Correspondence concerning the mining of red oxide on Abu Musa island owned by Shaikh Sagar bin Khaled of Sharjah. Letters reference the Protectorate Treaties 1897 clause that the Protectorate Sheikhs should on "no account, cede, sell, mortgage or otherwise give for occupation any part of my territory save to the British government." Correspondence describes how the concession had been given to a British subject and then to a German concessionaire. The concession to the German company was then cancelled but mining operations continued. Letters detail the arrangements for the dispatch of a British gun-boat if required. Correspondents include the Political Resident Persian Gulf; Assistant Secretary to Government of India in the Foreign Department; Residency Agent, Lingah; Residency Agent, Sharjah.1 volume (228 folios)The papers are arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: The foliation system in use is the sequence of numbers appearing in a circle in the top right hand corner of each folio. The file also bears a foliation system comprising of uncircled numbers written in blue.
This file contains reports and correspondence relating to the mining of iron ore on the island of Abu Musa and Hassan Samayeh's involvements with the Germans. The correspondents include the Political Resident Persian Gulf (Major Percy Cox), Residency Agent Sharjah; Lieutenant-Commander W. Hose, H.M.S.
Redbreast, Bushire; H. Listermann, Consul for the Imperial German Government; Sheikh Sagar bin Khalid, Chief of Sharjah; Foreign Office, Government of India.Topics include:The erection of the Qawasim flag on Abu Musa.Views of the Foreign Office on Abu Musa.German Consul talks with Shaikh of Sharjah about the Wonckhaus company.Informing the German Consul that the Trucial chiefs are under British protection.Provision of guards for Abu Musa.Complaint of Nejef bin Ali against Hassan bin Samaiyeh.Persian claim to the islandThe Trucial chiefs were warned not to grant concessions without consulting the Resident.Wonckhaus agent prevented from landing at Abu Musa and to be allowed to remove all oxide already accumulated.There are many letters in Arabic including letters in Arabic from the German Consul to the Sheikh of Sharjah with translations. Also a hand written letter in English from the German Consul in Bushire to the Political Resident; and a Persian newspaper,
Nedai-e-Watan.1 volume (255 folios)The papers are arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file.There are two foliation sequences. The first foliation sequence which should be used for referencing, begins on the first folio of writing, on number 1. After number 3 there is a blank folio, which is not numbered. The sequence then resumes on the next folio, on number 4 and runs through to number 255, which is the last folio of writing. This sequence is written in pencil, in the top right corner of each folio.The second foliation sequence begins on the third folio of writing and runs from number 1 through to number 248A, ending on the last folio of writing. The second sequence is written in blue crayon, in the top right corner of each folio.
Correspondence concerning the claim of Hassan Samaiya for property lost on Abu Musa island after the German company Wonckhaus lost the concession following an international tribunal. Includes a list of articles used in the mining operation and also discusses the welfare of some donkeys left there. The file includes the 'Investigation regarding Hassan Sameiyeh's complaint in connection with gear said to have disappeared from Abu Musa'. Correspondents include the Residency Agent, Lingah; Dr H.Listermann, Imperial German Consul, Bushire; Sir Percy Zachariah Cox, Political Resident Persian Gulf.There is also correspondence on the claim by Shaikh Sagar bin Khalid of Sharjah against Hassan bin Samaiyah for the loss of horses on Abu Musa. Correspondents include the Residency Agent, Lingah and Sir Percy Zachariah Cox, Political Resident Persian Gulf; Khan Bahadur Agba Beder, Residency Agent, Lingah and Shaikh Sagar bin Khalid of Sharjah.1 volume (117 folios)The papers are arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: The sequence starts on the first folio writing with circled pencil numbers in the top right-hand corner of the recto of each folio and finishes on the back cover. Foliation anomalies: 3, 3A, 12, 12A, 54, 54A.
