume is primarily concerned with the ongoing negotiations between the Kuwait Oil Company (led by Frank Holmes and Archibald Chisholm) and the Shaikh of Kuwait, Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ, which were suspended in June 1934 following disagreements between the parties over certain financial remunerations and the question of the appointment of a Chief Local Representative in Kuwait, before being resumed in September 1934 and concluded in December 1934 with the signing of the concession agreement. Copies of the final draft concession agreement can be found at folios 82-97 and 247-283. Other correspondents in these negotiations are the Political Agent at Kuwait (Harold Dickson, with Ralph Ponsonby Watts acting) and the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard Craven Fowle, with Percy Gordon Loch acting).Also included in the file is correspondence relating to a company called Traders Limited who submitted a draft oil concession agreement to the Shaikh of Kuwait in September 1934, potentially breaching the agreement made by the Shaikh with the Kuwait Oil Company not to consider any other oil concession application during the period June to September 1934.The question of the oil concession for the Kuwait-Nejd neutral zone is also discussed, with corespondence between the Foreign Office, HM Minister in Jedda (Sir Andrew Ryan), the Secretaries of State for India and Foreign Affairs, representatives of the Arabian Development Syndicate, and the Deputy Saudi Minister for Foreign Affairs (Fuad Bey Hamza). The correspondence focuses on attempts to understand how the Saudi Arabian Government is handling their share of the concession, and how this might affect Kuwait.The volume also includes confidential records of meetings held at the Foreign Office with Fuad Bey Hamza (Foreign Minister for Saudi Arabia) in which the possibility of dividing the neutral zone are discussed. The Political Agent, Harold Dickson is consulted about these proposals and provides background information on the establishment of the neutral zone, the potential detrimental effects that disbanding it could have on the nomadic tribes living in the zone, and observations on the possible oil locations which would be most likely end up in the Saudi Arabian half under any division of the zone and the detrimental effect that might have on Kuwait.Other correspondence in the file includes discussions between the Secretary of State for India, Gilbert Laithwaite (India Office), Wilfred Ashton McClaughry (Air Ministry) and Charles Stuart Burnett (Air Vice-Marshall in Iraq) regarding the possible future need for a site at Shuwaikh as an airbase, and an agreement with the Shaikh of Kuwait for mooring buoys to be placed in Shuwaikh Harbour.1 volume (346 folios)The contents of the volume have been arranged chronologically according to the date the correspondence was received at the Political Residency in the Persian Gulf. Folios 316-326 contain file notes which list each letter or communication in the file giving the date, along with any relevant notes and in the margins are pencil numbers which refer to the folio that the relevant item can be found on and can therefore be used as an index.Foliation: The volume has been foliated in the top right hand corner of the recto of each folio using a pencil number enclosed in a circle. The sequence commences on the title page and concludes on the last folio.A second incomplete sequence is present between folios 115-316, these numbers are also written in pencil but are not circled and can be found in the same position as the main sequence. Circled index numbers, in red or blue ink, are also present throughout the volume.Foliation errors: 1, 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D; 85 and 85A; 145 and 145A; 156A; 176 and 176A; 182 and 182A; 190A; 240 and 240A; 247 and 257B; 267 and 267A; 283 and 283A; 285 and 285AFoliation omission: 24The following folios will need to be unfolded to be read: 249-267; 269-283; 319-320
The file primarily contains correspondence between the Shaikh of Kuwait (Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ), the Political Agent at Kuwait (Harold Dickson and Gerald Simpson DeGaury), the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard Craven Fowle and Percy Gordon Loch), the India Office (John Charles Walton, Gilbert Laithwaite and Maurice Clausen) and the Kuwait Oil Company (abbreviated as KOC).Correspondence discusses the commencement of oil drilling operations in Kuwait following the signing of the Kuwait Oil Concession, in particular the appointment of Harold Dickson as Chief Local Officer, the need for a Customs and Passport Post, and the decision to move drilling operations from Bahra to the South of Kuwait due to the former having insufficient quantities of oil for production.Also discussed in the file is clause three of the political agreement between KOC and His Majesty's Government which relates to the appointment of non British or Kuwaiti personnel in Kuwait. Matters discussed include the process of applying for special permission for such individuals and applications for two specialist American personnel to be employed there. Further correspondence relates to the KOC's wish to send a team of sixteen American geophysical surveyors to Kuwait for six months to undertake Seismic, Magnetic and Gravimetric surveys.The file also contains correspondence between HM's Minister at Jedda (Sir Andrew Ryan), Foreign Office (Sir John Simon, George Rendel), India Office (Gilbert Laithwaite) and the Arabian Development Syndicate (Rex Jansen, Mr Ydlibi) on the question of the Kuwait-Nejd neutral zone and the two companies vying for the Saudi Arabian share of it, the Standard Oil Company of California and the Arabian Development Syndicate.Other correspondence of note in the file includes:A request by Paul Heath Boots, head of the geophysical survey for the KOC, to undertake terrestrial magnetic observations in Kuwait, Bahrain and surrounding countries as the last observations in these areas were made in 1909-1910. The correspondence includes detailed descriptions of the observations to be taken, the instruments to be used and how they hope to re-observe the magnitude and direction of the earth's magnetic field in order to determine in what way and direction the magnetic field had varied since the last observations were completed (Folios 166-167, 202-203);A letter from Traders Ltd to the Shaikh of Kuwait informing him that they are not willing to accept his decision to sign with the KOC and that they were referring the matter to their legal adviser;A request from the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (later the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company) for special authorisation to land their planes at Kuwait and undertake aerial surveys there;A request by the KOC to use part of the land at the Shuwaikh site, which had previously been earmarked by the RAF as a potential future airbase site, and the British Government's decision that the site was no longer required by them;The lighting of the oil derrick at Bahra for night-time work and the need to inform Imperial Airways and the Port Director at Basra as the derrick was under the air route and near the sea;Arrangements for accommodation of European women in Bahrain and Kuwait and reminders that no European women were permitted in Qatar or the Trucial coast;Assurances from the Shaikh of Kuwait to His Majesty's Government in regards to the granting of future oil concessions, following his dealings with Traders Ltd;A discussion of the use of private wireless stations by the KOC, whether these contravened international conventions and whether they would impact future post office services in Kuwait. Further correspondence relates to the need to register the wireless stations and obtain Indian telegraph service call signs for them;A request by the KOC to place temporary buoys in the Ras Khadama [Ra’s Kāz̧imah] channel and costs involved for the Port Director at Basra to arrange for the work to be done.The correspondence from the Shaikh of Kuwait is in Arabic, with English translations, and the correspondence from the Anglo-Persian Oil Company includes letterheads in Persian and English.1 file (240 folios)There is an index to the volume at folio 2 which arranges the contents by topic discussed.Folios 219-229 are notes recording each item of correspondence within the volume, and include page numbers in pencil in the margins which enable the notes to be used as a further index.Foliation: The foliation sequence commences on the title page with 1 and terminated on the last folio with 232. The numbers used for this sequence are located in the top right hand corner of the recto of each folio and are indicated by a pencil number enclosed in a circle. Folio 180 has been omitted from the sequence.Foliation anomalies: 1A, 1B, 18A, 115A, 174AThe following folios need to be folded out to be read: 4, 6A former referencing system, using red crayon numbers enclosed in a circle can also be found throughout the file.
The correspondence in the volume relates primarily to the cessation of the operations of the Kuwait Oil Company during World War Two, and their plans for post-war development once peace is declared. These plans included the development of tanker anchorages, pipe-lines for both oil and water, the construction of a refinery, and the development of the production of oil from the Burgan Oil Field. Also considered in the correspondence are the potential local repercussions, both positive and negative that such rapid development might have in Kuwait (also given as Koweit), some of the correspondence between the Company and the Shaikh is given in both English and Arabic. Also discussed is work undertaken by the Kuwait Oil Company for the British Army from 1942-1943 to provide Bitumen, and the Company's desire to use the leftover Bitumen to asphalt roads in Kuwait. Correspondence relating to the services provided by the Kuwait Landing Company, who are responsible for the loading and unloading of all cargo in Kuwait, is also included and discussion centres around the rights of the Kuwait Oil Company to unload their own cargo and their need of special steel barges to do so, which they acquire from Gray, Mackenzie and Company.Also recorded are visits made by representatives of both the Kuwait Oil Company, and its parent companies the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company and the Gulf Oil Company to Kuwait which were made to discuss operational matters, attempt to secure further concessions from the Shaikh, and to settle disputes amongst the staff there. Visits were also made by Major Frank Holmes, the London Representative of the Shaikh of Kuwait to the Kuwait Oil Company, and his Indian Interpreter, Ashraf Ali Shamsuddin.Other matters discussed include the Kuwait Oil Company's proposal to acquire a concession from the Shaikh of Kuwait (Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ) for an area outside Kuwait territorial waters, and the US Government's proclamation in 1946 which extended their jurisdiction to the subsoil adjacent to the American Coast on the Continental Shelf. Included in the volume are the minutes of a meeting held 16 January 1946 to discuss what the British Government's response to the proclamation should be. The outcomes of the meeting were to make a public statement supporting the American Government's proclamation and to commence an investigation into how the proclamation could be applied by the British Government, focusing particularly on the case of the Persian Gulf where the Continental Shelf was so shallow any rights would have to be shared by all adjacent states on an equitable basis, taking into account ownership of pearl fisheries too.Other matters of note within the volume are:Rumours that the American Oil Companies intend to construct a pipeline from the Mediterranean to Kuwait as part of their ongoing development of oil production in Saudi Arabia;The reactions against the proposal in the United States and conversations between the US and British Goverments over future worldwide oil expansion, focusing particularly on the Middle East and considering questions such as the quantities of oil to be produced, the challenges of transporting it, and matters such as concession rights and marketing policies;Ibn Saud's alleged attempts to influence the Shaikh of Kuwait in his choice of recipient of his share of the Neutral Zone Concession, specifically nominating the California-Arabian Standard Oil Company.A memorandum written by W S Gregor, General Manager for BAPCO at Busreh [Basra], regarding complaints about the handling of cargo in Bahrain and the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO)'s desire to make their own lighterage arrangements. The complaints related to the lack of experienced staff and supervisors at delivery points which was resulting in stowing, smuggling and pilfering.The correspondence in the file is primarily between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, the Political Agent at Kuwait, the Secretary of State for India, the Shaikh of Kuwait, the India Office, the Ministry of Fuel and Power, the Kuwait Oil Company and Major Frank Holmes.1 volume (227 folios)The correspondence has been arranged chronologically according to its date of receipt at, or issue from, the Political Residency at Bushire. There is an index to the volume on folio 1A.Folios 212-226 contain the file notes, which list every piece of correspondence contained within the file along with notes from the Political Resident in relation to them, and also contains reference numbers in the margins to enable the notes to be used as an index.Foliation: The principal foliation sequence consists of a pencil number enclosed in a circle located in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. Foliation anomalies: 1, 1A, 1B, 53, 53A, 63, 63A, 67, 67A, 103, 103A, 144, 144A, 188, 188A, 188B. Foliation omissions: 3, 5, 10, 23, 25, 27, 102, 118, 151, 182, 186, 200, 203, 205.There is also a second incomplete sequence of foliation using circled numbers in red and blue crayon.
