The file consists of a printed copy of the Convention between the United Kingdom and Russia relating to Persia [Iran], Afghanistan and Thibet [Tibet], signed at St. Petersburgh [St Petersburg] on 31 August 1907, and ratified at St. Petersburgh on 23 September 1907. The Convention was presented to both Houses of Parliament in the United Kingdom in October 1907.The Convention sets out the respective spheres of influence of the United Kingdom and Russia in Persia, recognises the United Kingdom’s influence over Afghanistan, and states that both countries would refrain from all interference in the internal administration of Thibet, in recognition of the suzerain rights of China in Thibet.The text of the Convention is written is French, and is followed by an English translation.1 file (10 folios)Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 10, these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
A paper written in continuation of a previous memorandum regarding the Italian Occupation of Assab Bay [IOR/L/PS/18/B22], which brings the story up to date.The first section describes the course of events at and around Assab from May 1880 to September 1881, including protests made by the Egyptian Government to the Italian Government at their purchase of the whole coastline around Assab Bay and the islands nearby, and an enquiry that followed the massacre of an Italian exploring party. This section concludes with two reports suggesting that, although the Italians had not made much progress at Assab Bay, they had shown their intention to get a foothold on the African continent.The second section reproduces correspondence between the British, Italian and Egyptian governments, and between the India Office and the Foreign Office from May 1880 to September 1881. The correspondence relates to the purchase of land at Assab Bay by the Rubattino Company; Italian Government denials that the territory would be used for military purposes; attempts made by the Italian Government to legitimise their occupation of the place by encouraging the British Government to accredit a British Agent there, both for commercial purposes and for the purpose of co-operation in the suppression of the slave trade; and a British Government proposal that the Italian Government enter into a formal convention about the matter with the Egyptian Government.The final section reproduces correspondence connected with a proposed disembarkation of Egyptian troops at Raheita to the south of Assab Bay; Egyptian appeals for a British warship to be sent to the area; Italian protestations that disembarkation at Raheita would constitute a provocation; and the British Government's re-affirmation that the sovereignty of the coastline at Raheita and Assab Bay belongs to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and the Khedive of Egypt.The paper is written by Arthur William Moore.1 file (16 folios)This file consists of a summary of historical events (ff 25-28), followed by two further sections reproducing correspondence (ff 28-36) and (ff 36-40).Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at folio 25, and terminates at folio 40, as it is part of a larger 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.
Bound volume containing two secret reports, both authored by Colonel Wilfrid Malleson (referred to as Division of the Chief of the Staff in the first report, and Assistant Quarter Master General for Intelligence in the second), and both issued by the Division of the Chief of the Staff in 1909.The first report is entitled
Statistics regarding the Masqat [Muscat] Arms Traffic (Revised.)(ff 4-16), and contains several appendices and fold-out tables giving details of: caravan routes along which arms trafficking is carried out on the Makran coast; total values of arms and ammunition imported into Muscat and other Persian Gulf ports; importers and (European) exports of arms.The second report is entitled
Special Reports on the Masqat Arms Traffic, Season 1908-09(ff 17-60), and comprises a number of reports on the arms trade through Muscat, submitted by ‘secret agents’, and a map illustrating the arms traffic from Muscat to Persia, Baluchistan and Afghanistan (f 59). The report also includes two appendices, lettered G and H. Appendix G is a letter (in French) dated 28 October 1907, from M Pick to Messieurs Malcom and Company of Muscate [Muscat]. Appendix H comprises lists (in French) of arms for sale, with prices given in French francs.The voluime includes a map illustrating the Muscat arms traffic, dated 1909, indicating routes taken by the Muscat arms trade from the Persian (Makran) coast and inland, into Persia, Baluchistan and Afghanistan (f 59).1 volume (60 folios)Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 62; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: this part also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
This file consists of a number of printed reports relating to the arbitration over the granting of French flags to Muscat dhows:A printed report in 1904 by the Office of the Superintendent of Government Printing, India, relating to the arbitration on the issue of French flags to Omani dhows. An agreement between Britain and France in 1862 committed both governments to respect the independence of the Sultan of Muscat.Reply on behalf of the Government of His Britannic Majesty to the Supplementary Conclusions, presented on behalf of the Government of the French Republic and admitted by the tribunal on July 25, 1905.The verdict (in French) of the arbitration tribunal.Treaty Series (No. 3, 1905) - Agreements between the United Kingdom and France referring to arbitration the question of the grant of the French flag to Muscat Dhows.The section on the geography of Oman (ff 58-59A) discusses the French claim with reference to Kiepert's map of 1850. Includes a sketch map of the Persian Gulf and Arabian Coast (folio 91A).1 volume (102 folios)Description: The foliation sequence commences at the title page 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. Foliation errors: 1, and 1A; 50, and 50A; 59, and 59A; 84, and 84A-C; 88, and 88A; 91, and 91A. Pagination: A number of original typed pagination sequences are also located in the file.
