The file contains correspondence and telegrams between the Sheikh of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifah, the Sheikh of Qatar, Abdullah Bin Qasim Al Thani, the Political Agent in Bahrain and representatives of the Bahrain Petroleum Company Limited (BAPCO), on the division of the sea-bed between Bahrain and Qatar, notably the Hawar Islands and Deebel and Jaradeh shoals.There are letters in Arabic and a map of Bahrain (folio 45).1 file (52 folios)The documents in the file are arranged in chronological order.The foliation is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of each folio. The numbering begins on the front cover of the file, on number 1 and it carries on until 51, which is the last number given on the last page of writing. There is another foliation, incomplete and misplaced: the numbering starts with 4 on the first page of writing (folio 2) and ends with 136 (folio 31); missing folios: 6-23; 25-35; 38-42; 43-44; 49-54; 59-65; 67-74; 82-87; 88-95; 97-129; 133-135.
The file contains correspondence relating to the discussion over the proposed return of a Shī‘a judge and cleric, Shaikh Khallaf bin Ahmad al-Asfour. The discussion was triggered by a petition from Shī‘a village headmen, presented to the Political Agent, Bahrain, that called for his return from exile. The correspondents include the High Commissioner in Iraq, the Political Agent, Bahrain, the ruler of Bahrain (Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah [Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah]), and the Adviser to the Government of Bahrain (Charles Dalrymple Belgrave).The papers cover several matters, including:a petition from Shaikh Khallaf himself, requesting permission to return and deal with his properties in the country;the question of Shaikh Khallaf's nationality;legal cases to be brought against the Shaikh in Bahrain courts.1 file (45 folios)The file is arranged in 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 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 4-46; 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numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
This file contains detailed paperwork and correspondence pertaining to the appointment of wakils or representatives/court clerks at the joint courts and Agency Court. The file also contains documentation on the initiation of court proceedings by plaintiffs, usually foreign subjects, against various Bahrain subjects. Many papers pertain to the striking off of wakils from the court registers, and ensuing petitions by dismissed wakils to the agency, protesting their dismissal.1 file (120 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 122; 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 2-121; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
This file contains correspondence related to a trading blockade imposed on Kuwait by Abdul Aziz ibn Abdulrahman ibn Faisal Al Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd (Ibn Saud)], the King of Saudi Arabia.The correspondence is primarily between British officials attempting to mediate between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and relates to a number of agreements between them; a Bon Voisinage Agreement, an Extradition Agreement and a Trade Agreement.The file contains draft copies of this legislation (in Arabic and English) and discusses the reaction of both parties to the various proposals.1 volume (203 folios)File is arranged in chronological order, from earliest at beginning of the file to most recent at end.Condition: A bound correspondence volume.Foliation: The file's foliation sequence commences at the title page and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.The file contains the following foliation errors: 1, 1A and 1B
This file relates to the renewal of the 1891 Commercial Treaty between Britain and Muscat. The original treaty was given a term of twelve years, which was extended at regular intervals afterwards, initially for several years at a time and later on an annual basis.The file concerns the replacement of the existing treaty with a new treaty, following a request from the Sultan of Muscat and Oman [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd] that the two parties enter into negotiations to revise the existing treaty. Matters covered include the following: informal discussions with the Sultan regarding the revision of the existing treaty; the Sultan's reported unwillingness to agree to any further renewals of the treaty in its existing form after 11 February 1938; amendments to the initial draft of the new revised treaty, and the preparation of signature copies, in English and Arabic; the signing and ratifying of the new treaty, on 5 and 7 February 1939 respectively; the extension of the provisions of the treaty to certain British territories.The file features the following principal correspondents: the Political Agent and Consul at Muscat; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Secretary of State for India; the Sultan of Muscat and Oman; officials of the India Office, the Foreign Office, the Dominions Office, the Colonial Office, and the Government of India.In addition to correspondence, the file includes the following: copies of the initial draft of the revised treaty, in English and Arabic (ff 18-53 and ff 54-70 respectively); a signature copy of the draft treaty, in Arabic (ff 100-111); copies of the draft certificate of exchange of ratifications, in English and Arabic (f 177 and ff 