The volume comprises correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf , the Political Agent at Muscat, the Political Agent at Bahrain, the India Office (Roland Tennyson Peel, John Percival Gibson, Francis Anthony Kitchener Harrison) , the Secretary to the Government of India (Sir Aubrey Metcalfe), the Sultan of Muscat and Oman (Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd) and Petroleum Development (Oman and Dhofar) Limited (Ernest Vincent Packer, John Skliros, H H Wheatley) regarding the oil concession agreements concluded with the Sultan of Muscat for Dhofar [Zufār] and Muscat territory. Copies of the two concessions can be found at folios 17-47.Included in the volume is correspondence relating to the political agreement between His Majesty’s Government and Petroleum Development (Oman and Dhofar) Limited including its presentation to the Sultan of Muscat; the Sultan’s concerns about the document and negotiation with the India Office in order to agree a suitably amended version that satisfied all parties, including the decision by the India Office to have a separate pre-emption agreement. Copies of the Political Agreement and Pre-Emption Clause agreement can be found at folios 93-98 and 132-135.Also discussed is the decision by Petroleum Development (Oman and Dhofar) Limited to take up in 1942 the option of an extension on their exploration agreement for two years owing to wartime conditions and further discussion regarding possible methods of extending the exploration agreement to the end of the war and a period beyond. The conclusion of the discussion being the decision by the Company to take up their concession rather than attempt to negotiate any further extension. Also discussed are concerns by the Sultan of Muscat that the Company did not really intend to explore and develop a concession in his territory and were only really interested in preventing other companies operating there. The concession with the Shaikh of Ajman [‘Ajmān] (Rāshid Bin Ḥumaid Al-Nu`aimī) is also discussed in this context as the exploration of that territory had also not commenced on the outbreak of World War II and extensions to the exploration agreement were therefore also required.Further correspondence relates to the Oil Undertaking made in 1923 by Sultan Taimur bin Faisal [Sayyid Taymūr bin Fayṣal bin Turkī Āl Bū Sa‘īd], formerly Sultan of Muscat and father of Sayyid Said bin Taimur. The correspondence centres around the assertion made by Sultan Said bin Taimur that the undertaking was not binding on him as his father had written a letter to the political authorities in 1923 stating that any such undertaking would not be binding on his successors unless specifically stated in the contractual agreement. Further correspondence concludes that the letter written by Sayyid Taimur bin Faisal in 1923 was received by the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf but was never responded to by him or forwarded on to the India Office or Government of India and that they were therefore unaware of any such opinion or response and that as a result were prepared to consider a re-negotiation of the Sultan’s treaties and undertakings.Also of interest within the volume are:discussions about the Muscat Arms Subsidy which was originally granted to Sayyid Faisal bin Turki [Fayṣal bin Turkī Āl Bū Sa‘īd] including the conditions under which it was granted and the lack of clarity in the terms and conditions of the subsidy’s contract;discussions regarding the Oman hinterland which the Company were interested in exploring but which was under the authority of the Imam of Muscat and the decision to wait until the following year to raise the question again as the Imam’s authority in that area was considered to be dwindling and the Sultan hoped then to be able to make arrangements with either the Imam of the tribes living there;a memorandum prepared in the Petroleum Department, June 1938, looking at areas where petroleum concessions were mostly likely to be, or had been already been obtained, on the Arabian Peninsula (Koweit [Kuwait], Koweit Neutral Zone, Bahrein [Bahrain], Qatar, Trucial Sheikhdom’s, Aden Protectorate, Saudi Arabia, The Yemen, Muscat, and Oman) and looking at Petroleum Concessions Limited's refinery agreement and pre-emption clause.The agreements and correspondence with the Sultan of Muscat are in Arabic and English.A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 264-276.1 volume (278 folios)The volume contains a table of contents on folio 3 comprising of subject headings and page references. The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with folio 1 and terminates at the back cover with folio 280; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional mixed foliation/pagination sequence is also present between ff 2-267; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. These are located in the same position as the main sequence, except for some instances which are located on the verso. Pagination: a short pagination sequence is present at the back of the volume between ff 264-276; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top outermost corners of each page.
The file comprises correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard Craven Fowle), the Political Agent at Bahrain (Hugh Weightman), the Political Agent at Muscat (Ralph Ponsonby Watts) and Petroleum Concessions Limited (Stephen Hemsley Longrigg) regarding arrangements for geologists from Petroleum Concessions Limited to undertake geological exploration at Jebel Faiyah [Jabal al Fāyah], Baraimi [Al Buraymī] and Jebel Hafit [Jabal Ḩafīt].Possible routes of entry to the Baraimi Oasis through Sharjah, Muscat and Abu Dhabi are discussed along with the proposal to use two exploration parties which could meet up at the Oasis. One exploration party was sent from Muscat to Jebel Hafit and Baraimi with the assistance of the Sultan of Muscat (Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd) and escorted by the Wali of Sohar (Mudhaffar Suliman). The other, escorted by a political officer John Baron Howes, hoped to travel through Beni Kitab [Beni Qitab] territory and visit Jebel Faiyah before going on to Baraimi, but ultimately had to travel there directly from Abu Dhabi with the assistance of the Wali of Al Ain (Ibrāhīm bin ʻUthmān).The remainder of the volume discusses the various intrigues and difficulties encountered by the exploration parties in attempting to negotiate with the principal tribes at the Baraimi Oasis in order to gain access to their territory for exploration. The tribes involved include the Na’im [Na‘īm] (Shaikh Saqr bin Sulṭān), Al Bu Shamis [Āl Bū Shāmis] (Shaikh Muḥammad bin Raḥmāh bin Salmin), Beni Ka’ab [Banū Ka‘ab] and Abu Dhabi.Contained within the volume are detailed letters and reports submitted by John Baron Howes, Assistant Political Agent at Bahrain, who had accompanied one of the exploration parties to Baraimi. The correspondence details the various negotiations to enable the parties to travel, incidents on route and day by day accounts of the exploration party’s work and their interactions with the various tribes there. Folios 131-141 comprise Howe’s official report of his special duty in connection with the PCL exploration party and includes two sketch maps, one of the geographical layout of the Baraimi Oasis and the other of the distribution of the various tribes around the Oasis. A detailed appendix lists every tribe residing at the Oasis and includes details of their leaders, strength of arms, where their main settlement was, and whether they were Ghafiri or Hinawari [Hinawi].Also discussed are the lack of attempts made by the Shaikh of Sharjah to permit the geologists to visit Jebel Faiyah and subsequent attempts by Shaikh Khalid [Shaikh Khalid bin Aḥmad bin Sulṭān Āl Qasimī], Regent of Kalba to negotiate with Shaikh Muhammad bin Ali [Muḥammad bin ‘Īsá], Chief of the Beni Kitab to arrange for the PCL geologists to travel there. The negotiations were unsuccessful owing to the intrigues of various individuals on the Trucial coast, which the British believed to be orchestrated by the Shaikh of Sharjah (Shaikh Sulṭān bin Saqr Āl Qasimī).Other matters discussed in the volume include:PCL’s wish to establish an aerodrome at Baraimi, and their subsequent decision to establish it nearer to the coast owing to the difficulties encountered at Baraimi and the likely cost of acquiring permission from the Shaikh of Abu Dhabi (Shaikh Shakhbūt bin Sulṭān bin Zāyid Āl Nahyān);memorandum and reports from the Residency Agent at Sharjah (‘Abd al Razzaq) on visits made by Shaikh Saqr bin Sultan, Ruler of Baraimi and Shaikh Mohammed bin Rahmah, Chief of the Al Bu Shamis to the Trucial coast and of the various intrigues occurring on the Trucial coast in relation to the work of the geological exploration parties at Baraimi;the intention of the PCL geologists on their return to Muscat to travel to Ras-al-Hadd [Ra’s al Ḩadd] and undertake an aerial survey of the coastal area south of Ras-al-Hadd.1 file (142 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 2-143; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
The file comprises correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard Craven Fowle, Charles Geoffrey Prior), the Political Agent at Bahrain (Hugh Weightman), the Political Agent at Muscat (Ralph Ponsonby Watts, Tom Hickinbotham), the India Office (John Percival Gibson, Roland Tennyson Peel) and Petroleum Concessions Limited, later Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) Limited (Basil Henry Lermitte, Stephen Hemsley Longrigg, Thomas Fulton Williamson) regarding geological exploration of the Trucial Coast and Muscat, and its subsequent postponement owing to World War Two.The correspondence discusses initial plans for the exploration of the Trucial coast and Muscat during the winter of 1939 – 1940 and the intention that the Sultan of Muscat (Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd ) would provide access to areas under the control of the Naim [Na‘īm] and Al Bu Shamis [Āl Bū Shāmis] tribes. Also discussed is the possibility of the Shaikh of Abu Dhabi (Shaikh Shakhbūt bin Sulṭān bin Zāyid Āl Nahyān) providing access to Baraimi [Al Buraymī ] now that a concession has been signed for his territory; and other work that might be undertaken in both Muscat and Abu Dhabi. This survey work was ultimately postponed owing to concerns over access to, and protection whilst in the relevant territory, as well as the outbreak of War in Europe.Later correspondence discusses the decision to postpone geological surveying owing to wartime conditions, and consideration of a resumption of work in 1945 with proposals for a small geological survey party working in the Baraimi and Jebel Hafit [Jabal Ḩafīt] area’s with geophysical surveys commencing in 1946. Included in the file are reports from a geologist for Petroleum Concessions Limited, Thomas Fulton Williamson, which discuss the potential problems of supplies, labour, transport, and accommodation that would have to be overcome.Other matters discussed in the volume include:news of the death of Shaikh Muhammad bin Sultan An-Nu’aimi [Sheikh Muḥammad bin Sulṭān Al-Nu`aimī] of Dhank who had been succeeded by his brother Shaikh Saqr bin Sultan [Sheikh Saqr bin Sulṭān Al-Nu`aimī] of Baraimi;the need to attempt to define the boundaries of the various Trucial Shaikh’s territories and proposing that initially each Shaikh be asked to state what they considered to be under their control so that areas of joint or disputed ownership could be identified;a meeting in Sharjah with the Political Agent at Bahrain, Shaikh Mohammed bin Saqr al-Jawassim [Sheikh Muḥammad bin Saqr Āl Qasimī] brother of the Shaikh of Sharjah, Shaikh Saqr bin Sultan of the Naim at Dhank, Shaikh Rashid bin Hamad [Rāshid Bin Ḥumaid] of Al Bu Shamis at Baraimi) and Shaikh Mohammed bin Ali bin Huweidin of the Beni Qitab (also written as Beni Chittab). That this was the first time in ten years that the Chief of the Beni Qitab had been persuaded to come to Sharjah and was considered a positive sign that could benefit Petroleum Concessions Limited in gaining access to territory under the Beni Qitab’s control;concerns in 1939 over Petroleum Concessions Limited’s intentions with regard to their concessions in the Persian Gulf and whether they actually intended exploiting them or had merely acquired them to prevent other companies from doing so.1 file (126 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the back cover with 128; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 2-127; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
The file comprises copies of the Administration Report of the Bahrain Political Agency for 1918, 1919, and 1920. There is also an amended version of the 1919 report as it did not cover the correct time period and certain headings had been omitted.The administration reports contained headings on relations with the Shaikh of Bahrain and the Shaikh's family; medical matters including statistics for the hospital and epidemics; customs and trade statistics; the maintenance and upkeep of the Agency; tours taken by the Political Agent and his staff; and notable visitors to Bahrain during the year in question.Copies of the administration reports were submitted to the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf and the Civil Commissioner at Baghdad.1 file (58 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the back cover with 58; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
The volumes comprise trade and commerce reports, primarily for Bahrain but also for Arabistan and Bushire covering the period 1918-1924.The reports included in the volumes are:Report on the Trade of the Bahrain Islands for the year ending 31 March 1918(ff 7-39)Report on the Trade of the Bahrain Islands for the year ending 31 March 1919(ff 51-78)Report on the Trade of the Bahrain Islands for the year ending 31 March 1920(ff 108-136)Trade Report of the Province of Arabistan for the year ending March 1920(ff 145-170)Trade Report of the Port of Bushire for the year 1919-1920(ff 172-190)Report on the Trade of the Bahrain Islands for the years ending 31 March 1921 and 31st March 1922(ff 211-224)Report on the Trade of the Bahrain Islands for the year ending 31 March 1923(ff 228-256)Report on the Trade of the Bahrain Islands for the year ending 31 March 1924(ff 310-338).The volumes also include amended versions of the reports where discrepancies were noted in them; and printed copies produced by the Government of India.The correspondence in the volume primarily comprises letters from the Political Agent at Bahrain sending out copies of the reports to interested parties, and acknowledgements of receipt in reply; some correspondence with the Eastern Bank Limited, Director of Customs at Bahrain, and Yusuf Ahmed bin Kanoo relates to requests from traders, exporters and other interested parties for trade statistics and information relating to trade and commerce in Bahrain.The first folio of volume one comprises correspondence between the Political Agency at Bahrain and the Political Residency in Bushire from 1948-1950 regarding a circular issued by the Foreign Office in 1948 which outlined a new format for trade reports.2 volumes (374 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front of volume one to the rear of volume two.Foliation: This volume is in two parts. The foliation sequence commences at the first folio of the first part with 1, and terminates at the last folio of the second part with 374 (the covers have not been foliated); these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
The file comprises correspondence between the Political Agent at Bahrain (Clive Kirkpatrick Daly), the Mesopotamia Persia Corporation Limited (W Meikle), and Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo regarding the value of pearls exported from Bahrain April 1923-March 1924 for inclusion in the 1923-1924 Bahrain Trade Report.1 file (8 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 8; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The volume also contains an original printed foliation sequence between ff 2-6.
The file comprises notifications, resolutions, circulars, and memorandum from the following Government of India departments: the Finance Department, Home Department, Foreign and Political Department, Department of Industries and Labour, Army Department, Department of Education Health and Lands, Department of Overseas Trade, and Department of Commerce.Included in the file are:the announcement of an updated version of the Indian Arms Rules, 1878, published in 1924 and subsequent amendments to the wording of revised rules throughout 1924 and 1925;amendments to the Superior Civil Services (Revision of Pay and Pensions) Rules 1924;amendments to the warrant of precedence in India, including additions to and removals from the warrant, and changes to the position of titles within the order of precedence;alterations and amendments to the rules on passage allowances, pensions, leave rules, payments to subscribers of the General Provident fund, and the premature retirement rules;the publication of 'rules for the supply of articles for the public service' in 1924 and the subsequent publication of a list of authorised firms as required under the rules;a copy of the dress regulations for officers of the political department under the Government of India and the Government of Bombay and amendments to those regulations;amendments to regulations for the study of foreign languages;corrections to the 'Manual of Instructions to Officers of the Political Department of the Government of India';instructions relating to the purchase of publications in the United Kingdom for official use by Government of India departments;an Order in Council enacted by His Majesty King George V to enable an amendment of the Government of India Act allowing the Secretary to the High Commissioner to India to make and discharge contracts on behalf of the Secretary of State for India in the High Commissioner's absence;correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Francis Beville Prideaux and the Political Agent at Bahrain, Clive Kirkpatrick Daly, following the announcement that the Daly was to be made a Companion of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire (C.I.E.);the announcement of the death of Queen Alexandra (wife of Edward VII) and information relating the official memorial service for her, and procedures for official mourning.1 file (276 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 276; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional mixed foliation/pagination sequence is also present in parallel between ff 2-274; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.Condition: Folios 2-6, 157 have some minor tears and other imperfections which obscure a few of the words on each folio.
