This file contains correspondence between the British Political Agent at Bahrain, British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire, the British Civil Commissioner at Baghdad, as well as officials in the Government of India and ‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd (Ibn Sa‘ūd).The correspondence concern British involvement in Central Arabia and relations between Ibn Sa‘ūd and the Āl Rashīd family of Ḥā’il. Covered within the correspondence are details about the assissination of Sa‘ūd bin ‘Abd al-‘Azīz Āl Rashīd at the hands of his cousin and the subsequent succession of ‘Abdullāh bin Mit‘ab Āl Rashīd, the son of the seventh Amīr of Ḥā’il, Mit‘ab bin ‘Abd al-‘Azīz Āl Rashīd.The file also contains a genealogical 'Table of the Ruling Al Rashid (Shammar) Family of Jabal Shammar' (folio 28) and details of the 1920 deputation from Ḥā’il to Riyadh to arrange a treaty with Ibn Sa‘ūd (folio 20).1 file (46 folios)Foliation: This file has a foliation number in the top right hand corner of the recto of each folio. The number is enclosed by a circle.
Correspondence and other papers relating to visits made by Europeans and Americans to Saudi Arabia, and specifically to Riyadh:A visit made in 1937 by Lieutenant-Colonel Harold Richard Patrick Dickson, former Political Agent at Kuwait, reportedly in his capacity as a representative of the Kuwait Oil Company. The papers include English translations of press reports of the visit as reported in various Arab newspapers, including the Baghdad newspaper
Al-Kifah, the Cairo newspaper
Al-Mukattam[
Al-Muqattam] and the
Wakalat-ul-Sharq Al-Arabia(ff 3-16).Dickson’s request to the Political Resident to visit the Ruler of Saudi Arabia Ibn Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd] in December 1938, and the Ruler of Kuwait’s [Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ] strong objection to the visit (ff 18-28).Lord Alington’s [Captain Napier George Henry Sturt] visit to Ibn Saud in April 1939, including notes on his visit, and demi-official letters exchanged between the Political Agent at Kuwait (Major Charles Crawshaw Galloway) and the Political Resident (Lieutenant-Colonel Trenchard Craven William Fowle) commenting on Alington’s description of Ibn Saud (ff 27-37).Correspondence dated 1942 between the Political Agent at Kuwait and the United States military relating to unauthorised entry into Saudi Arabia by foreigners (ff 41-42).A note written by the Political Agent at Bahrain (Edward Birkbeck Wakefield), dated 5 April 1943, on wartime conditions in Saudi Arabia, based on reports received by Dr Harold Storm and Gerrit Dirk Van Peursem, both of the American Mission at Bahrain, following their medical tour of Saudi Arabia (f 44).Correspondence dated August 1943 relating to a visit to Ibn Saud by Lieutenant-Colonel Harold B Hoskins, personal envoy of US President Roosevelt (ff 45-54).1 file (58 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 60; 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. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
The file contains letters, telegrams and other papers relating to unidentified aircraft either seen or heard over the Arab coast during the Second World War, and the emergency landing of a B-17 Flying Fortress at Abu Dhabi in May 1944. Correspondence is sent and received by a host of British officials including political and consular agents and RAF officers.A telex sent by the Political Resident to the Government of India on 25 November 1940 reported that Italian radio broadcasts had claimed success in a bombing raid over Bahrain, accounting for recent reports of unidentified aircraft in the area (folio 6). A large part of the correspondence in the file concerns payments made by the crew of the B-17 Flying Fortress to local Arabs, who offered them water and assistance. The crew members gave an array of banknotes to one man, which staff at the Political Agency in Bahrain attempted to convert into rupees at the Eastern Bank (folio 38). Further correspondence relates to a complaint made by the clerk at the Agency in Sharjah, over abuse directed at him by staff from the RAF base in the town (folios 46-47).1 file (52 folios)The file is arranged in approximate chronological order, from the earliest items at the front of the file to the latest at the end. The office notes at the end of the file (folios 51-53) mirror the chronological arrangement. Circled index numbers, written in red crayon and ink, can be found throughout the volume, and refer to the office notes.Foliation: The main foliation sequence starts on the front cover and ends on the inside back cover, and uses circled pencil numbers in the top-right corner of each recto. A second foliation sequence is also present between ff. 2-49; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.