This file contains reports and correspondence relating to the ownership of some islands in the Gulf, namely, the islands of Farsi, Arabi, Harqus, Al Karan and Al Kurain. The reports and correspondence are mainly between the India Office, London; the Foreign Office, London; Political Resident Persian Gulf, Political Agent Kuwait; Political Agent Bahrain; the Anglo Persian Oil Company. The discussion over the territorial status bears on whether the islands would come in the concession area of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company or Kuwait. One letter notes that if the ownership of the islands is undetermined up until that point this was of no importance; however, with the possibility that they may contain oil it was now imperative that they should belong to either Her Majesty's Government or to Kuwait rather than a foreign power. Therefore, the Shaikh of Kuwait is encouraged to erect beacons on some of the islands to support his claim to ownership. As the British were keen to avoid territorial disputes with Persia this was thought more unobtrusive than the raising of flags. There is also discussion over the island of Hawar and whether it belonged to Bahrain or Qatar.It also includes a translation of a letter from Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed [Shaikh of Abu Dhabi] to Colonel Stuart Geoge Knox, Political Resident Persian Gulf, a small hand drawn sketch map showing location of a village on Dalma Island with H.M.S.
Foxanchorage position (folio 3), and a table on sources of oil supply to Britain in the years 1935, 1936 and 1937.1 volume (204 folios)The papers are arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: The sequence consists of small circled numbers located in the top right hand corner of the recto of each folio, commencing on the first full page of text.
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 first comprehensive description of ancient and modern Egyptcompiled by the 165 members of the Institut de l'Egypte established by Napoleon to accompany his expedition to Egypt in 1798-1801. This exhaustive survey of all aspects of ancient and modern life in Egypt was carried out under the supervision of the mathematician Gaspard Mongethe appointed President of the new Institute (of which Napoleon was Vice-President)."
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
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 file consists of typescript and printed copies (including supporting correspondence) of the following air agreements between the United Kingdom and other states:Lebanon, 1951 (including correspondence and papers in French and Arabic);Kuwait, Civil Air Agreement and Air Navigation Regulations, 1950;Bahrain, Civil Air Agreement revised and renewed, 1942;Kuwait, Civil Air Agreement and Air Navigation Regulations, 1950:Dubai, Commercial Air Agreement,1938;Muscat, Civil Air Agreement and Air Navigation Regulations,1947;Shuwaimiya, 1938;Khor Gharim, 1936;Umm Rasais, Masira [Masirah], 1932;Muscat, Civil Air Agreement, 1935;Sir Bu-Nair [Sir Bu-Nu'air], Sharjah, 1936;Muscat, Air Navigation Regulations, 1935;Kalba, 1936;Ras al Khaimah [R'as al-Khaymah], 1930;Sharjah, 1951 (also in Arabic);Sharjah, 1932;Dibai [Dubai], 1933;Sharjah, 1943;Sir Bani Yas and Abu Dhabi, 1935;Halul, Abu Dhabi, 1936;Bahrein [Bahrain], 1934 (with manuscript corrections);Kuwait, Air Navigation Regulations, 1950;Kuwait, Civil Air Agreement, 1934;Bahrain, 1941.1 file (153 folios)The agreements appear from the front to the rear of the file in the order listed in the Scope and Content section of this catalogue record. There is a list of contents on the inside front cover of the file (folio 1), which is linked to the agreements themselves by reference numbers which appear in blue or red ink (uncircled) in the top right hand corner of the recto page of the first folio of the relevant document.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1 on the front cover of the file (the first folio after the outer cover) and terminates at 155 on the back cover of the file (the last folio before the outer cover). These numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and can be found in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio. There is second, local foliation sequence numbered 242-254 between ff. 86-98.
The volume contains the following two documents:
Convention between the United Kingdom and Turkey respecting the Persian Gulf and adjacent territories, (With Maps), Signed at London, July 29 1913and
Convention between the United Kingdom and Turkey respecting the Boundaries of Aden and of Ottoman Territory in Southern Arabia, (With Maps), Signed at London, March 9 1914, (Ratifications exchanged at London, June 3 1914).The articles of the conventions appear in both French and English in parallel columns.The Arabic content of the volume consists of bilingual English and Arabic place names and in the keys to references, and symbols and abbreviations in the maps on folios 37-40.1 volume (45 folios)There are tables of contents toward the front of both documents, on folio 2 and folio 25.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1A on the front cover and terminates at 47 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. The following foliation anomalies occur: ff. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D. The following pagination ranges occur: ff. 5-6; ff. 35-36. The following folio number is not used: 44. The following folios need to be folded out to be read: ff. 7, 8, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41.