The file comprises copies of telegrams written in cypher, some of which have the decoded words written above in pencil. The cyphers in use in the file are the Government Telegraph Code and the Indian Word Code, and correspondence from the Government of India is also included regarding the updated Indian Word Code released in 1926.Further correspondence between the Civil Commissioner at Baghdad and the Political Agent at Bahrain relates to the assignment of a word under the Indian Word Code to represent Ibn Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd] in correspondence between them.Also included in the file is correspondence between the Political Agent at Bahrain and the Officer Commanding the 2/1st Brahmans at Muscat regarding new rates of pay for the men under his command.1 file (20 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the back cover with 20; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 3-18; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence.
The file comprises correspondence between the Political Agent at Bahrain and the Director of Education in Baghdad regarding the need for a primary school head teacher in Bahrain and enquiring as to the process of recruiting someone suitable.The file also includes an Iraq Department of Education Syllabus for primary school teaching in Arabic and English, and copies of the forms used by primary schools in Iraq to record pupils' attendance.1 file (66 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the back cover with 66; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out
The file contains correspondence sent to and from the Persian Gulf Residency (the Resident at the time being Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Hennell), concerning the slave trade between the coast of East Africa and the Persian Gulf, and Britain's maritime efforts to suppress it. The main correspondents are Arthur Malet, Chief Secretary of the Government of Bombay, Lt-Col Sheil, Her Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary at the Council of Persia and Commodore J.P. Porter, Commanding Indian Naval Squadron.The correspondence covers the interception of ships carrying slaves, agreements and treaties for the suppression of the slave trade and the use of native interpreters on British ships. The file contains several reports detailing the numbers of slaves imported from Africa to various parts of the Persian Gulf.1 file (41 folios)The correspondence in the file has been arranged in a rough chronological order, starting from the earliest at the front of the file to the latest at the end.Foliation: The file has been foliated from the front cover to the last page of the file, with pencil numbers in the top-right corner of each recto page. The inside back cover has been left unfoliated.
Imprint:Berlin, published by Dietrich Reimer and engraved by Heinrich Mahlmann.Edition statement:Third edition; compiled and prepared by Dr. Heinrich Kiepert.5 maps
Correspondence relating to the mining of red oxide on Abu Musa island by a German company, Wonckhaus, and the British desire to prevent the Germans gaining a monopoly and presence on the island. Correspondence includes a note by Major Percy Zachariah Cox on the case and Hassan bin Samaiyah's involvement as well as printed reports. Correspondents include the Residency Agent, Lingah; Politial Resident Persian Gulf; Imperial German Consul, Bushire.1 volume (381 folios)The papers are arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file.An index to the file is included at the front:The main foliation sequence, which should be used for referencing, begins on the cover page, which is number 1A. It is followed by 1B, and then by folio number 2. After folio number 3 the sequence jumps straight to number 5 – there is no number 4. The sequence then runs through to 120. Number 121 has been missed out, so folio number 120 is followed by number 122. The sequence then continues through to 381, which is the inside of the back cover of the volume. It should be noted that letters have been used to number folios at two other points in the sequence: 229 is followed by 229A; and 329 is followed by 329A. This sequence consists of small pencil numbers, in the top right corner of each folio.The second foliation sequence begins at the first letter, which is the third folio of writing and runs through to number 356, the last folio of writing.This foliation sequence is written in pencil (using slightly larger numbers), in the top right corner of each folio.
The volume comprises correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard Craven Fowle), the Political Agent at Bahrain (Hugh Weightman), the India Office (Roland Tennyson Peel, John Percival Gibson), the Secretary to the Government of India, External Affairs Department (Sir Aubrey Metcalfe), the Shaikh of Bahrain (Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah), Bahrain Petroleum Company (Hamilton R Ballantyne, Fred A Davies, Max W Thornburg), and Petroleum Concessions Limited (Frank Holmes, John Skliros) regarding the Shaikh of Bahrain’s proposal to grant a concession for the whole of the unallotted area, including the Hawar Islands, to the Bahrain Petroleum Company and His Majesty’s Government’s approval of the proposal.Following on from the approval of the proposal to grant a concession to the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) the correspondence focuses on discussion around the proposed agreement, to take the form of a deed of modification to BAPCO’s 1934 lease and the political agreement which would accompany the concession. The main areas of discussion including the definition of the area the concession would cover, and the need to include a pre-emption clause in the political agreement. Copies, in Arabic and English, of the draft deed of modification (ff 146-161, 170-180, 218-227) and draft political agreement (ff 133-139) are included in the volume.Also discussed in the volume is the conclusion of the sovereignty question relating to the Hawar Islands following the submission by the Shaikh of Qatar (Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Jāsim Āl Thānī) of a response to the counter-claims made by the Shaikh of Bahrain. On reviewing both claims and supporting evidence His Majesty’s Government's final decision was that islands belonged to Bahrain and not Qatar.Also included in the volume are copies of draft concession agreements put forward by Petroleum Concessions Limited including one for the Hawar Islands (ff 8-26) and one for the waters and islands of Bahrain, described as the shoal area (ff 44-65).A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 242-2481 volume (251 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 253; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 6-241; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
This file contains correspondence mostly concerning the island of Sirri [Sirrī], as well as other Persian Gulf islands, including Tanb [Ṭanb] and Lesser Tanb, Farur [Farūr] and Lesser Farur, Dalmah [Dalmā], Halul island [Ḥālūl], Sir Abu Nu'ayr [Ṣīr Abū Nu‘ayr], and Sir Bani Yas [Ṣīr Banī Yās]. These papers contain details concerning the status of these islands, as well as geographical and topographical information, including details of mineral deposits.The correspondence in this file is between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire; ‘Abd al-Laṭīf, Residency Agent at Sharjah; ‘Īsá bin ‘Abd al-Laṭīf, acting Residency Agent at Sharjah; Āghā Muḥammad Amīn Badr, Residency Agent at Lingah; Ṣaqr bin Khālid Āl Qāsimī, ruler of Sharjah; T J Malcolm, Bushire; and various British officials in the Foreign Department of the Government of India.There is a file index on folio 2. Subjects include: Muin's [Moin-ut-Tujjar] claims to Sirri (folios 103, 121); connection of Sirri question with that of fisheries (folio 15); Hajji Ali Akbar [Ḥājjī ‘Alī Akbār]'s attitude oxide at Sirri (folios 39-47, 79, 84, 124); Strick's enquiries on oxide at Sirri (folios 90-91); Abdullah bin Hassan Galadari [‘Abdullāh bin Ḥassan Jaladārī] (folio 55-56); German visits to Sirri (folio 73); status of Nabiyu Tanb island (folios 92, 100); status Farur and Nabiya Farur islands (folios 88, 100, 121); oxide on Dalmah island (folio 100); oxide on Sir Abu Nu'air island (folios 100, 130-131); oxide on Halul islands (folios 100, 115); manganese on Halul island (folios 130-131); Sir Bani Yas island (folios 130-131); note on Sirri island (folios 25-27); situation at Sirri Island in 1904 (folios 8-15); the Jowasimis [Āl Qawāsim] occupation of Sirri (folio 62).1 file (146 folios)This file is arranged approximately in chornological order.Foliation: The main foliation sequence commences at the cover and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A second incomplete mixed foliation/pagination sequence runs in parallel between ff. 4-143; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio, along with the corresponding top left (sometimes) of the verso side. The file contains the following foliation amendments: 109, and 109A; 114, and 114A; 116, and 116A.
Note on demobilisation by Arnold Talbot Wilson, Civil Commissioner, Baghdad (enclosed in letter to the India Office, No 20517, dated 28 September 1918).The note gives details on the two areas that demobilisation would need to cover, namely the repatriation of the fighting force and the transference to Civil Government of those parts of the military administration that could be used for national benefit.The note is broken down into a number of sub-headings:Strategical and Political Considerations: Including the proposal of the need for a mobile military force, comprised wholly of British troops, that could react to any instability or disturbances caused by the previous decade of war, and which could protect India and support reforms in other countries.Maintenance in Baghdad of Troops and War Material: outlining proposals for the use of horses, mules, skilled individuals within British units, and mechanical transport for the civil administration of the country.Directorate of Telegraphs: regarding the question of whether or not to amalgamate it with the Indo-European Telegraph Department.Inland Water Transport: regarding the current usage of water transport for military purposes and the likelihood that once railways have been established it would only be required for fuel supplies and building materials.Medical Services: The need to evacuate the medical building established during war-time; the ongoing need for some of the temporary services during demobilisation; and those buildings that might be of use to the civil administration including sanitary and water installations and hospitals.Works Department: Effect of the department's work on the civil population, including electric lighting and water installations and the need for it to be taken over by the civil department.Remounts; Veterinary Services; Irrigation and Agriculture; Surveys; Stationary Department; Graves RegistrationRoyal Air Force: The need to maintain a wing of the Air Force in Baghdad; and regarding the other supplementary activities that could be developed including surveys and postal services.Royal Navy: That there would be no need for a naval detachment after the warRepatriation of Prisoners of War now interned in India: 25,000 turkish prisoners of war in India, with about 5,000 being inhabitants of Iraq, and a further 5,000 expected to wish to be repatriated to Iraq. The likelihood of many working for the labour corps, and arrangements with the civil administration for security of those who cannot be realised without guarantees.Indian Immigration: Need for a definite policy regarding the question as there may be a number of requests to remain in Iraq as cultivators.The Appendix (folio 4) lists includes summaries of a number of related documents to be consulted:Memorandum by the Civil Commissioner Baghdad (Arnold Talbot Wilson) to the Chief of General Staff, General Headquarters, Mesopotamia, No. 18791, 8 September 1918Memorandum No. A/2120/31, 26 September 1918, from the Deputy Adjutant-General, General Headquarters to the Civil Commissioner, BaghdadObservations by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (undated)4 foliosThe file contains three copies of the note.Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the first folio and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The copy of the note marked '46' is the one which has been foliated.Pagination: The booklet also contains an original typed pagination sequence.
The volume comprises correspondence regarding applications from the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) and California Arabian Standard Oil Company (CASOC), represented primarily by Hamilton R Ballantyne and Max Weston Thornburg, for permission to install wireless apparatus and operate wireless telegraphy between Dhahran [Aẓ-Ẓahrān] and Awali [ʻAwālī].The discussion, which is primarily between the Political Agent at Bahrain (Hugh Weightman, Reginald George Evelin Alban), the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard Craven Fowle, Charles Geoffrey Prior), the Senior Naval Officer in the Persian Gulf, the India Office (Roland Tennyson peel, John Percival Gibson, Esmond Walter Rawson Lumby), and the Imperial Communications Advisory Committee (William Warren Shaw-Zambra) relates initially to the question of whether Cable and Wireless have a monopoly on international telegraphic communications in Bahrain, and whether therefore such a proposal would infringe on that.The later correspondence discusses the wartime implications of such a communication service, particularly in regards to the question of censorship, and its possibilities as an advance warning of enemy aircraft from Arabia, which arises following the air raid on CASOC’s facility at Dhahran in 1941.Also discussed in the volume is a proposal for an agreement between Cable and Wireless and BAPCO whereby Cable and Wireless would operate the services required by BAPCO for a fee, but it was ultimately abandoned owing to restrictions laid down by the Saudi Arab Government that wireless communication between the two companies would only be permitted provided the recipient wireless sets in Bahrain were on BAPCO sites only.Other matters discussed in the volume include:the discovery that CASOC were using wireless sets on board launches and tankers outside of the territorial waters of Saudi Arabia to communicate direct with the USA and whether or not this contravened international laws or regulations;the potential expansion of the Bahrain refinery to accommodate wartime needs, using crude oil shipped from Saudi Arabia;an agreement made in 1935 between the Saudi Government, Sudan Government, Eastern Telegraph Company and Cable and Wireless which granted Cable and Wireless a monopoly in Saudi Arabia;concerns over the Saudi Arabian Mining Syndicate and their lack of awareness and concern over the need for secrecy in wartime.A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 186-193.1 volume (195 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 197; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 5-185; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
The volume contains correspondence between the Political Agent at Bahrain, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, the office of the Secretary of State for India, and the Admiralty regarding the Eastern and General Syndicate's past interest in obtaining a concession for Qatar and the recent movements of Major Frank Holmes and his agents in attempting to reinterest the Shaikh of Qatar (haikh ‘Abdullāh bin Jāsim Āl Thānī) in a concession.The file also includes a summary of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company's interest in a Qatar concession in 1925 and a letter from the Admiralty regarding the need to ensure any concession agreement included sufficient safeguards for British interests in the Persian Gulf.A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 20-21.1 volume (23 folios)Foliation: The main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover, and terminates at the inside back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present between ff 5-19; these numbers are also written in pencil and can be found in the same position as the main sequence, although the numbers are not circled. A previous (circled) foliation sequence has been crossed out.