179-180).The file's Arabic material consists of the aforementioned copies of the treaty, several items of correspondence, and a transcript of a speech given by the Political Resident on the occasion of the signing of the treaty (English translations are included).1 file (244 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 246; 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 100-241; 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 contains correspondence in the form of telegrams and letters regarding the question of the relative rank of Royal Navy Commanders and Foreign Consuls in the Gulf for special occasions such as Durbars, processions and other public ceremonies under the direct control of the Government of India. The volume also contains correspondence regarding the Queens-Empress’s Day, specifically how it was celebrated in Muscat, the number of gun salutes required, and whether to invite Foreign Consuls in Muscat to dress their flag on the day or not.The Political Agent, Muscat, the Political Resident, Bushire, and other officials of the Government of India discussed the attitude of the French Consul on the anniversary of the Proclamation of Her Majesty as Empress of India, and they also discussed the number of gun salutes to the President of the Council of Ministers, the Ministers and to the Chiefs in the Persian Gulf collectively and individually. Other correspondents in the volume are the French Consul at Muscat, and the Secretary to the Government of India, Marine Department.1 volume (106 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 108; 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 7-58; 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 letters, telegrams and other papers in the file relate to various forced landings or crashes of Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft, as well as other incidents involving the RAF, in and around the Gulf, during and immediately after the Second World War. The principal correspondents in the file are the Political Agent in Bahrain, the Political Officer on the Trucial coast (both posts being occupied by numerous incumbents), and a number of RAF officials.The key events and topics discussed in the file are: reports of a crashed Blenheim aircraft near Dohah [Doha] in December 1941; reports of a missing Boston aircraft in May 1942, and the subsequent discovery of it having made a forced landing on the Persian coast while skirting prohibited airspace above Bahrain; reports of a crashed Bisley aircraft near Sharjah in March 1943; the recovery of aircrews and salvage of aeroplanes; the treatment of aircrews by local inhabitants, including payments to guards requested to protect crash sites; and an incident in February 1942 in which a man was accidentally killed at the bombing range at Sharjah.1 file (96 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 93-98) mirror the chronological arrangement.Foliation: The file is foliated from the front cover to the inside back cover, using pencil numbers written in the top-right corner of each recto. The following foliation anomalies occur: 1, 1A.
The file’s contents relate to the introduction, maintenance and withdrawal of air services operated by the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) in the Gulf, stopping at Bahrain, Sharjah or Dubai. The principal correspondents in the file are the Political Agent in Bahrain (numerous incumbents during the period covered by the file), the Persian Gulf Political Resident (principally Lieutenant-Colonel William Rupert Hay), and various representatives of BOAC, chiefly Geoffrey F W Parker, Station Manager at Bahrain.Specific subjects covered in the file include:In 1932/33, the use of wireless communications by Imperial Airways aircraft during emergencies, and instructions for aerodrome officers in the event of distress signals received from aircraft (ff 2-19);Damage to rubber mooring buoys in Dubai creek, by wildlife and launch/steamer propellers, 1938 (ff 21-28);Wartime changes to BOAC services at Bahrain, including notice of the British Government’s taking over of BOAC operations (ff 36-37); increased services at Bahrain to maintain essential supplies in the region (ff 41-47); an assessment of all aspects of the aerodrome facilities at Muharraq, Bahrain, with the prospect of further flying-boat operations between Cairo and Calcutta [Kolkata] (ff 51-64); customs and censorship in relation to luggage searches, and security clearance for an individual who will be handling diplomatic mail (ff 77-79);The post-war cessation of flying-boat services at Bahrain, and the concern of the Government of Bahrain and the oil companies working in Bahrain and Qatar at the prospective lack of passenger services at Bahrain (ff 80-89, 120, 132); lists of passenger numbers embarking/disembarking at Bahrain for the years 1942 to 1946 (ff 125, 128, 130, 137); confirmation of a new Plymouth flying-boat service operating between the UK and Bahrain, with timetables (ff 141, 157-158);The announcement of additional post-war air services intended to stop at Bahrain, including services between Britain and Hong Kong and between Britain and Bombay, with timetables.1 file (226 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 (ff 211-227) mirror the chronological arrangement.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 2-210; these numbers are written in pencil and ink, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence, but they are not circled.