Correspondence between British officials and the Sultan of Muscat concerning the granting of a coaling station to the French at Bandar Jissah which led to the British giving an ultimatum to the Sultan that he cancel the lease to the French otherwise his subsidy would be withdrawn. A letter from the Sultan protests that there is no breach of his agreement with the British. Includes a memorandum by Lieutenant G Wood Robinson, regarding Bandar Jissah harbour and a note on anchorages and harbours on the coast of Oman. Correspondents include Major Christopher Charles George Fagan , Political Agent, Muscat; Faisal bin Turki [Fayṣal bin Turkī], Sultan of Muscat; French Vice-Consul; Political Resident Persian Gulf, India Office, London.1 volume (242 folios)The papers are arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file. At the front of the file there is an index page with topics listed in alphabetical order.Foliation: the foliation system in use is the sequence of numbers appearing in a circle in the top right hand corner of each folio. The file also bears a foliation system of uncircled numbers. Foliation anomaly: 1, 1a (1a being unfoliated).
Correspondence concerning the use of French flags by dhows at Sur and the actions taken by the Sultan of Muscat and the Government of India. Includes a hand drawn map (folio 33) 'Rough sketch of Soor'.Topics covered include:The establishment of a French consulate;Representation of the Sultan of Muscat at the Hague tribunal;British documents relating to the arbitration at the Hague tribunal;Issues involving the slave trade and use of the French flag.Correspondents include Major Percy Zachariah Cox, Political Agent, Muscat; Political Resident Persian Gulf; Louis William Dane, Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department; Quarantine superintendent of the Sultan of Muscat.1 volume (249 folios)The papers are arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file. There is an index at the front of the file.Foliation: The foliaton system in use is the sequence of numbers appearing in a circle in the top right hand corner of each folio.
Correspondence relating to the Hague Arbitration Tribunal which decided on questions referred to it by Great Britain and France concerning the flying of French flags by dhows in Sur. Before the 2nd January 1892 when the Brussels Conference General Act was ratified France was entitled to authorize vessels belonging to subjects of the Sultan of Muscat to fly the French flag only and be bound by French legislative rules. Includes a list of dhows and dhow owners flying the French flag as well as printed copies of the material submitted to the tribunal and the 'Award of the Arbitration Tribunal appointed to decide on the question of the grant of the French flag to Muscat dhows'. Letters discuss the desire of the British to increase the authority of the Sultan of Muscat in Sur.Correspondents include Major William George Grey, Political Agent, Muscat; Percy Zachariah Cox, Political Resident Persian Gulf; Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department; Foreign Office, London; Saiyid Faisal bin Turki [Fayṣal bin Turkī], Sultan of Muscat; Monsieur Laronce, French Consul, Muscat.1 volume (290 folios)The papers are arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file. An index to the file is given.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; these numbers are typed, with additions, clarifications and corrections written in pencil. This sequence can be found in the top right hand corner of the recto side of each folio.
The volume contains copies of correspondence sent to and from the Political Residency, concerning affairs in Muscat during the period 1921 to 1924. The chief correspondents in the file are the Political Resident, Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Prescott Trevor, and the Political Agent Muscat, chiefly Ronald Evelyn Leslie Wingate, incumbent in the post from October 1919 to October 1921, and February to September 1923. The correspondence chiefly concerns economic and domestic affairs at Muscat, as follows:Economic difficulties in Muscat, precipitated by a significant fall in the port’s customs revenue, the state’s main source of income, and options for increasing state revenue through other means, such as taxes and raising customs duties;The loan of six-and-a-half lacs [lakhs] (650,000 rupees), given by the British Government to the Muscat Government, and arrangements for the Muscat Government to open an account with the Imperial Bank of India, to facilitate the repayment of the loan in installments;The efforts of British officials to impose stringent economic policies at Muscat, and on the Sultan of Muscat, Taymūr bin Fayṣal, leading to strained relations between British officials and the Sultan. Records of conversations between Taymūr bin Fayṣal and the Political Resident and the Political Agent Muscat, over the administration of the state, and responsibilities as its ruler;The submission of financial statements for Muscat State, from the Political Agent Muscat to the Political Resident, for forwarding to the Government of India;Arrangements for the education of Taymūr bin Fayṣal’s son, Sa‘īd bin Taymūr, at Mayo College in Ajmer, India;The recruitment of the Indian Assistant at the Bahrain Political Agency, Siddiq Hassan, as a personal tutor for Sa‘īd bin Taymūr at Mayo College, and negotiations for his salary, including a personal allowance from the Sultan, and the permissibility of such an allowance under Government of India regulations;The recruitment of a British financial adviser at Muscat, including the possibilities of retaining the services of a Captain ED McCarthy (Muscat Levy Corps). Upon learning of McCarthy’s intention to remain in the service of the Army, British officials resume their search for a suitable appointment, with a recommendation made by Sir Arnold Wilson of Bertram Thomas, then working in the Palestinian Administration (folios 239-40);Thomas’s appointment as Financial Adviser at Muscat in mid-1924;The movements of Sultan Taymūr bin Fayṣal, his time spent in Muscat, and British officials’ opinions of his attitude to government and his responsibilities as Sultan;The purchase of a house by the Sultan at Dehra Dun [Dēhrādūn] in India, against the wishes of the British Government.1 volume (279 folios)The volume’s contents are arranged in approximate chronological order, from the earliest item at the front to the latest at the end.Foliation: There is one incomplete foliation sequence and one complete sequence. The complete sequence, which should be used for referencing, is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the title page, on number 1, and ends on the inside back cover, on 276. Foliation anomalies: ff.50A-B. The subject file number (35/87) is marked top and centre of most rectos in the file, both handwritten and typewritten.