The volume contains correspondence and telegrams between the Foreign Secretary to the Government of India and the Secretary of State for the Colonies in London, the Political Resident at Bushire, the Political Agent at Kuwait and and Eastern and General Syndicate Limited (E.&G.S.) representatives. The main subject is the negotiations for oil concessions in Kuwait between APOC and Eastern and General Syndicate Limited, represented by Major Frank Holmes.The volume also includes some letters, in Arabic and in translation, from and to the Ruler of Kuwait, Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ, and correspondence regarging him being invited to visit London as guest of the Eastern and General Syndicate (folios 73-74). On folios 155A-166 'Final Record of a Meeting held at the Colonial Office on the 26th of April, 1933, to discuss various questions relating to Oil in the Persian Gulf', regarding Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar.1 volume (259 folios)The documents in the volume are mostly arranged in chronological order. There are notes at the end of the volume, (folios 237-244). The file notes are arranged chronologically and refer to documents within the file; they give a brief description of the correspondence with reference numbers in red crayon, which refer back to that correspondence in the volume.The foliation is written in pencil, not circled, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.The numbering commences at the title page with 1, 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D; then 2-23; 24 and 24A; 25-45; 46 and 46A; 47-110; 111, 111A and 111B; 112-154; 155 and 155A; 156-176; 177-178 are missing or skipped; 179-185; 186 and 186A; 187-215; 216 and 216A and then it carries on until 245, which is the fifth folio from the back of the volume.
The file primarily focuses on the progress being made by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) in drilling for oil in Kuwait, including establishing drills at new sites and the discovery of oil at the Burgan site in February 1938. Later correspondence relates to various topics, as follows: the work and tests required on the oil before announcements relating to the discovery of oil in commercial quantities can be made; discussions with the India Office over the difference between 'commercial quantities' of oil and 'commercial conditions' for oil, the latter requiring the company to discuss the establishment of a refinery with the British Government; the decision by the KOC to cease their activities in Kuwait, other than drilling for water, owing to the outbreak of war, along with their actions in safeguarding the wells against potential enemy action; the negotiations with the Shaikh of Kuwait regarding the payment of royalties for the discovery of oil and advances on those royalties. The primary correspondents are the Kuwait Oil Company; Shaikh of Kuwait (Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ); the Political Agent at Kuwait (Gerald Simpson de Gaury, Andrew Charles Stewart); the Political Resident at Bushire (Trenchard Craven Fowle, Charles Geoffrey Prior); the Secretary of State for India (Lawrence Dundas, the 2nd Marquess of Zetland) and India Office staff (J P Gibson, Alexander Symon, Roland Tennyson Peel)Also discussed in the file is the question of a concession for an area outside of the territorial waters of Kuwait and numerous correspondence between the Kuwait Oil Company, India Office, Admiralty (Clifford George Jarrett) and Petroleum Department (Frederick Charles Starling) that debate what the jurisdictions might be in such an area, the exact nature of the territorial waters surrounding Kuwait, and potential boundary and frontier issues that might arise from such a concesssion. The correspondence is cut short owing to the outbreak of World War II as the various departments no longer have the time to discuss such matters and an agreement is reached with the Company and the Shaikh of Kuwait to suspend the matter until the war is over.Other matters discussed in the volume include:An article which appeared in
Al Sijilmagazine which criticises the Kuwait Oil Company for failing to find oil in Kuwait and the Shaikh of Kuwait for keeping the concession negotiations and signed agreement secret from his own people. A translated copy of the article is included at folios 8-9;The commencement by the Kuwait Oil Company of the construction of a jetty at Bandar Shuwaikh, and the potential defensive benefits such a jetty could have in war-time;A proposed visit by Colonel Harold Dickson, Chief Local Representative of the Kuwait Oil Company, to Ibn Sa'ud over Christmas 1938 that was eventually cancelled due to objections from the Shaikh of Kuwait;Arrangements with the American Mission in Kuwait for the provision of medical and hospital facilities for Company employees and the decision to employ another American nurse who would attend to the hospital needs of the company but would also assist with the work of the Mission's Women's hospital (folios 76-80);Correspondence between the Kuwait Oil Company, Secretary of State for India and the India Office regarding the appointment of American personnel in Kuwait and obtaining the British Government's permission for their appointments;Correspondence between the Political Agent at Kuwait, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf and His Majesty's Vice-Consul at Khorramshar (Albert Napier) regarding a Kuwait Oil Company employee of non-British or Kuwaiti status who was granted a visa to travel to Kuwait for work without permission from the British Government and discussing the correct passport and visa procedures for non-British subjects travelling throughout the region.1 file (209 folios)The correspondence in the volume has been arranged chronologically based on the date of its receipt at the Bushire Residency.Folios 191-204 contain file notes relating to the items in the volume. The notes include details of correspondents and dates of receipt and also include notes written for the information of the Secretary to the Political Resident in regards to the responses and instructions required by the Political Resident to the correspondence in question. Also included with the notes are pencil numbers, written in the margins, which refer to the pencil foliation numbers and enable the notes to be used as an index.A topic based index is located on folio 1A .Foliation: The foliation has been written in pencil and can be found in the top right hand corner of the recto side of each folio. The sequence begins with the first item of correspondence and ends on the inside back cover.Foliations anomalies: 1, 1A and 1B. Foliation errors: 173 and 176 have been omitted.
The volume comprises correspondence between the India Office (John P Gibson, Maurice Clauson, Roland T Peel, John C Walton); the Foreign Office (George Rendel, Lacy Bagallay); the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard C Fowle); the Political Agent at Kuwait (Gerald S de Gaury); His Majesty’s Minister at Jedda (Sir Andrew Ryan, Sir Reader Bullard); Secretary of State for India (Lawrence Dundas, 2nd Marquess of Zetland); the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Anthony Eden); and Petroleum Concessions Limited (John Skliros, Stephen H Longrigg, Frank Holmes) regarding the Kuwait Neutral Zone and Petroleum Concessions Limited’s interest in attempting to secure an option or concession from the Shaikh of Kuwait and the Government of Saudi Arabia for their shares in the zone.The volume consists of general correspondence regarding Petroleum Concessions Limited’s interest in and work towards various concessions in the Persian Gulf and various possibilities for approaching the Saudi Arabian Government regarding their share of the Neutral Zone concession. Also discussed are attempts to ascertain the exact nature and extent of the Standard Oil Company of California’s preference rights for both the zone and the remainder of the territory of Saudi Arabia.Further discussion surrounds His Majesty’s Government’s concerns over the financial situation in Saudi Arabia and their desire where possible to provide assistance and support, along with the challenges of balancing this desire with their own policies and interests in the Persian Gulf.The main focus of the discussion in the volume centres on the possibility of a buy-out clause relating to the neutral zone concession existing in the Standard Oil Company of California (SOCAL)’s option agreement with the Saudi Arabian Government and the subsequent discovery that SOCAL’s preference rights were much more extensive. The exact nature of the preference rights are identified by the Foreign Office being supplied copies of the relevant concession articles by Mahmood Riyad Zada of the Royal Legation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in London.The correspondence concludes with PCL deciding to make an offer to the Saudi Arabian Government, via their representation in London, for a concession covering central and western Saudi Arabia and the Kuwait Neutral Zone to be worked by Petroleum Development (Western Arabia) Limited. Separate correspondence documents discussion between Hamilton Ballantyne of the Standard Oil Company of California and the India Office about SOCAL's potential interest in the neutral zone concession now that oil has been discovered in Hasa and Kuwait.Also included in the volume is the memorandum prepared in the Petroleum Department, June 1938, looking at areas where petroleum concessions were mostly likely to be, or had been already been obtained, on the Arabian Peninsula.A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 224-230.1 volume (233 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 235; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 24-223; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
The file contains correspondence between the Political
Resident in the Persian Gulf (William Rupert Hay); the Political Agent at Kuwait (Gordon
Noel Jackson, Maurice O’Connor Tandy); the India Office (later the Commonwealth
Relations Office, Eion Pelly Donaldson, Adrian Harbottle Reed, Ralph Ingham Hallows);
the Foreign Office (Lancelot Frank Lee Pyman); the Ministry of Fuel and Power (William
Dunmore Monsell-Davies); His Majesty’s Minister at Jedda (Alan Charles Trott); the
Shaikh of Kuwait (Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ) and various oil companies in relation
to the auction process instituted by the Shaikh of Kuwait for his share in the
Kuwait-Saudi Arabia Neutral Zone oil concession.The companies which expressed an interest in bidding for the
Kuwait neutral zone concession included Petroleum Concessions Limited, the Burmah Oil
Company, the Eastern Gulf Company, the Amerada Petroleum Company, the American
Independent Petroleum Corporation, the Superior Oil Company of California and the
Canadian Eagle Oil Company. However owing to the Shaikh's requirement that
financial backing and resources to undertake exploitation of an oil concession are
proven by each potential bidder only four companies were permitted to continue and
submit final bids on 1 June 1948 – Petroleum Concessions Limited, the Burmah Oil
Company, the Eastern Gulf Company and the American Independent Petroleum
Corporation.Other matters discussed in the file include:the question of the political agreement between His
Majesty’s Government and successful Oil Company and discussing whether such an
agreement could be made with an American Company and also what changes and special
requirements would have to be made owing to the concession only being for the Shaikh
of Kuwait’s share of the neutral zone.a visit paid by the Shaikh of Kuwait to Ibn Saud (‘Abd
al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd)and the question of whether or not
the neutral zone was discussed by them.debate around the possibility of a geographic division
of the neutral zone in order to make administration of the zone easier, and the
conclusion that negotiations for such a division could take years and would not
perhaps be in the best interests of the Oil Companies exploiting an oil concession
there.a hydrographic survey of the coast-line of the neutral
zone to locate a suitable landing site for heavy equipment.a new air service instituted by Iraq Airways in 1947
that would fly from Basra to Kuwait and Bahrain.A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of
the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 272-299.1 file (300 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate
chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for
referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the back cover with
302; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right
corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present
in parallel between ff 2-99 and ff 113-300; these numbers are also written in pencil,
but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence.
Die Südarabische Expedition der kaiserlichen academie der wssenschaften in Wien und das vorgehen des Professor Dr. David Heinrich Müller.Author: Dr Carlo Graf Landberg.Publication details: Hermann Lukaschik, München, 1899.Physical Description: xvi. 185 p.; 8º.1 volume (185 pages)Dimensions: 222mm x 145mm.
The volume contains correspondence and telegrams between His Majesty's Minister at Teheran, the Political Resident at Bushire and Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC) representatives in regard to the cancellation, on 27 Nov 1932, of the 1901 D'Arcy Concession, because APOC was not acting in the interest of Persia in reducing the oil production in 1932. The British Government considered escalating the breach of the concession to the International Court of Justice considering it a dispute between the Persian Government and the British Government. The volume contains: APOC's report on the 'Situation in Persia' (folios 87-92) and letter from the Deputy Chairman of APOC to the Company's Stakeholders to inform them (folios 93-107). The volume also includes copies of articles from
The Timesand copies of printed documents related to the dispute, including the agreement with D'Arcy (folios 219-231).1 volume (221 folios)The documents in the volume are mostly arranged in chronological order. There are notes at the end of the volume, (folios 237-239). The file notes are arranged chronologically and refer to documents within the file; they give a brief description of the correspondence with reference numbers in red crayon, which refer back to that correspondence in the volume.The foliation is in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. The numbering begins on the title page, on number 1, then 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G and 1H; 2-27; 28-40 are skipped or omitted; 41-124; 125-135 are skipped or omitted; 136-146; 147-155 are skipped or omitted; 156-185; 186 and 187 are skipped or omitted; 188-201; 202 and 202A and then it carries on until 245, which is the last number given on the last folio of the volume. Between 93 and 107 the folios are paginated.
The volume contains correspondence between the Political Agent at Bahrain and the Political Resident at Bushire, the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC) representatives and the India Office in London, regarding the political situation in Qatar, the southern boundary of Qatar and the Oil Concession.The volume also contains 'Note on conversation on 15 December 1933 with Mr G.W. Rendel, Foreign Office, on future policy in regard to Qatar.' (folios 68-78), draft 'Qatar Concession', 11 December 1933 (folios 102-110) and 'Mr. Williamson's Political Note on Qatar', with genealogical tree of the Al Thani family, 15 January 1934 (folios 125-135).There are two maps within the volume: a blueprint on folio 148, 'Geological Sketch Map of Qatar Peninsula', produced during a geological survey of Qatar, showing villages, deserted buildings, water wells, roads and routes and a 'Sketch Map of Qatar Peninsula' (folio 285).1 volume (310 folios)The documents in the volume are mostly arranged in chronological order. There are notes at the end of the volume, (folios 298-302). The file notes are arranged chronologically and refer to documents within the file; they give brief description of the correspondence with reference numbers in red crayon, which refer back to that correspondence in the volume.The foliation is written in pencil and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The numbering begins on the title page with 1;1A; 1B and ends on the inside of the back cover, on number 308. There is another foliation sequence, which is incomplete.