This part comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, relating to reports on the Turco-Persian Frontier. It includes the printed report 'A description of the Turco-Persian Frontier (Basrah and Baghdad vilayets) from Fao to the Sirwan River' (ff 5-11). The discussion in the volume also includes notes by Mr Wratislaw, British Commissioner, on the final delimitation. The volume also includes a printed report in French 'Recueil des Procès-Verbaux des Seances de la Commission de Delimitation de la Frontiere Turco-Persane, 1914-18' (ff 30-128).This part includes a divider which gives the subject and part numbers, year the subject file was opened, subject heading, and list of correspondence references contained in that part by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.1 part file (173 folios)The papers are arranged in rough chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume. The subject 5094 (Turco-Persian Frontier Commission) consists of one volume.
A memorandum, written by Adolphus Warburton Moore, Assistant Secretary of the Political and Secret Department of the India Office, 1 September 1879.The document is a summary of correspondence, government reports, and published literature relating to the Turkish expedition into El Hassa [Al Hasa] in 1871, and was compiled in light of a proposed comprehensive arrangement with the Porte about the positions of the two powers along the Gulf coast, and policing responsibilities at sea. The correspondence is from the period 1870-1874 and is principally between various British Government departments and offices connected to the region, and the Turkish Government.The Turkish expedition called into question the sovereignty and jurisdiction of much of the Arabian Peninsula, as well as the coastline and islands of the Gulf. The correspondence contains discussions of these matters and reflects British fears of a loss of their monopoly over the control and security of the Gulf, and a disruption of the treaty relations they maintained with rulers in Bahrein [Bahrain], Guttur [Qatar], the Trucial Coast, Muscat, and Aden.The author quotes extensively from the correspondence and other sources, notes on which are to be found in the margin throughout.1 file (14 folios)Foliation: the foliation for this description commences at folio 131 and terminates at folio 144, 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. The main 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.Pagination: The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.Condition: folio 131 is torn along one edge, with some loss of text.
A memorandum, written by Adolphus Warburton Moore, Assistant Secretary of the Political and Secret Department of the India Office, 1 September 1879.The document is a continuation of 'Persian Gulf - Turkish jurisdiction along the Arabian coast (Part I)' (IOR/L/PS/18/B19/1) and broadly addresses the same issues, namely, what to do about Turkish claims to sovereignty along the southern coast of the Gulf that could potentially impinge on Britain's treaty commitments with local rulers and their security responsibilities at sea (the suppression of piracy), and whether to come to some kind of comprehensive arrangement with the Ottoman Government to settle the matter. To support this, the document gives a history of recent affairs in the region, making extensive use of correspondence and memoranda mostly written between 1874 and 1879. The principal correspondents are from the Government of India, the Foreign Office, the India Office, and various political and diplomatic offices in the Persian Gulf, Turkish Arabia, and Constantinople. The matters covered by the document concern events at Bahrein [Bahrain], Guttur [Qatar] - including Zobarah [Al Zubarah], Odeid [al-‘Udaid], and El Bidaa [Doha] - Lahsa [al-Hasa], and the Trucial states.The memorandum concludes by outlining the position of the Foreign Office, the Government of India, and the India Office (represented by the author) on the following four matters:1. The status of Odeid;2. The need to better define areas of responsibility and jurisdiction with the Porte, and whether to hold them responsible for order along the coast under their authority;3. A revision of Britain's treaties with Bahrain, the Trucial chiefs, and Muscat;4. The arrangement of Persian Gulf business between the Bushire Residency and the Baghdad Political Agency.The author quotes extensively from the correspondence and other sources, notes on which are to be found in the margin throughout.1 file (21 folios)Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 148 and terminates at folio 168, 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. The main 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.Pagination: The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
A printed memorandum written and compiled by Adolphus Warburton Moore for the Political and Secret Department of the India Office, and dated 12 February 1884.The document is a continuation of 'Persian Gulf - Turkish jurisdiction along the Arabian coast (Part III)' (IOR/L/PS/18/B19/4), dealing with British relations with Shaikh Jasim [Jāsim bin Muḥammad Āl Thāni] of El Bidaa [Doha] in light of his recent poor treatment of British Indian traders resident in the town.The document summarises correspondence on the matter, outlining the opinions of officials from the departments and institutions involved, which include the Foreign Office, the Government of India, the India Office, and the Residency at Bushire.The document covers the British response to Jasim's actions, including claims for compensation, and the subsequent Turkish reaction to British threats against what was perceived to be Turkish sovereign territory.The author quotes extensively from the correspondence and other sources, notes on which are to be found in the margin throughout.1 file (8 folios)Foliation: the sequence for this description commences at folio 19 and terminates at folio 26, 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 also present in parallel between ff 4-197; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the bottom right corner of each folio.Pagination: the document also has an original printed pagination sequence.