This file contains correspondence regarding alleged smuggling activities from Kuwait into Iraq. Primarily, the file contains internal correspondence between British officials but it also includes correspondence between British officials and Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ, the ruler of Kuwait.As well as general discussions regarding British attempts to mediate between Iraq and Kuwait, the correspondence also discusses a number of specific incidents including an alleged incursion into Kuwaiti territory made by Iraqi Government armoured cars, the shooting of two Kuwaiti subjects by Iraqi police and shots being fired by Iraqi Customs officials at a Kuwaiti vessel near Warba Island.The file contains a write-up of an interview that took place in September 1934 between Shaikh Aḥmad and Ralph Ponsonby Watts, the acting Political Agent in Kuwait (ff 122-126) as well as a write-up of an informal conversation, that also took place in September 1934, between Percy Gordon Loch, the acting Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Tahsin Beg 'Ali, the Mutasarrif [Governor] of Basrah, and Dr Naji Beg Al Asil, the Director General of Foreign Affairs for the Government of Iraq (ff 127-132).The file also contains a note on Iraqi-Kuwaiti Smuggling written in July 1934 by Trenchard Craven William Fowle, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (ff 65-66) and a bi-lingual Arabic/English copy of suggestions proposed to Shaikh Ahmad by the Government of Iraq in September 1934 (f 145).1 volume (246 folios)The file is arranged in chronological order, from earliest at beginning of the file to most recent at end.Serial numbers in red crayon refer to entries in the notes at the rear of the file.Condition: Formerly a bound correspondence volume, the majority of the file's folios are now loose and unbound.Foliation: The file's foliation is written in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. The foliation sequence, which should be used for referencing, begins with the first item of correspondence, on number 1, and ends on the last folio with text, on number 235. The file contains the following foliation errors: f 115 is followed by f 115A; f 151 is followed by ff 151A-B; the following numbers are missing from the sequence: f 11, f 160.
This file contains correspondence regarding alleged smuggling activities from Kuwait into Iraq. The correspondence discusses a number of topics including incursions into Kuwaiti territory made by Iraqi Customs and Police Forces, arms smuggling, the demarcation of the Kuwait-Iraq frontier, the possibility of Kuwait constructing frontier posts and an idea for the creation of a British-led armed force in Kuwait.Primarily, the file contains internal correspondence between British officials, but it also contains translated copies of correspondence between Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ, the ruler of Kuwait and the British Political Agent in Kuwait, as well as correspondence between the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the British Embassy in Baghdad.1 volume (225 folios)File is arranged in chronological order, from earliest at beginning of the file to most recent at end.Serial numbers in red crayon refer to entries in the notes at the rear of the file.Condition: A bound correspondence volume.Foliation: The file's main foliation sequence commences at the first folio 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 3-89A; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.The file contains the following foliation errors: 2, 2A, and 2B; 89, and 89A and the following folio is omitted: 190.