The volume contains correspondence between the Colonial Office and the Secretary of State at the India Office in London, the Embassy of the United States of America at London, the Political Resident at Bushire, the Political Agent at Kuwait and Anglo Persian Oil Company (APOC) representatives. Main subject is the negotiation for the oil concession in Kuwait between APOC and the competitor Eastern and General Syndicate Limited.The volume includes a draft of the Kuwait Oil Concession, dated 1st December 1932 (folios 54-60) and a letter to Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ, ruler of Kuwait, in English and Arabic.1 volume (193 folios)The documents in the volume are mostly arranged in chronological order. There are notes at the end of the volume, (folios 179-182). The file notes are arranged chronologically and refer to documents within the file; they give brief description of the correspondence with reference numbers in red crayon, which refer back to that correspondence in the volume.The foliation is written in pencil, not circled, and can be mainly found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio, with a minority in the top centre. The numbering commences at the title page with 1A, 1B and 1C; then 2 and 2A and it carries on until at f. 184, which is a loose polyester sheet at the end of the volume.
The volume contains correspondence between the Political Agent at Bahrain and the Political Resident at Bushire, the Shaikh of Qatar and the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC) representatives, including Haji 'Abdullah Williamson, the Colonial Office and the Secretary of State for Colonies in London, regarding geologic surveys of Qatar and Trucial States, the concession of an exploration license in 1926 and its renewal with an agreement between the ‘Abdullāh bin Jāsim Āl Thānī, Sheikh of Qatar, and APOC, in 1932 (folios 57-59).The volume also contains notes of meetings and correspondence regarding the early stages of the negotiations for the oil concession in Qatar, and the 1933 draft oil concessions (folios 120-125 and 248-268), with comments.There are documents in Arabic, mainly letters to and from the Sheikh of Qatar. Some of the documents in the volume are marked as confidential.1 volume (361 folios)The documents in the volume are mostly arranged in chronological order. There are notes at the end of the volume, (folios 331-345). The file notes are arranged chronologically and refer to documents within the file; they give a brief description of the correspondence with reference numbers in red crayon, which refer back to that correspondence in the volume.The foliation is written in pencil, circled, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.The numbering commences at the first folio with 1, 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D; then 2-47; 48 and 48A; 49-97; 98, 98A, 98B and 98C; 99-283; 284 and 284A; 285-308; 309 and 309A; 310-313; 314 and 314A; 315-337; 338 and 338A and terminates with 349, which is the last number given to the final folio of the volume.
This file contains correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire; the Political Agents at Kuwait and Muscat; Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Jāsim Āl Thānī, ruler of Qatar; Secretary of State for India, London; M J Clauson and J P Gibson of the India Office, London; and the Foreign Department, Government of India.The correspondence concerns efforts to regulate the legal situation and define British juridiction in Qatar by issuing an Order in Council under the Foreign Jurisdication Act. Included within these papers are initial correspondence with Shaikh ‘Abdullāh (ff. 2-3); comparisons with other localities in the Persian Gulf, for example Kuwait and Bahrain (ff. 19-25, 46-47, 52-53); correspondence concerning the drafting of the Qatar Order in Council between 1936 and 1939 (ff. 60-146); a copy of the final version of the Qatar Order in Council (ff. 159-174), as well as two certified copies (ff. 178-194); various errors in the text and corrections (ff. 176-176A, 199-204); and its publication in the
Gazette of Indiaand exhibition in Qatar (ff. 195-208).1 file (239 folios)This file is arranged approximately in chronological order. Circled index numbers written in red crayon are also present throughout the volume.Foliation: The main foliation sequence commences at the title page and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A second foliation sequence is present between ff. 4-212; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence. Foliation errors: 1, 1A and 1B; 65, 65A and 65B; 66 and 66A; 69a and 69b; 73, 73A and 73B; 176 and 176A.
The volume contains correspondence received by the Political Resident at Bushire in regard to test drilling at Kuh-I-Mund [Kūh-e Mand, Bushire] by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC), and records anti-British feelings among the locals.1 volume (9 folios)The documents in the volume are arranged in chronological order. A note dated 10 June 1953 on the first folio says: 'Destroy.'The foliation sequence commences at the title page with 1, then 1A and 1B and terminates at 6; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and can be found in the top right corner in the recto side of each folio. This file is bound with IOR/R/15/1/637 in the same volume; each file has its own foliation sequence.
The volume contains correspondence between the Political Agent at Bahrain and the Political Resident at Bushire, the India Office in London, the Shaikh of Qatar, ‘Abdullāh bin Jāsim Āl Thānī, and the Foreign Office in regard to the southern borders of Qatar, the Qatar oil concession and the relations of the Shaikhdom with ‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd (Ibn Sa‘ūd), King of Saudi Arabia. There is also correspondence regarding an air reconnaissance of Qatar to be carried out via RAF flying boats, which took place on 9 May 1934, including reports of the reconnaissance (folios 147-154).Some of the documents in the volume are marked as secret or confidential.1 volume (207 folios)The documents in the volume are mostly arranged in chronological order. There are notes at the end of the volume, (folios 196-202). The file notes are arranged chronologically and refer to documents within the volume; they give brief description of the correspondence with reference numbers in red crayon, which refer back to that correspondence in the volume.The main foliation is written in pencil, circled, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto of each folio.The numbering begins on the title page, on number 1, and ends on the inside of the back cover, on number 207.There is another foliation sequence, incomplete.
Map showing the area of Bahrain that the crude oil pipe line was proposed to traverse. The pipeline runs from the west coast of Bahrain between Kuraiya [Al Qurayyah] and Jasra [Al Jasrah] to the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO)'s refinery on the west coast near Nuwaidrat [An Nuwaydirāt].The pipeline is marked by two parallel ink lines and coloured red. Its direction is marked using longitute and latitude co-ordinates and distances in feet. Additional longitute and latitude markers are included near the village of Buri [Būrī] to show where the route had been revised.A legend includes a dotted line showing gardens, a dashed line showing roads and a longer dashed line showing the boundary of BAPCO's concession area.1 Map Sheet.Foliation: A pencil number enclosed in a circle is located in the top right hand corner of the recto of the folio.Materials: Parchment sheetDimensions: 440mm x 1010mm
Map showing the area of Bahrain that the crude oil pipe line was proposed to traverse. The pipeline runs from the west coast of Bahrain between Kuraiya [Al Qurayyah] and Jasra [Al Jasrah] to the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO)'s refinery on the west coast near Nuwaidrat [An Nuwaydirāt]. The pipeline is marked by two parallel ink lines and its direction is marked using longitute and latitude co-ordinates and distances in feet.A legend includes a dotted line showing gardens, a dashed line showing roads and a longer dashed line showing the boundary of BAPCO's concession area.1 Map Sheet.Foliation: A pencil number enclosed in a circle is located in the top right hand corner of the recto of the folio.Materials: Parchment sheetDimensions: 250mm x 1010mm
The map shows Mesopotamia and the Turco-Persian frontier with the main rivers and cities. A red line indicates the principal pilgrim route from Hamadan, Persia, to Nejef.1 mapMaterials: Printed on paper.Dimensions: 330 x 200mm.
Copies of correspondence sent and letter received by the Political Agent at Kuwait (Captain Stuart George Knox):a letter from Knox describing his arrival in Kuwait, the Ruler of Kuwait’s [Shaikh Mubarak bin Ṣabāḥ Āl Ṣabāḥ] response to his arrival, accommodation and food offered by the Shaikh, and Knox’s plans to build a house for himself (ff 6-9);a reduction in allowance for Knox, imposed by the Government of India, and Knox’s objection to the reduction (ff 11-15);correspondence relating to the granting of privilege leave, and additional leave on medical grounds, to Knox (ff 16-19);correspondence concerning Knox’s early recall to Kuwait by the Foreign Office, before the completion of his leave entitlement, made in response to Shaikh Mubarak’s establishment of a post on Bubiyan [Jazīrat Būbiyān] (ff 20-27);further correspondence relating to pay and allowances for the Political Agent at Kuwait (ff 28-30).An office note at the front of the file (f 3) states that further papers leading up to the appointment of a Political Agent at Kuwait can be found in early correspondence in the Kuwait Political Agency files X/I (IOR/R/15/5/24) and XXII/I (IOR/R/15/5/59).1 file (31 folios)The file’s contents are arranged in approximate chronological order, from the earliest item at the front to the latest at the end.Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 33; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Additional foliation sequences are present in parallel between ff 2-32; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Correspondence and papers, including confidential notes, relating to staff at the Political Agency in Kuwait (including the News Agent, Assistant Surgeon, and Head Clerk). Many of the papers relate to the recruitment, departure, and transfer of staff between British offices in the Persian Gulf, and are indicative of a general opinion amongst British officers that reliable and able staff are in short supply in the region. Many papers also discuss the pay of staff, and assessments of staff performance, skills (typewriting, proficiency in English, Persian and Arabic) and general demeanour. The file’s principal correspondents are: the Political Agent at Kuwait (most notably, Captain Stuart George Knox and Captain William Henry Irvine Shakespear); the First Assistant Resident in the Persian Gulf (Captain L Birdwood).Much of the file’s correspondence relates to the sixteen-year career of Head Clerk Louis Michael D’Mello, and his movements between different British offices in the Gulf, including Kuwait, Mohammerah [Khorramshahr], and Bushire.1 file (215 folios)The file’s contents are arranged in approximate chronological order, from the earliest item at the front to the latest at the end. The first two sets of correspondence in the file (each relating to a single member of Agency staff) are preceded by a title sheet (f 3, f 12). A contents page at the front of the file (f 2) lists these two cases, giving the individual’s name and post held.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 217; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located at the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 1-216; these numbers are also written in pencil but are not circled.
Correspondence and papers relating to miscellaneous affairs in Saudi Arabia, as reported to or by the Political Agent at Kuwait:In 1937, the formation of the Nejdi Motor Car Company, a concession set up to convey pilgrims between Nejd, Hasa [al-Aḥsā’], and the Hejaz. Papers include a translation of an announcement of the formation of the new company, published in
Saut al Hejazon 15 Rabi’ al-awwal 1356 (corresponding to 25 May 1937) (ff 2-5).In November 1939, the distribution and use of the Saudi riyal (ff 7-9).In December 1939, the status of three islands in the Persian Gulf (Fasht al Jārim, Khor Fasht [Khawr Fasht], and Jazirat Chaschus [Kaskūs]), to which the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) had sent a technical party (ff 12-14).In December 1939, reports on water supplies for agriculture at Kharj (ff 16-21).affairs in Saudi Arabia during the Second World War, including food shortages and reportedly ineffective food controls (ff 29-41).A translation of Saudi Arabian Nationality Regulation No. 3, originally published by the Government of Saudi Arabia in
Umm al Quraon 24 Shawwāl 1357 (equivalent to 16 December 1938) (ff 43-46).1 file (45 folios)The file’s contents are arranged in approximate chronological order, from the earliest item at the front to the latest at the end.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 47; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 2-46; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Papers concerning relations between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and proposals in 1940 to fix the Saudi-Iraq border, including:The British Minister in Saudi Arabia Reader Bullard’s views, dated 27 April 1939, on Saudi Arabia’s status in the event of war, including any risks posed towards the country by Italy or Iraq (ff 3-4).A copy of an agreement defining the procedure to be followed by the Commission appointed to demarcate the frontier between Iraq and Arab-Saudiya [Saudi Arabia], dated 1940 (ff 10-12), and an explanatory note on certain articles in the draft Iraqi-Saudiya Frontier Demarcation Agreement (ff 13-14).1 file (18 folios)The file’s contents are arranged in approximate chronological order, from the earliest item at the front to the latest at the end.Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 20; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Copies of correspondence from the British Minister in Saudi Arabia (Stanley R Jordan) to the Foreign Office, dated 2 March 1944, and subsequently forwarded by the India Office to the Government of India, describing the Ruler of Saudi Arabia, Ibn Saud’s [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd] request that Britain send financial and military advisers to Saudi Arabia. In his correspondence Jordan describes Ibn Saud’s dissatisfaction with his country’s financial structure, and his stipulation that the adviser should be a Sunni Muslim, as most of the work would be based in Mecca.1 file (5 folios)The file’s contents are arranged in approximate chronological order, from the earliest item at the front to the latest at the end. The file notes at the end of the file (f 6) mirror the chronological arrangement.Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 7; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
The map shows the port of Basra and the location of various buildings including the British consulate, German Agency, Turkish naval hospital and quarantine ships in the Shatt al-Arab waterway.1 mapMaterials: Printed on paper.Dimensions: 330 x 200mm.
The map shows the Shatt-ul-Arab [Shatt al-Arab] waterway with the frontier line between Turkey and Persia show in red ink.1 mapMaterials: Printed on paper.Dimensions: 330 x 200mm.