This files concerns relations between the Political Agent at Bahrain and the Amir of Dhahran [al-Ẓahrān] on the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. The correspondents in the file include Khalid Sidairi [Khālid al-Suayrī], Amir of al-Ẓahrān; the Political Agent at Bahrain; and the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire.The correspondence of May 1945 (ff 2-5) concerns the appointment of Khālid al-Suayrī by Abdul-Aziz [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd (Ibn Saud)] to administer the Amirate [Emirate] of Dhahran [Imārat Muqāṭi‘at al-Ẓahrān]. The correspondence of April 1946 (f 6) concerns a visit of the Bahrain State Engineer to Hassa [al-Aḥsā’] 20-25 March 1946 at the request of the Amir of Hassa (perhaps also of the Amir of Dhahran?) to advise both on the electrification of the town of Hofuf [al-Hufūf], and on the question of whether equipment and infrastructure had been supplied by the United States of America or Britain.1 file (6 folios)The papers are arranged in chronological order from the front to the rear of the file. File notes appear at the rear of the file.Foliation: the foliation sequence 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.
This file contains correspondence between British officials in Bushire, Bahrain, and Sharjah.Topics include:The visit of Lady Willingdon to Sharjah.A raid by Manasir tribe and murder of the Amir of Khan village.Diving on the Trucial Coast and measures to improve the living conditions of the divers. Includes translation of letters from Shaikh Sa'id bin Maktum, ruler of Dubai to the Residency Agent, Sharjah; and from Charles Dalrymple Belgrave, Adviser to the Government of Bahrain to Political Agent, Bahrain.The building of a fort by the Sheikh of Sharjah.A pilgrimage to Mecca by Sheikh Abdullah, Sheikh of Qatar (1940).1 volume (61 folios)The papers are arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file. There are file notes at the back of the file explaining how the file is arranged.Foliation: This consists of pencil numbers, located in the top right hand corner of the recto of each folio. The foliation sequence commences on the front cover and concludes on the last folio before the back cover.
Correspondence regarding the area of Zaora between the towns of Ajman and Himriya. The Chief of Abu Dhabi sought to despatch provisions by sea for forces sent by him to Zaora for the protection of his tribesmen that he wished to settle there. Correspondence discusses that the Shaikh of Dubai and the Shaikh of Ajman were 'in defensive and offensive alliance with one another against the Chief of Abu Dhabi' and they sought to prevent Zaora having the presence of a tribe protected by the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi.Correspondents include: Residency Agent, Sharjah; Assistant Political Agent, Bahrain; First Assistant to the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; Charles Arnold Kemball, Political Resident Persian Gulf, Secretary to the Government of India Foreign Department, Calcutta; Shaikh Za'id bin Khalifah, Chief of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Humeid, Chief of Ajman.1 volume (194 folios)The papers are arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: The sequence consists of small uncircled numbers in the top right hand top corner of each folio. The sequence runs from the first folio to the last folio of text.
This file relates to the application of Arsham and Tigranes Joseph Malcolm for mining rights to iron oxide on Abu Musa island and other locations such as the islands of Dalma, Ghagha, Sir Abu Nu'air and Musandam Peninsula. Letters also discuss the resources of salt, gold and the activities of the German company, Wonckhaus and Co. There are many letters in Arabic with translations.The main correspondents are Lieutenant-Colonel, Malcolm John Meade,the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf ; Sir William John Cuningham, Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department; Residency Agent, Sharjah; Residency Agent, Lingah; Political Agent, Muscat; Shaikh Zayid bin Khalifah, Chief of Abu Dhabi; Shaikh Saggar bin Khalid, Chief of Sharjah.1 volume (63 folios)The file is arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file. There is a typed contents page at the front of the file. There are file notes at the back of the file explaining how the file is arranged.Foliation: The main sequence, which is being used for referencing, commences on the first folio of writing, with number 1 and goes through to the last folio of writing, numbered 73. This sequence consists of pencil numbers, located in the top right hand corner of the recto of each folio. There is also a second former foliation sequence, which is incomplete and which commences on the first folio of writing with number 1, and runs intermittently until number 64. This former sequence commences with numbers in red canyon, latter written in pencil, which are located near to the top right hand corner of each folio. Foliation anomalies: 1, 1A, 1B.the sequence commences on the title folio, on number 1, and runs through to 65, ending on the inside of the back cover of the volume. There is also a former pagination sequence which begins on the fifth folio, and runs through to the last folio of writing.
Correspondence concerning succession at Ras al-Khaima. Correspondence discusses succession disputes and issues of recognition by the British Government. Correspondents include the Residency Agent, Sharjah; Political Resident Persian Gulf; Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department; Shaikh Sagar bin Khalid, Chief of Sharjah.1 volume (71 folios)The papers are arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: The main sequence, which is being used for referencing, commences on the first folio of writing, with number 1 and goes through to the last folio of writing, numbered 73. This sequence consists of pencil numbers, located in the top right hand corner of the recto of each folio. There is also a second former foliation sequence, which is incomplete and which commences on the first folio of writing with number 1, and runs intermittently until number 64, are located near to the top right hand corner of each folio. Foliation anomalies: 1, 1A, 1B.