Memorandum written in French and published by the Foreign Office in 1874.The memorandum discusses the situation in Persia, including the interior and exterior threats the country faces, and the potential threat the situation poses to the borders of the British Empire.The perceived exterior threat to Perse is the progress and advancement of the Russian Empire in Asia and their perceived interest in occupying Merv, the ancient capital of Khorassan [Khorāsān]. The interior threat is considered to be the general situation in Persia and its difficulties in establishing administration within its own borders.Also discussed in the memorandum is the strength and skill of the Turcomanes (Turkmen) cavalry which could potentially disrupt Russia's plans in Asia and the lack of continuous British representation in Persia and the possible need to provide support to their ally in order to stop Russia from advancing through Asia.1 file (3 folios)Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at f 61, and terminates at f 63, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the item also contains an original incomplete printed pagination sequence.
Report written by Adolphus Warburton Moore, Assistant Secretary in the Political Secret Department of the India Office, and dated 14 February 1877. The report, which deals with the question of British consular jurisdiction in Persia and the Persian Gulf, was written in order to close a matter that had been the subject of correspondence for over ten years. The report is a narrative of Government of India correspondence dating from 1866 to 1876 on the subject, and covers matters such as: questions over the extent of the territory over which jurisdiction may be exercised; the extent of jurisdictive powers held by the Political Resident, his Assistant, and other officials; implementation of jurisdictive powers; tribunals; legal procedure; civil and criminal law; the slave trade. An appendix to the report (folios 17-18) contains extracts from treatises (most in French) held between Persia and Great Britain (dated 4 March 1857), Persia and Russia (22 February 1828), and Persia and Germany (21 June 1873).18 foliosA single report, followed by a single appendix.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.
The volume contains records of correspondence (abstracts, lists, copies and originals) concerning relations between Russia and Persia during the period 1837-1875. The papers are as follows:Papers relating to Russian proceedings on the island of Ashoorada [Ashuradeh] covering the years 1837-1854 (but compiled at an unspecified later date):abstract of correspondence covering the years 1837-1854 (folios 1-13);lists of dispatches and correspondence covering the years 1837-1852 (folios 14-21A).Papers relating to Russo-Persian relations, c1860-1862:abstract of a memoir on the general policy of Russia in the East by M. Sawarykielwiez (folios 22-33). The abstract is signed WHB. A note in blue crayon on folio 22 reads '?About 1860';letter from Charles Alison, Tehran to John Russell, Earl Russell, dated 14 June 1862, enclosing a translation of a draft [not transcribed] of a secret treaty between Persia and Russia proposed during the Crimean War (original manuscript copy and two typescript copies) (folios 34-37).Copies of secret dispatches from the British Embassy at St Petersburg to the British Government, dated 1874-1875, relating to Russian activities in Transcaspia and Central Asia, with copies of supporting correspondence (folios 38-146). Many of the dispatches are in French.1 volume (173 folios)The papers are bound in chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1 on the first folio after the front cover and terminates at 157 on the back cover. These numbers are written in pencil, are enclosed in a circle, and appear in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio. Foliation anomalies: ff. 21, 21A; ff. 74, 74A; ff. 114, 114A; ff. 115, 115A; ff. 116, 116A; ff. 127, 127A; ff. 130, 130A; ff. 131, 131A; ff. 132, 132A; ff. 136, 136A; ff. 137, 137A; ff. 139, 139A; ff. 140, 140A; ff. 141, 141A; ff. 146, 146A; ff. 151, 151A; ff, 152, 152A.