Mémoires d'histoire et de géographie orientalesContains '
Mémoire sur les carmathes du Bahraïn et les fatimides'(pages 1-232)
.Edition: No.1 second edition.Author: Michael Jan de GoejePublisher: E J Brill, Leide, 18861 volume (499 pages)Dimensions: 200mm x 140mm
Distinctive Features:Relief shown by hachures and spot heights.Title continues: ‘Zu C. Ritter’s Erdkunde, Buch III, West-Asien, Theil XII. Bearbeitet von H. Kiepert, herausgegeben von C. Ritter. Berlin, 1852 Verlag von Dietrich Reimer’.Map of Hedjaz [Hejaz] province showing various routes including the Hajj pilgrimage, Carsten Niebuhr exploration journey, and J.G. Hulton and Charles J. Cruttenden expedition of 1836.In the bottom right-hand corner there is a table of reference listing Arabic geographic terms with German equivalents and abbreviations.Includes two insets:• plan of Mecca entitled ‘Mekka nach Burckhardt’ drawn to scale 1:30,000 with districts numbered and listed in a table of reference; • map of peninsula and the port of Aden entitled ‘Halbinsel und Hafen von Aden’ drawn to scale 1:200,000 with depths shown by contours.1 mapDimensions:491 x 349 mm, on sheet 584 x 476 mm
The volume comprises correspondence and notes from the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf to the Political Agent at Kuwait (Stuart George Knox) relating to the appointment of an Assistant Surgeon for the Political Agency, Kuwait.1 file (16 folios)The papers are arranged in rough chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 16; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 3-13; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
The volume comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, relating to the appointment of an Assistant Surgeon for the Political Agency, Kuwait.The discussion in the volume relates to appointments, salary levels, family remittances, and allowances. The volume also includes correspondence concerning medical supplies.The principal correspondents in the volume include: the Director General, Indian Medical Service; the Assistant Comptroller, India Treasuries; H M Vice Consul at Lingah; the Political Agent, Basrah; and the Assistant Secretary to the Government of India.1 volume (297 folios)The papers are arranged in rough chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 297; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 1-296; these numbers are also written in pencil but, where circled, are crossed through.
The volume primarily consists of correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard Craven Fowle, Percy Gordon Loch); Political Agent at Bahrain (Tom Hickinbotham); the Residency Agent at Sharjah (Khan Sahib Abd ‘al-Razzaq) the India Office (John Charles Walton, Maurice Clauson) and Petroleum Concessions Limited (Frank Holmes, Basil Henry Lermitte, Stephen Hemsley Longrigg, Frederick Lewisohn); the main subject of discussion is the negotiations between the Shaikh Sultan bin Saqar [Sulṭān bin Saqr Āl Qasimī], Ruler of Sharjah and Major Frank Holmes, negotiator for Petroleum Concessions Limited.The correspondence discusses the negotiations for a commercial concession in Sharjah, which are concluded in the beginning of July 1937 with the Shaikh agreeing to sign the concession; and his subsequent concern over the Political Agreement and Exchange of Notes relating to the concession agreement.Also discussed in connection with concession agreements is a letter drafted by the India Office which contained an ultimatum to be used should any Shaikh appear to be holding out in negotiations with Petroleum Concessions Limited (PCL) with the intention of opening negotiations instead with the Standard Oil Company of California. The ultimatum stated that should the Shaikh in question not wish to give his concession to PCL, he would not be permitted to negotiate with or grant a concession to, any other company. The ultimatum was issued to the Shaikh’s of Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah and Umm al Qaiwain.Further correspondence relates to PCL’s interest in exploring the territory west of the Oman mountain range and the subsequent discussion regarding which rulers claimed responsibility over the territory, whether they had actual authority there or whether it was in the hands of local shaikhs, and how PCL should approach exploring there in those circumstances.The correspondence includes a detailed assessment by the Political Agent at Bahrain, Tom Hickinbotham, of the areas in question and outlines what he knows of the areas of the tribes that claimed ownership including the Beni Kitab [Beni Qitab] (also given as Beni Chittab); Naim [Āl Na‘īm], Bu Shamis [Āl Bū Shāmis] and Duroor [Al-Durur] as well as outlining where he believed the Shaikh of Abu Dhabi and Sultan of Muscat’s areas of authority to be. The correspondence concludes by recommending that the Company be persuaded to delay their explorations into this territory until the following year in order to permit the Political Agent and Residency Agent to spend the winter visiting and exploring these areas in order to ascertain a more accurate knowledge of the situation.Other matters discussed in the volume include:an invitation from the Shaikh of Abu Dhabi to Petroleum Concessions Limited to open concession negotiations with him and the company’s wish for Khan Sahib Yusuf Kanoo to accompany their negotiator (Basil Henry Lermitte) to Abu Dhabi;copy of the Debai [Dubai] Commercial agreement (folios 53-70) signed by Major Frank Holmes (PCL), Tom Hickinbotham (Political Agent at Bahrain) and Shaikh Saʻīd bin Maktūm Āl Maktūm (Shaikh of Dubai).the Political Agreement for the Trucial states which both the India Office and Petroleum Concessions Limited wished to amend, and subsequent negotiations to achieve this. A copy of the redrafted agreement can be found at folios 103-109.a visit by Frank Holmes to the Shaikh of Ras al Khaimah (Shaikh Sulṭān bin Sālim Āl Qasimī) for the purpose of opening concession negotiations, which was unsuccessful, and concerns that the Shaikh would attempt to negotiate with the Standard Oil Company despite being informed by the British Government that such negotiations would not be permitted.Petroleum Concessions Limited’s intention to employ Haji ‘Abdullah Williamson to work for them in the Persian Gulf as his employment with the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company had ended and their concern that they would not be able to do so owing to the circular issued by the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf preventing Williamson from visiting the Arab Coast. Also included is discussion of the decision by the India Office and Political Resident in the Persian Gulf to make the company aware of the evidence they had in support of Williamson’s actions on the Trucial Coast in which he was seen to be working against the interest of his employers (PCL) and of the Shaikh of Dubai.Correspondence with the Trucial Coast Shaikhs is in English and Arabic; letters from the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company contain Persian and English letterheads.A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 191-196.1 volume (198 folios)The volume contains a table of contents on folio 4 consisting of subject headings and page references. The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: The main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover, and terminates at the inside back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 5-190; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Voyage en Arabie & en d’autres Pays circonvoisins, volume one, authored by Carsten Niebuhr, with contributions from Peter Forsskål. Translated from German into French by Ferdinand Louis Mourier.Publication details: Printed in Amsterdam by S J Baalde, and in Utrecht by J van Schoonhoven and Company, 1776.Physical description: one of two volumes, Quarto, with numerous folded maps and plans.1 volume (409 pages)This volume contains a table of contents giving chapter headings and page references. There is also a list of illustrations and plans, giving titles and page references.Dimensions: 285mm x 240mm.
Voyage en Arabie & en d’autres Pays circonvoisins, volume two, authored by Carsten Niebuhr, with contributions from Peter Forsskål. Translated from German into French by Ferdinand Louis Mourier.Publication details: Printed in Amsterdam by S J Baalde, and in Utrecht by Barthelemy Wild, 1780.Physical description: the second of two volumes, Quarto, with numerous folded maps and plans.1 volume (389 pages)This volume contains a table of contents giving chapter headings and page references. There is also a list of illustrations and plans, giving titles and page references.Dimensions: 285mm x 240mm.
The file contains two copies of a letter by Ralph Ponsonby Watts, the Political Agent, Muscat to Sayyid Shihab bin Faysal Al Bu Sa‘idi, representative of the Sultan of Muscat and Oman regarding the impounding of British subjects’ passports by the Muscat State officials.1 file (6 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 8, these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
The file contains correspondence related to the Iranian Government’s order known as the Tehran order, on treating people arriving at Persian ports from Bahrain, Muscat, Dubai and Oman as Persian subjects. The file also includes petitions raised by Muscat subjects whose passports were seized by the Iranian Customs.The main correspondents in the file are the British Residency and Consulate General, Bushire; the Secretary of State for India, London; His Majesty’s Minister, Tehran; the Political Agency, Muscat and the Government of Muscat and Oman.1 file (54 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 56; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 3-54; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
The volume comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, relating to the status of Kuwait and the negotiations between Britain and Turkey which led to a treaty in 1913.The discussion in the volume relates to the:the proposed settlement of Kuwait question with Turkish Government;the draft Anglo-Turkish Convention;the report of Shaikh Mubarak's control over tribes, and on frontiers of Kuwait;negotiations on the draft Convention.Included in the volume is a copy of the Anglo-Turkish Agreement and the collection of documents signed on 29 July,1912.The principal correspondents in the volume include the following: the Viceroy; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Percy Zachariah Cox; the Assistant Resident, Percy Gordon Loch; the Ambassador to Constantinople, Sir Gerard Lowther.1 volume (221 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 223; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located at the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Additional foliation sequences are present in parallel between ff 4-222; these numbers are also written in pencil, but, where circled, are crossed through.
The volume comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, relating to the demarcation of the boundary between Koweit [Kuwait] and Qatif region [Al-Qaṭīf] in the period 1905-1914. Places discussed include: Ras Mishab [Mishʻāb, Ra's al-], Musallamiya [Musallamiya Island], Odeid, Wahran, Hafar [Hafar Al Batin], and Umm Kasr [Umm Qaṣr].The discussion in the volume relates to the places which could demarcate the boundary and the allegiance and authority which the Ruler of Kuwait held in these places. Also included (folio 33) in the volume is a copy of the 'Draft Agreement Between the British Government and Shaikh Abdullah bin Thani, Shaikh of Qatar.'The principal correspondents in the volume include: the Political Agent at Kuwait, Stuart George Knox; the Political Agent at Bahrain, Francis Beville Prideaux; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Percy Zachariah Cox; the Secretary of India in the Foreign Department, Simla, Sir Hugh McMahon.1 volume (36 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 38; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Additional foliation sequences are present in parallel between ff 3-8 and ff 2-37; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
The volume comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes relating to ownership of Bubiyan Island [Jazīrat Būbiyān] and Warba Island [Jazīrat Warbah]. The discussion in the volume relates to:a military post on Bubiyan Island;proposal to include right of pre-emption of Warba in 1907 Agreement;evidence of Kuwaiti ownership of Warba and Bubiyan. The evidence was acquired by conducting a survey (ff 26-45) with various questions.Principal correspondents include: the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Percy Zachariah Cox; the Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department; First Assistant Resident, Bushire; the Secretary of State for India; the Viceroy, Simla; the Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department.1 volume (44 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 46; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 16-28; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. A previous foliation sequence, which is present between ff 4-436 and is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.Pagination: the volume also contains a hand written pagination sequence.
The volume comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, notes, and press cuttings relating to the construction of the Baghdad railway. Topics discussed include:the visit of engineers to survey German alignment;Baghdad Railway (1911) Command Paper 5635 (ff 10-48);the draft Anglo-Turkish Convention on railways in Asia Minor, 1911.The principal correspondents in the volume are: the Political Agent at Kuwait, Stuart George Knox; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Percy Zachariah Cox; the First Assistant Resident to the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, J H Bill; the Civil Commissioner, Baghdad.1 volume (97 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 99; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 4-98; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
The volume comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, relating to:the visit of Wonckhaus and an application for permission to open a branch in Kuwait;approaches from Wonckhaus about the Baghdad Railway.The principal correspondents in the volume include the following: Political Agent at Kuwait, William Henry Irvine Shakespear; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Percy Zachariah Cox; and First Assistant Resident, R L Birdwood.1 volume (20 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 22; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located at the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Two additional foliation sequences are present in parallel between ff 1-21; these numbers are also written in pencil, but, where circled, are crossed through.