The volume contains correspondence relating to a meeting between King Faisal of Iraq and King Ibn Sa‘ud of Najd and Hejaz, overseen by the British. The main correspondents are Sidney Webb, Secretary of State for the Colonies, Francis Humphrys, High Commissioner of Iraq, Harold Dickson, Political Agent at Kuwait, Hugh Biscoe, Political Resident at Bushire, the Government of India, British Chargé d'Affaires at Jeddah, Charles Prior, Political Agent at Bahrain, Robert Clive, British Minister at Tehran, Captain Boyes, Commander of the
Triad(at one point Senior Naval Officer in the Persian Gulf), Captain Marr, Commander of the
Patrick Stewart, Captain J. M. Alleyne, Commander of the
Lupin(also at one point Senior Naval Officer), members of the Iraqi Government, and Ibn Sa‘ud.The documents cover the following matters:the planning and preparations for the meeting, including transporting attendees overland and by sea;the costs of the meeting and who will bear them;what subjects are suitable for discussion during the meeting, in particular the repatriation of a rebel leader, Ibn Mashhur;the outcome of the meeting;an unplanned visit to Bahrain by Ibn Sa‘ud, against British wishes.Notable within the volume are the following documents:a report by Alleyne, Senior Naval Officer, on the meeting (folios 164-172);Humphrys' report on the meeting (folios 182-84);a translation of an article in the Najd and Hejaz newspaper
Umm al-Qura,dated 28 November 1930, that contains a detailed account of the meeting (folios 192-98).Folios 199-201 are internal office notes.1 volume (208 folios)The volume is arranged chronologically.Foliation: the main foliation sequence runs from front to back (excluding covers), with encircled, pencilled numbers written in the top right corner of each folio. Foliation anomalies: 1, 1A, 1B, 1C; 104, 104A. An earlier and intermittent foliation sequence appears in the same position, in which the numbers are not circled.
The volume contains letters, telegrams, and memorandums pertaining to Anglo-Turkish negotiations brought on by the Baghdad Railway and particularly the extension to Basra. Correspondents include: Percy Cox, Political Resident at Bushire, William Shakespear, Political Agent at Kuwait, Edward Grey, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Louis Mallet, Assistant Under-secretary of State for Near and Middle Eastern Affairs, Charles Marling, British Ambassador to Persia, Gerard Lowther, British Ambassador to Constantinople, George Buchanan, British Ambassador to Russia, Admiral Edmond Slade, the Board of Trade, the Government of India, the India Office, and several private companies, including Trans-Atlantic Trust Company, Anglo-Persian Oil Company, Imperial Ottoman Bank, and Imperial Persian Bank.The form of the negotiations was a series of memorandums containing proposals and counter-proposals. The issues and subjects discussed are:ownership and control of the line;custom duty increases in the region;navigation of the Shatt al-Arab, including the establishment of a commission to oversee this;transport of railway materials by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers;delimitation of the Turkish-Persian border;status and territorial limit of Kuwait;other Gulf matters, including the statuses of Bahrain and Qatar, the suppression of arms traffic, piracy, and slavery, and the protection of pearl fisheries.Folios 261-262 are a map showing the proposed territorial limits of Kuwait.1 volume (268 folios)The volume is arranged chronologically. At the beginning (ff. 3-4) is a subject index, in no particular order but grouped under several broad headings. The numbers refer to folio numbers from the secondary, earlier sequence.Foliation: The volume is foliated from the front cover to the inside back cover, using circled pencil numbers positioned in the top-right corner of each recto. There are two earlier foliation systems running through parts of the volume. The first uses uncircled pencil numbers in the top-right corner of recto pages, and the top-left corner of verso pages. This foliation system numbers pages if they have content on them, which is the case for all rectos and some versos. This foliation system appears intermittently through most of the volume. The other foliation system uses circled blue pencil numbers in the top-right corner of recto pages, and appears from folios 5 to 42. Numerous printed materials contained in the volume have their own internal pagination systems. The following foliation irregularities occur: 1a, 34a, 51B, 219B, 250B.