The volume consists of chronological entries containing transcripts of correspondence sent and received and notes on the arrival and departure of vessels at Bushire. The Resident during the period covered was Jonathan Henry Lovett; frequent mention is also made early in the volume of Lovett's predecessor as Resident, Mirza Mehedy Aly Khan [Mīrzā Mahdī ‘Alī Khān].The correspondence sent is entered under the date the letter was written; that received is entered under the date of receipt at Bushire. Summaries of the contents of transcribed correspondence appear in the left hand column of each page. There are occasional lists of correspondence and papers: some of these items are transcribed in full; in other cases a note records that the papers are kept elsewhere: e.g. note stating that 'These papers will be found among the records of the Factory' (page 19). The correspondence is mostly between the Resident and other East India Company officials, particularly the Government of Bombay; the Resident at Bussora [Basra] (Samuel Manesty); the Resident at Bagdad [Baghdad] (Harford Jones); the Resident at Muscat (David Seton); and commanders of ships of the Bombay Marine (the East India Company navy) .The records of shipping consist of a note of the day of arrival and departure of ships of the Bombay Marine and country ships (privately-owned merchant ships, which operated under licence from the East India Company), and information on their port of origin and destination. The terms 'imported' and 'exported' are used, respectively, for the arrival and departure of vessels.General topics covered in the correspondence include:reports from the Resident to the Government of Bombay;permission from the Government of Bombay for items of expenditure;correspondence between the Residents on political developments;accounting and financial matters;movement of ships;transport of goods and freight;mercantile transactions;transmission of packets of correspondence;appointments;administrative matters;relations with Persia;the activities of the French in the region.Specific topics (dated by date of diary entry) covered include:the appointments of Lovett as Resident and Andrew Jukes as Surgeon (recorded under entries for 10 January 1803, pages 1-42);Residency audited accounts, 1801/2, issued by the Office of Audit, Bombay Castle, with accompanying correspondence, 10 January 1803 (pages 20-40) and further correspondence, 10 May 1803 (pages 95-119);correspondence relating to the loss of the Honourable Company's Schooner (also referred to as Cruiser)
Alerton the Island of Busheab (also referred to as Boosheibe) [Bushoeyb] off the coast of Persia, March-April 1803 (pages 58-79) and 31 May 1803 (pages 125-130);correspondence relating to the loss of the country ship
Hectoron the Island of Busheab; attempts to recover her cargo together with property taken from the
Alert; and operations against Sheikh Rama Ben Sunneed, Sheikh of Nuckheloo (also referred to as Naquiloo) [Nakhilu], including dispatches from Lieutenant William Bruce on deputation at Nukhiloo and Khangoon [Kangan], 11 May - 29 November 1803, passim;correspondence relating to an attack on the house of John White, Captain of the
Recovery, at Bussora [Basra] by a mob who mistakenly believed that a Muslim woman was inside, 2 June 1803 (pages 134-153);Report of a Committee of Survey into those parts of the Factory that were urgently in need of repair, 30 September 1803 (pages 303-305);Residency regulations, 1 October 1803 (pages 305-307);Report of the Committee appointed to inspect the records of the Factory, 14 October 1803 (pages 316-318);List of butler's stores prepared by a Committee of Inspection, 18 October 1803 (pages 318-322);correspondence relating to reports of the capture of the
Shrewsburyby a French frigate, 29 October 1803 (pages 330-331).The French language content of this file consists of a bulletin of reports received at Baghdad from Persia and Afghanistan, which was forwarded to the Resident at Bushire by Harford Jones (17 September 1803, pages 296-297).The date of the earliest item of correspondence that forms part of one of the lists of correspondence and papers and is transcribed in full is 5 October 1802 (pages 7-8).1 volume (183 folios)The volume is in the form of a diary running in chronological order from the front to the rear of the volume. The correspondence sent is entered under the date the letter was written; that received is entered under the date of receipt at Bushire. Notes of the arrival and departure of vessels are similarly recorded in diary form under the relevant date.Pagination: the volume contains an original pagination sequence in ink (with additions and clarifications in pencil); this sequence begins at 1 on the front cover and terminates at 366 on the back cover. These numbers can be found in the top left and top right hand corners of each page. Pagination anomalies: pp. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C.Condition: the volume displays considerable signs of insect damage, and damage to the edges of the paper, but this does not affect the legibility of the text.