The discussion in the volume relates to the migration of the Al Bu Ainain (a tribe of '1000 males') from Wakrah, Qatar, to 'Qasr as-Sabaih', a settlement 30 miles north of Katif [Al-Qaṭīf]. The correspondence contains the discussion between British officials as to whether Qasr as-Sabaih lay in territory of the Ruler of Kuwait or was under Turkish jurisdiction. It also discusses how the 'headman of the Al Bu Ainain', Abdullah bin Ali, approached a number of authorities to seek their assistance, including the Ruler of Bahrain, the Wali of Basrah, and the Turkish authorities in Al Hasa.Further discussion in the volume concerns the flying of the Turkish flag over the fort at Qasr as-Sabaih and the relationship of the Al Bu Ainain with the Turkish authorities. The file finishes with a note (folio 90) that the Al Bu Ainain had come to a private arrangement with the Ruler of Kuwait whereby in return for the payment of a yearly allowance, the Ruler would not encourage Bedouin raiding against the tribe.Included in the volume is a statement (folio 36) of 'Distribution of Garrisons in Hasa, Qatif and Qatar' giving numbers of Turkish troops and supplies at each location. The volume also includes some extracts (folios 65-75) from
'Bahrain News'and
'Kuwait News'.Correspondence (folios 77-89) also discusses a possible migration of Sheikh Nasir bin Shahin al-Tuwar of Fuwairat from Qatar to Qasr as-Sabaih.The principal correspondents in the volume include: the First Assistant Resident, Bushire (A P Trevor); the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Percy Zachariah Cox; the Political Agent, Kuwait (William Henry Irvine Shakespear); the Political Agent, Bahrain (C F Mackenzie and David Lockhart Robertson Lorimer); and the Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department (S H Butler).1 volume (91 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 91; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 3-90; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
The volume comprises correspondence, letters, notes and printed reports relating to translated articles from various Arabic language media. The articles are written from an anti-British view point and relate to the topic of British strategy concerning Kuwait and Mohammerah and the perceived intention to diminish the Ottoman Sultan's influence.The papers in the file are divided into 7 parts:extract from
Al Ahram, Cairo, 16 September 1904. This concerns an article entitled 'Arabia: From our special correspondent in Muscat' which gave comments on English policy towards Kuwait and Iraq. British officials indicate that they believe this was written by a Frenchman residing in Muscat, Monsieur Goguyer.anti-British Arabic leaflet,
Fath-el-Basayer.Section 2. Translations of articles in the
Habl-ul-Matin, April and May 1906.Section 3. Pan-Islamic propaganda. Including a circular memorandum from the Office of the Director of Criminal Intelligence.Section 4. Extract from "
Busrah Gazette", 23 August 1906 on Shaikh Mubarak's contribution to the Hedjaz Railway.Section 5. Extract from
Lewa, Cairo, 25 June 1908, 'The Mesopotamia Problem' looking at the Kuwait and Mohammerah intrigue and the British response.The principal correspondents in the volume are: the Political Agent at Kuwait, Stuart George Knox; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Percy Zachariah Cox; First Assistant Resident to the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, J H Bill; Office of the Director of Criminal Intelligence; Foreign Office, Simla; John Gordon Lorimer.1 volume (35 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 35; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Two additional foliation sequences are also present in parallel between ff 2-31, and ff 2-34; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Genre/Subject Matter:View of a steamship, ‘British Sailor’, moored alongside a quay at Mina [Mina Salman Port], Bahrain.Inscriptions:Below image, in pen: 'British Sailor at Mina'Below image, in pencil: ‘506’1 b&w silver gelatin printDimensions:54 x 78 mmCondition:The image is in good condition.Foliation:‘506’Process:Silver gelatin print
Genre/Subject Matter:View from the stern of a steamship, ‘British Sailor’, at sail.Inscriptions:Below image, in pen: 'British Sailor'Below image, in pencil: ‘507’1 b&w silver gelatin printDimensions:54 x 78 mmCondition:The image is in good condition.Foliation:‘507’Process:Silver gelatin print
Genre/Subject MatterThis view of Bushire (Bushehr), from an elevated position looking south, is taken from the roof of the offices of Gray, Paul and Co. (sister firm to Gray, MacKenzie and Company), a company that acted as shipping agent for British India steamers between India and Europe, via the Gulf ports.A number of buildings are seen in the photograph, though relative degradation of the image obscures much of the background and horizon area. A building under construction extends from the lower left of the image to the centre. Immediately behind this, the terrace of a flat-roofed building is fenced off. Next to the building under construction, and immediately below the centre of the image, bricks can be seen stacked high against the wall of an adjacent building.In the far right of the image, towards the horizon, a domed roof can clearly be seen amongst the flat-roofed buildings. Although the dome is windowless, a smaller dome with openings to allow light to filter through sits atop it. This is possibly a bath house.InscriptionsLower right, in pencil, alongside image: ‘83’Below image: ‘The Town looking South from Gray. Paul's Office. 23. Feb. 1902’1 photographic printDimensions:109 x 155 mm [landscape]Format:Materials:Condition:The image is considerably faded throughout, with surface losses along the upper edge.Foliation:'83'Process:
Distinctive Features:Space in the first line of title left blank.Includes ground plan and ‘PLAN OF TERRE PLEIN’ of Ras-Morbat Fort with corresponding longitudinal sections and elevations. Lettered for reference with a key in the bottom right-hand corner. Measurements reported.Inscriptions:On recto, bottom left-hand corner: ‘Isthmus Office July 15th 1846 Drawn by F. Welsh’.‘Copied in the Chief Engrs. Office Bombay 26th September 1846’.On recto, bottom center: ‘/Signed/ J. Kilner Captain Executive Engineer Aden’.On verso, bottom left-hand corner with bleed-through into the recto:‘In Bombay Secret Lre. No. 113 of 1846 Recd. via Southampton 10th Novr. 1846 Aden Fortifications’.1 sheetMaterials:Pen and ink with wash on tracing paperDimensions:695 x 1022 mm
This file contains a letter from Brigadier-General Charles Henry Uvedale Price, the Political Resident at Aden, in which he forwards a report of a visit to the Idrisi Saiyid Muhammad ibn Ali Muhammad ibn Ahmad at Jezan by Lieutenant-Colonel Harold Fenton Jacob.The report, dated 17 January 1916, covers the various topics which were discussed by Jacob and the Idrisi during their meeting, including:Southern Red Sea patrol policy;trade with Jeddah;Idrisi and foreign trade;kerosine oil;port clearances to Idrisi dhows;supplies to Turks;firing on HMS Lanka's boats;Idrisi's animus against Turks;Idrisi military movements;Turkish deserters;Idrisi's political movements;Hashid Wa Bakil;Imam Yahya;Sherif of Mecca;Senussi;Saiyad Mestafa;Idrisi's person;sheiks [shaikhs];honours to Idrisi.The report includes the 'Policy for His Majesty's Ships in the Southern Red Sea Patrol', dated 27 Jan 1916.1 file (4 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 36, and terminates at f 39, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
This file contains a letter by Brigadier-General Charles Henry Uvedale Price in which he forwards a report on a visit to the Idrissi [Idrisi] Saiyid by Major Charles Richard Bradshaw, General Staff, Aden, to the Secretary to Government, Political Department, Bombay. The documents discuss the campaign in South Arabia during the First World War which involved fighting between the Arab-Turk army and the Idrissi and his forces and largely centred around the port city of Aden. The correspondence details the need for the British to supply the Idrissi with suitable ammunition if he is to have any chance of defeating the invading Turkish army.1 file (3 folios)The file consists of a single document.Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 33, and terminates at f 35, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
This note on the effects of the Arab rising on Aden and its hinterland, with special reference to the possible action of the Turks, was forwarded from the General Officer Commanding and Political Resident in Aden, William C Walton, to the Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department. It discusses the arrangement of an uprising of Arabs against the Turks by the Sherif of Mecca [Ḥusayn bin ‘Alī al-Hāshimī], and outlines the possible effects that a rising could have on the British position in Aden and its Hinterland.1 file (2 folios)This file consists of a single document.Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 49, and terminates at f 50, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Genre/Subject MatterGeneral view from the outskirts of the town (likely present-day Mutrah) to the harbour and promontory fort, from an elevated position, looking north-northeast. The area of the town and coastline visible in the distant middleground is the part of the town featured in the previous image (Photo 430/8/1). A ship can be seen emerging from behind the promontory right of centre on the horizon near Fort Al-Mirani.While those distant buildings are clearly several-storeyed white-washed buildings, the dwellings in the fore- and middleground are, for the most part, tents and other temporary structures. Overlooking these, on the western ridge a fortified tower can be seen in the far left of the image.A group of figures stands under a single tree in the foreground.InscriptionsUpper right, in pen, on image: ‘p. 3’; alongside image, in pencil: ‘b’Lower right, in pencil, alongside image: ‘2’Below image: 'The Town looking North. 31 Oct. 1900'1 photographic printDimensions:75 x 104 mm [landscape]Format:Materials:Condition:The image is faded throughout with surface losses in the upper left corner. White smeared spot staining in the right hand side of the image and in the lower right-hand corner originate in the printing phase.Foliation:'p 3'; 'b'; '2'Process:
Genre/Subject MatterGeneral view over the town out towards the harbour, from the south-west, looking north-east. Several-storeyed white-washed buildings can be seen in the fore- and middleground. To the far left, two apparently fortified towers can be seen on the foothills of the ridge at left; this is likely to be Fort Al-Mirani.In the bay, two large ships and two smaller boats, possibly dhows, can be seen.InscriptionsUpper right, in pen, on image: ‘p. 1’; alongside image, in pencil: ‘a’Lower right, in pencil, alongside image: ‘1’Below image: 'Town and Bay. 31rst Oct. 1900'1 photographic printDimensions:77 x 100 mm [landscape]Format:Materials:Condition:The image is considerably faded. There are surface losses in the left-hand lower corner and there is surface staining and residue throughout.Considerable fading.Foliation:‘p. 1’; ‘a’; ‘1’Process:
Genre/Subject MatterThis view of the Al-Jalali Fort at the south-eastern end of the Bay of Muscat was likely photographed from the roof of the British Consulate, situated along the shoreline adjacent to it (see also Photo 430/8/3).InscriptionsUpper right, in pen, on image: 'p. 8'; alongside image, in pencil: ‘b’Lower right, in pencil, alongside image: ‘4’Below image: ‘Old Portuguese Fort (1550). 31. Oct. 1900’1 photographic printDimensions:77 x 100 mm [landscape]Format:Materials:Condition:The image is considerably faded throughout. Large white spot staining in the upper left of the image probably originate in the printing phase.Foliation:'p. 8'; 'b'; '4'Process:
Genre/Subject MatterView from the shoreline of the British Consulate at Muscat, looking due west.The consulate is a pale-stoned, two or three-storeyed building built along the quays. Two gas lamps can be seen along the quay in front of the building and a single mashrabiyya (a form of enclosed balcony) breaks up the centre of the facade.Above the consulate a flagpole carries a flag. Figures can be seen sitting on the quay to the far left of the image. Several small boats are tied up along the shoreline.InscriptionsUpper right, in pen, on image: [illegible]; alongside image, in pencil: ‘a’Lower right, in pencil, alongside image: ‘3’Below image: ‘British Consulate. 31. Oct. 1900’1 photographic printDimensions:77 x 102 mm [landscape]Format:Materials:Condition:The image is considerably faded throughout with surface losses along the right-hand edge, lower left corner and 13 mm from left, 40 mm from lower edge. White smeared spot staining in the left-hand side of the image originate in the printing phase.Foliation:'c'; '3'Process:
Genre/Subject MatterThis scene, taken from an elevated position looking southwards towards a bay, shows the village of Sidāb, approximately 3 km south of the Bay of Muscat.A well-trodden path or dried-up stream can be seen leading through the dwellings, the majority of which appear to be tents, in the direction of the shoreline. A few trees and bushes are discernible.InscriptionsUpper right, in pen, alongside image, in pencil: ‘d’Lower right, in pencil, alongside image: ‘6’Below image: ‘Sidap. Village. 31. Oct 1900’Along the left-hand side of the image, white, vertical: [illegible]1 photographic printDimensions:76 x 103 mm [landscape]Format:Materials:Condition:The image is considerably faded in the right of the image.Foliation:'d'; '6'Process:
Genre/Subject MatterThis view of the bay of Muscat from an elevated position in the east was likely photographed from Al-Jalali Fort. It shows the Al-Mirani fort at centre, along with the Sultan's Palace and a variety of other buildings lining the shore in the left middleground.Many small craft are visible in the middleground and foreground, while two boats are at anchor further out in the bay at the right of the image.InscriptionsUpper right, in pen, alongside image, in pencil: ‘c’Lower right, in pencil, alongside image: ‘5’Below image: ‘Sultan's Palace. 31. Oct 1900’1 photographic printDimensions:72 x 100 mm [landscape]Format:Materials:Condition:The image is faded at the left. There are some minor surface losses in the lower half of the image.Foliation:'c'; '5'Process:
The file contains a request for clarification from the British Agent, Gwadur [Gwadar] on when it was permissible to fly the flag at the British Agency (answer: when the Political Agent, or the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf landed there), 1945-46; and correspondence between the Political Agent, Muscat, and the Persian Gulf Residency, Bahrain, concerning the provision of a union flag with Tudor Crown in the centre (mandatory for Political Agencies and Sub-Agencies from 15 August 1947), 1947.1 file (10 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file. Circled serial numbers (red for incoming, blue for outgoing correspondence) refer to entries in the notes (folios 9-11).Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 12; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 2-8; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
This file contains several types of documentation with information on the condition of the country, arrivals and departures of ships, movement of British representatives, missionary enterprises, aviation etc. However, the bulk of the file consists of weekly reports containing the main political news of the day filed by the Political Agent in Muscat to the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf. The reports are organised as a series of bullet points representing the events of each day of the week. Of note are a series of regular standardised forms titled 'Statement of Arms and Ammunition landed at Muscat'.1 file (269 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 271; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A previous foliation sequence between ff 14-204 and between ff 236-270, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