This file relates mainly to the issues of succession in Ajman and some other Trucial States. The main correspondents are the Residency Agent, Sharjah; Political Resident Persian Gulf; Under Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department; and Shaikh Sultan bin Salem, Ruler of Ras al Khaimah.Correspondence discusses the implications of recognizing a shaikh who has aquired position through force and whether it is necessary for a new shaikh to sign the agreements with the British relating to maritime peace. Correspondence also discusses how Shaikh Abdul Aziz bin Homeid, Chief of Ajman was murdered by his slave and was succeeded by his son who accepted the obligations of the British agreements.1 volume (91 folios)The papers are arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file. There are file notes at the back of the file explaining how the file is arranged.Foliation: There is a foliation sequence, which is written in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. This sequence begins on the third folio after the front cover, on number 1, and ends on the last folio with text, on number 90. It should be noted that f.77 is followed by f.77A; the sequence then resumes on f.78. This is the sequence used by this catalogue to reference items within the file.Pagination: There is an incomplete pagination sequence, which is written in red and blue crayon and also in pencil, in the top right-hand corners of the rectos and in the top left-hand corners of the versos.
Correspondence relating to the islands of Abu Musa, Tanb [Tumb] and Sir Abu Nu'air. Correspondence discusses the claim by the Shaikh of Ras al Khayma to the islands and his wanting to prevent the use of the islands for grazing by the Shaikh of Dubai. The Shaikh of Ras al Khayma is reminded that any disturbances on the islands constitutes a disturbance at sea. The file contains many letters in Arabic with their translations. Correspondents include Shaikh Hashur of Dubai; Shaikh Salim bin Sultan of Dubai; the Residency Agent on the Arab Coast, Sharjah; the Political Resident, Persian Gulf.1 volume (143 folios)Includes `old system 371'. The file is arranged in two parts. An index at the front of the file lists sections on Abu Musa, Tanb, Sir Abu Nu'air as part of the 'old system 371'. A second section (14/88) covers the topic of Tanb. It is not immediately apparent from the file where the divide between these two sections is.The foliation system is the sequence of numbers appearing in a circle in the top right hand corner of each page. It starts on the front cover and ends on the back cover.Some of the pages are well worn at the sides but mostly this does not obscure the correspondence.
This file contains correspondence between British officials in London, Delhi, Bushire, Bahrain, Sharjah, and Tehran over the status of several islands in the Gulf: Tanb [Greater Tumb], Little Tanb [Lesser Tumb], Abu Musa and Sirri [Jazīreh-ye Sīrrī]. The main correspondents are the Senior Naval Officer Persian Gulf; the Political Resident Persian Gulf; Shaikh Sultan bin Salim, ruler of Ras al-Khaimah; H.M. Minister, Teheran; H.M. Secretary of State for India; H.M. Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.The correspondence discusses how the Persian Government claimed these islands and the British maintained they were defending the rights of the sheikhs of Trucial Oman. Also discussed is the building of a light house on Tanb Island and the presence of red oxide on the island. The majority of the correspondence is in English but the file also includes letters in Arabic. These carry the stamp 'British Agency Trucial Oman'. Most of the correspondence is in the date range 1933-1934. One letter describes how in 1933 a Persian man-of-war
Palangvisited the island without prior notification and correspondence discusses correct protocol to be followed; correspondence also discusses how the behaviour of the Persian Government was not compatible with their position as signatories of the Covenant of the League of Nations and the Kellog Pact; also includes a statement of a 'Nakhuda' on the seizing of a boat by Persian ship
Palang. The file concerns the British defence of the rights of the sheikhs of Trucial Oman and rights to mining of red oxide. One letter reminds the ruler of Ras al-Khaimah that he is not to lease any part of his territory without permission of the British government.1 volume (207 folios)
This file contains correspondence relating to the islands of Bahrain, Tanb (also written as Tamb) [Greater and Lesser Tumb] and Abu Musa in the context of the Persian claim to these islands. The main correspondents are Senior Naval Officer Persian Gulf; Political Resident Persian Gulf (Trenchard Craven Fowle); H.M. Minister, Tehran (Hughe Knatchbull-Hugessen); Under Secretary of State, Foreign Office (John Charles Walton); Sheikh Sultan bin Salim, ruler of Ras al Khaimah Topics of letters include:The attitude of Shaikh Sultan bin Salim, the ruler of Ras al Khaimah.The British approach to a possible Persian claim over Bahrain at the Council of League of Nations.Interception of letters from the Persian Governement to the local shaikh at Tanb.Account of a conversation between a French Admiral (Contre-Amiral Rivet) and the Shaikh of Ras al Khaimah.A firman contained in a envelope (folio 179a).The removal and replacement of the Ras al Khaimah flag on Tanb.1 volume (205 folios)The papers are arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation. The foliation sequences runs from the front cover to last folio, and consists of small circled numbers, located in the top right corner of the recto of each folio.