This is a correspondence file about the operation and impact on the population and economy of Bahrain and the Trucial Coast sheikhdoms, of Government of India export licensing restrictions for the supply of tea and to a lesser extent, coffee, sugar, dates and cotton piece goods, to the Persian Gulf, during the Second World War (1939-1945). Letters, telegrams and memoranda are exchanged mainly between the Political Agent, Bahrain and the Adviser to the Bahrain Government, and also between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, the Political Agent, Bahrain and several Government of India officials, particularly the Tea Controller for India, the Export Trade and Foreign Trade Controllers in Bombay and Calcutta and other officials, mainly in the Departments of Commerce and External Affairs.The file contains numerous supply and trade statistics, mainly for tea, and in particular the regular lists compiled by the Director of Customs and Port Officer for Bahrain, acting in his wartime capacity as the Food Controller, Bahrain. His lists show the monthly distribution of licenses for the export of tea quotas, and to a lesser extent coffee, from India to Bahrain, together with the names of the Bombay exporters and the Bahrain importers for each consignment. Throughout the correspondence, British officials discuss their several enquiries into Indian tea exports to Arab countries that they suspect are re-exported or smuggled into Germany and other enemy countries. The Political Resident in the Persian Gulf also raises his concerns about the potential impact of Government of India export controls on the economy of the Arab Gulf States and shaikhdoms if he should strictly enforce them, since they would inhibit normal trade with Iran (Persia) in essential commodities subject to severe wartime shortages, such as fresh food and firewood. The file also includes numerous letters exchanged between Bahrain importers, Indian exporters and the Political Agent, Bahrain about shipments of tea and other commodities to Bahrain.1 file (372 folios)Files papers are arranged more or less chronologically.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the back cover with 374; 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 2-373; 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 consists of covering letters and receipts sent between the Political Agency and the Adviser to the Government of Bahrain (Charles Dalrymple Belgrave) for sums of money representing the Government of Bahrain's share of net receipts on account of Joint Court fees collected for the financial years 1944-1947.Folio 11 is a statement of annual totals taken in court fees, prepared by the Political Agency.Folios 15-16 are internal office notes.1 file (15 folios)The file is arranged chronologically 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 17; 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 1-16; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
The file contains correspondence in the form of personal letters and calls sent mainly between the Political Agent, Bahrain, and the Ruler of Bahrain. The letters are about exchanging visits and gifts such as fruit, gazelles, and tea sets.Other letters were sent by cultural centres in Bahrain such as the Sporting Cultural Club (Nadi Al-Thaqafa al-Riyadhi) and the Bahrain Club (Nadi al-Bahrain) in Muharraq to the Political Agent inviting him to attend some activities taking place including cinema shows, Arabic drama, and the Shia commemoration of the Day of ‘Ashura.The main correspondents are the Political Agent, Bahrain (Cornelius James Pelly), and the Ruler of Bahrain (Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa). Most of the file is in Arabic.1 file (134 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 136; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located at the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
The file contains notifications of postings and transfers of Officers of the Indian Political Service (IPS): senior British officials in the Persian Gulf, including the Political Resident, Political Agents, etc.The papers are in the form of telegrams, express letters, circular letters, and related correspondence. The notifications were sent variously to other senior British officials in the Persian Gulf, India and London; to members of the British community in Bahrain; and to various Gulf Rulers. The file also contains papers relating to the announcement that the Resident had been accorded the title 'Excellency', including a letter on the subject sent to Gulf rulers; replies from the Gulf Rulers themselves in Arabic with English translations; and a letter stating that after consultation with various bodies, it had been decided that the most appropriate title for the Resident in Arabic correspondence was
Fakhamanot
Sa'ada, even though the latter was usually regarded as the local equivalent of 'Excellency', April to May 1948.1 file (61 folios)The papers are arranged in chronological order from the front to the rear of the file. Circled serial numbers (red for received correspondence; blue/black for issued correspondence) refer to entries in the notes at the rear of the file.Foliation: the foliation system in use commences at 1A on the front cover, and continues through to 60 on the back cover. The sequence is written in pencil and appears in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio. Foliation anomaly: ff. 1A, 1B.