This file contains several types of documentation with information on general conditions in Oman, arrivals and departures of ships, movement of British representatives, missionary enterprises, and aviation. However, the bulk of the file consists of weekly reports containing the main political news of the day filed by the Political Agent in Muscat to the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf. The reports are organised as a series of bullet points that summarize the events of each day of the week.1 file (111 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 113; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
This file contains the weekly political diaries of the Political Agent in Muscat filed over the course of one year. The content of the entries vary, but include the condition of the country, arrivals and departures of ships, movement of British representatives, smuggling, missionary enterprises, aviation, and the arms trade. Diary entries tend to relate to matters of legal infringement, crime or potential for crime, or political intrigue in Oman.1 file (170 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 172; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
This file contains weekly entries by the Political Agent in Muscat on the general condition of Oman; arrivals and departures of ships; movement of British representatives; missionary enterprises; and aviation. The most significant parts of the file are entries relating to political events in Oman, and relations with prominent sheikhs and regional rulers as well as the Sultan of Muscat and Oman.1 file (137 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 139; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
The file contains one letter sent by the Political Resident at Bushire to the Deputy Secretary to the Government of India regarding the future of the Kuria Muria Islands, Oman.1 file (1 folio)The papers are arranged in chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 3, these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
The file contains letters sent by merchants, banks and companies to the Bahrain Political Agency asking the Agency to grant them export licences for the shipment of currency notes from one place to another, from one bank to another, or from one company to a bank. The main correspondents are the Arabian American Oil Company, the Eastern Bank Limited and the Imperial Bank of Iran.1 file (64 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file. Folios 57- 65 are file notes.Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 66; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
The file contains statements issued by The National Bank of India showing debits and credits to the Dubai Hospital Building Fund (held by the Political Agent, Bahrain) for the period September 1944 to June 1946 inclusive.1 file (20 folios)The papers are arranged in chronological order from the front to the back of the file.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 22; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
The file contains correspondence in the form of petitions, reports and statements, related to police cases in Bahrain. Cases of note include the renewal of driving licences, and the distribution of ice by the Baladyia (Municipality).The main correspondence is between the Bahrain Political Agency, and the Adviser to the Bahrain Government (Charles Dalrymple Belgrave).1 file (34 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 36; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 2-35; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Unnumbered file: the file is numbered 5308, but clearly belongs in this series.The file concerns a request from the India Office for revisions to the
Second List of Names in Arabia (N.E. and S.E.), by the Permanent Committee on Geographical Names for British Official Use (Royal Geographical Society, December 1935). The correspondence, dated 1936-37, includes a memorandum of corrections in accordance with local custom prepared by Major Ralph Ponsonby Watts, Political Agent and HBM's Consul, Muscat, and copies of the list dated 1935 and (corrected) 1937.The papers also include transcripts of three articles from the Arab press dated 1939 concerning German military aims in the Middle East, and related topics.The Arabic language content of the file consists of lists of place names (with transliterations into English) and press agency letterheads.1 file (26 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 28; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 2-5 and between ff 14-27; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
The file contains nine letters between the Manager, The Eastern Bank Limited, and the Political Agent, Bahrain concerning the Political Agency's fixed deposit accounts (covering renewal, receipts, and interest).The date range gives the covering dates of the correspondence; the last dated addition to the file is an entry in the notes on folio 12v dated 26 June 1950.1 file (10 folios)The correspondence is arranged in chronological order from the front to the back of the file, and terminates in a set of notes on folio 11. Circled serial numbers in ink, which occur throughout the file (red for incoming, blue for outgoing correspondence), refer to entries in the notes.Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 12; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Distinctive Features:Relief shown by hachures.Title continues: ‘Zu C. Ritter’s Erdkunde, Buch III, West-Asien, Theil XII, XIII; bearbeitet von H. Kiepert, herausgegeben von C. Ritter. Berlin, 1852 Verlag von D. Reimer’.General map of Arabian Peninsula based on Carl Ritter’s ‘Die Erdkunde im Verhältnis zur Natur und zur Geschichte des Menschen’ [Geography in relationship to nature and to the history of humanity] showing various routes across the region including the Hajj pilgrimage, Captain George Forster Sadlier’s expedition of 1819 and George August Wallin‘s journey of 1848. Provinces and regions labelled with boundary coloured for reference.Includes inset map entitled ‘Oman’ showing Maskat [Muscat] with routes traversed by Pierre-Martin-Rémi Aucher-Eloy and James Raymond Wellsted marked. In the bottom right-hand corner there is a table of reference listing Arabic geographic terms with German equivalents and abbreviations.1 mapDimensions:353 x 475 mm, on sheet 742 x 580 mm
Distinctive Features:Relief shown by hachures.Title continues: ‘Zu C. Ritter’s Erdkunde, Buch III, West-Asien, Theil VIII, IX. Bearbeitet von H. Kiepert, herausgegeben von C. Ritter. Berlin, 1852 Verlag von D. Reimer’.Map of Iran showing territorial extent of the Ottoman, the Russian and the British sphere of influence in the region with borders outlined in colour and explained in a key in the bottom left-hand corner below title. Also shows the boundaries between provinces and various routes across the region.1 mapDimensions:462 x 490 mm, on sheet 478 x 584 mm
Aerial photograph of a ruined settlement at Ambak [Nibāk], situated in a desert landscape on the frontier between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The photograph was taken during a Royal Air Force reconnaissance flight on 14 October 1935. On the rear of the photograph is a red date stamp, marked ‘for official use only’, ‘Royal Air Force official, Crown Copyright Reserved’, and dated 16 October 1935.1 black and white photographDimensions:183 x 183 mm.
This printed memorandum by Sir Leonard Day Wakely (signed L D W), Political Department, India Office, dated 3 February 1921, provides an overview of antiquities in Mesopotamia [Iraq].The memorandum detail:the Ottoman administration of archaeology;German archaeological expeditions during the First World War;the declaration of a proclamation by the General Officer Commanding, dated 22 May 1917, declaring all antiquities are property of the Administration and questions;a request from the British Museum in November 1917 to the War Office to attach an archaeologist to the army in Mesopotamia, with Dr Henry Reginald Holland Hall dispatched in November 1918;preservation of certain important monuments, such as the ruins of Ctesiphon;Dr Hall and Reginald Campbell Thompson undertaking their own excavations and shipping the resulting collections to the British Museum, and a resulting ban on removing archaeological artefacts from Mesopotamia on 23 May 1919;general questions arising from this concerning requests for expeditions from the University of Philadelphia, Professor Stephen Herbert Langdon of the University of Oxford, and Professor James Henry Breasted of the University of Chicago;the question of establishing an Archaeological Department and Professor Albert Tobias Clay's suggestion of establishing a School of Archaeological Research in 1920;the Archaeological Joint Committee formed in 1918 and chaired by Sir Frederic George Kenyon; and the disposal of Samarra [Sāmarrā’];and other German collections stored in Mesopotamia and antiquities (the Lisbon Collection) seized by Portuguese authorities during the War.1 file (2 folios)Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover, and terminates at the inside back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
A map of the Eastern Persian Gulf that was compiled by Commander C G Constable and Lieutenant A W Stiffe in 1860. Corrections made by Commander F H Walter, HMS
Odinand Lieutenant H T Bowen, HMS
Alertin 1910. This version was printed by the Admiralty in 1929. Engraved by J & C Walker.The map has major settlements and relief marked, with water depth shown by soundings. An area of a proposed Royal Navy survey is marked in pink on the map.The map has detailed inserts showing the shore lines of Charak, Kais, Ras al-Khaimah, Hor [Khor] Fakkan, Abu Dhabi and Chiru.1 mapMaterials: Printed on paperDimensions: 1,100mm x 820mm
A map of the Eastern Persian Gulf that was compiled by Commander C G Constable and Lieutenant Arthur William Stiffe in 1860. Corrections made by Commander Frederic H Walter, HMS Odin and Lieutenant H T Bowen, HMS Alert in 1910. This version was printed by the Admiralty in 1934. Engraved by J & C Walker.The maps has major settlements and relief marked, with water depth shown by soundings. An area of a proposed Royal Navy survey is marked in pink on the map.The map has detailed inserts showing the shore lines of Charak, Kais, Ras al-Khaimah, Hor [Khor] Fakkan, Abu Dhabi and Chiru.1 mapMaterials: Printed on paperDimensions: 1,100mm x 820mm
The Portugues Asia: or, The history of the discovery and conquest of India by the Portugues; containing all their discoveries from the coast of Africk, to the farthest parts of China and Japan; all their battels by sea and land, sieges and other memorable actions; a description of those countries, and many particulars of the religion, government and customs of the natives, &c. In three tomes. Written in Spanish by Manuel de Faria y Sousa, of the Order of Christ. Translated into English by Cap. John Stevens. Tome the First.Publication Details: London, Printed for C. Brome, at the Sign the Gun, at the West-End of St. Pauls, 1694.Physical Description: Octavo.1 volume (448 pages)This volume contains a table of contents giving chapter headings and page references. Each chapter heading is followed by a detailed breakdown of the contents of that chapter.Dimensions: 185mm x 105mm
The Portugues Asia: or, The history of the discovery and conquest of India by the Portugues; containing all their discoveries from the coast of Africk, to the farthest parts of China and Japan; all their battels by sea and land, sieges and other memorable actions; a description of those countries, and many particulars of the religion, government and customs of the natives, &c. In three tomes. Written in Spanish by Manuel de Faria y Sousa, of the Order of Christ. Translated into English by Cap. John Stevens. Tome the Third.Publication Details: London, Printed for C. Brome, at the Sign the Gun, at the West-End of St. Pauls, 1694.Physical Description: Octavo.1 volume (440 pages)This volume contains a table of contents giving chapter headings and page references. Each chapter heading is followed by a detailed breakdown of the contents of that chapter.Dimensions: 185mm x 105mm
The Portugues Asia: or, The history of the discovery and conquest of India by the Portugues; containing all their discoveries from the coast of Africk, to the farthest parts of China and Japan; all their battels by sea and land, sieges and other memorable actions; a description of those countries, and many particulars of the religion, government and customs of the natives, &c. In three tomes. Written in Spanish by Manuel de Faria y Sousa, of the Order of Christ. Translated into English by Cap. John Stevens. Tome the Second.Publication Details: London, Printed for C. Brome, at the Sign the Gun, at the West-End of St. Pauls, 1694.Physical Description: Octavo.1 volume (526 pages)This volume contains a table of contents giving chapter headings and page references. Each chapter heading is followed by a detailed breakdown of the contents of that chapter.Dimensions: 185mm x 105mm
The file consists primarily of summaries of letters, memoranda, and reports dated between 1 and 30 November 1919; the subject matter concerns Bolshevik and Pan-Islamic movements in Central Asia, Persia, and Afghanistan.The following titles are abbreviated in the file as indicated: Chief of the [Imperial] General Staff (CGS); Foreign Secretary (FS) — most likely — to the Government of India; and Viceroy of India (V).1 file (8 folios)The file is arranged into a number of sections, and a table of contents can be found on folio 1.Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 326 and terminates at f 333, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Central Asia. Part V. A contribution towards the better knowledge of the History, Ethnography, Topography, and resources of part of Asiatic Turkey and Caucasia.The book is written by Charles Metcalfe MacGregor.Publication Details: Calcutta: Foreign Department Press. 1872.1 volume (342 pages)The contents in the volume are arranged in chronological order.Dimensions: 250 mm x 155 mm.Pagination: 1-342.
This file contains summaries of reports, letters and memoranda concerning Bolshevik and Pan-Islamic movements in Central Asia, Persia and Afghanistan. The file is divided into a series of sections, each of which contains summaries of reports, letters and memoranda. Prominent correspondents include the Chief of the General Staff (officially known as the Chief of the Imperial General Staff during this period but referred to here as 'CGS'), the Directorate of Military Intelligence ('DMI'), the Secretary of State for India ('S'), the Foreign Secretary (abbreviated simply as 'FS'; given the department in which this file was produced it is most likely that 'FS' refers to the Foreign Secretary of the Government of India), and the Viceroy and Governor-General of India ('V').The contents are listed as follows (the date ranges of each section are provided in brackets):I. Bolshevik Missions to Kabul (12 May-3 November 1919);II. Afghan Missions to Bokhura [Bukhara] and Khiva (8 June-3 November 1919);III. Intrigues at and with Tashkend (3 May-26 October 1919);IV. Afghan Mission to Kushk (3 June-14 October 1919);V. Movements in Afghan Turkestan (3 June-14 October 1919);VI. Afghan Missions to Moscow (28 May-2 November 1919);VII. Movements in Ferghana (2 May-20 October 1919);VIII. Bolshevik relations with Bokhara, Samarkand, and Khiva (12 June-29 October 1919);IX. Bolshevik-Afghan trade (27 July-12 October 1919);X. Barkatullah (18 July-13 October 1919);XI. Afghan aggression into Russian territory (2-31 October 1919);XII. Kasim Beg (24 July-19 October 1919);XIII. Pan-Islamism (30 May-30 October 1919);XIV. Bolshevik designs on Persia (24 July-31 October 1919);XV. Bolshevik Promises of Assistance to Afghans (16 June-2 October 1919);XVI. Miscellaneous (21 July-31 October 1919);XVII. Government of India's appreciations of position, etc. (23 June-10 September 1919).1 file (17 folios)The file contains a table of contents on the second folio. The table of contents is seventeen lines long and it gives the titles of the individual sections of the file. The rest of the file proceeds according to the sections listed in the contents.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the first folio and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.