The volume contains correspondence, memorandums, maps and newspaper cuttings relating to a proposed Baghdad to Basra railway, an extension of the German Berlin to Baghdad Railway. Correspondents include: Percy Cox, Political Resident at Bushire, William Shakespear, Political Agent at Kuwait, Edward Grey, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Francis Bertie, British Ambassador to France, Louis Mallet, Assistant Under-secretary of State for Near and Middle Eastern Affairs, Arthur Nicolson, Permanent Under-secretary for Foreign Affairs, Gerard Lowther, British Ambassador to Constantinople, George Buchanan, British Ambassador to Russia, Edward Goschen, British Ambassador to Berlin, the Board of Trade, William Graham Greene, Permanent Secretary to the Board of Admiralty, the Government of India, the India Office, and Sheikh Mubarak of Kuwait.The volume covers the discussion over various matters, with numerous draft conventions and agreements sent back and forth between the various governmental offices and departments. Documents relating to Cox's successful attempts to obtain the acceptance of the agreement from Sheikh Khazal of Mohammerah and Sheikh Mubarak of Kuwait are also included. The issues discussed as matters for agreement with Turkey include:the status of Kuwait, including territorial limits and relations with Britain and Ottoman Turkey;the conservancy of the Shatt al-Arab, including the establishment of a Navigation Commission;the ownership and control of the Baghdad Railway and the question of its extension beyond Basra;the boundary between Turkish Arabia and Persia;other Persian Gulf matters such as Turkish power and influence in Katr [Qatar] and Bahrain.Other subjects that feature are Sheikh Mubarak's temporary illness, and reports of the dispatch of Turkish troops to Qatar, contrary to agreements.1 volume (355 folios)The volume is arranged chronologically.Foliation: The volume is foliated from the front cover to the inside back cover, using circled pencil numbers in the top-right corner of recto pages. There is an earlier foliation system that runs through the volume, using pencil numbers in the top-right corner of recto pages, as well as the top-left corner of any verso pages bearing written or printed matter.The following anomalies occur: 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 104b, 278a.The following folios are foldouts: 1 (attached to inside front cover), 14, 15, 25, 46, 66, 82, 83, 89, 92, 125, 126, 208, 218-22, 231, 294, 338, 340.
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 file contains correspondence, telegrams, statements, and memoranda regarding incidents of arms and ammunition smuggling in Kuwait.The file contains: lists of arms and ammunition smuggled; lists of people purchasing arms and ammunition in Kuwait in 1919-1920; 'Report of the Conference held at Karachi in August 1921 on the Arms Traffic in the Persian Gulf' (folios 62-65), containing details on routes via sea and land and on the principal outlets for arms smuggling in the area. The file also contains a printed copy of the 1919
Convention for the Control of the Trade in Arms and Ammunition and Protocol, in English and French (folios 166-183).The principal correspondents are: British India Steam Navigation Company; the Ruler of Kuwait, Shaikh Salim bin Mubarak Al Sabah; the High Commissioner for Iraq in Baghdad; the Intelligence Officer in the Persian Gulf, at Bushire; and the Political Agent in Kuwait.There are numerous letters and statements in Arabic within the file, mostly correspondence with the Ruler of Kuwait, sometimes with English translation. The file also contains letters and reports in French, from the Bushire Customs.1 file (225 folios)The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file. There is an index at the end of the file, on folio 226. The index contains names of people and subjects which appear in the file, and folio numbers referring to the additional foliation.Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 227; 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 2-225; 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.
Correspondence relating to negotiations over revisions in the tariff questions relating to the proposed tarrif treaty with Muscat. Includes correspondence relating to negotiations with France, United States, Irish Free State and Canada. Arabic terminology is discussed relating to alcohol and tobacco and the Sultan's understanding of specific terms in English relating to alcohol such as "under proof". Also contains a number of letters in Arabic with translations in English from Said bin Taimur [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr], Sultan of Muscat; a few letters in French from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the British Embassy, Muscat.An annex to the file (35/146) consists of printed confidential letters, 1929-1930, relevant to the finances of the sultanate.Correspondents include Said bin Taimur [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr], Sultan of Muscat; Percy Gordon Loch, Political Resident Persian Gulf; Major Ralph Ponsonby Watts, Political Agent Muscat; Major Claude Edward U Bremner, Political Agent Muscat; John Charles Walton, India Office, Whitehall. Alfred Wiseman, Dominions Office, London; Maurice J Clauson, India Office, London.1 file (211 folios)The 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.Foliation errors: 1, 1A and 1B. Foliation omissions: 145 and 148
This file consists of correspondence between British officials in Bushire, Sharjah, Tehran and Simla. The main correspondents include: the Political Resident Persian Gulf, Senior Naval Officer Persian Gulf; Minister for Foreign Affairs of Persian Government.The file includes reports on two dhows that left Ajman on the Trucial Coast with food for pearl banks. They were stopped by the Persian Customs Director at Farur who confiscated rupees and pearls; it ordered the second dhow to proceed to Lingah with police on board. The dhow returned to Ajman and the Shaikh imprisoned the police; only the presence of a British ship prevented Ajman from sending an armed force. The Political Resident Persian Gulf noted that it was 'undesirable that Persian officials should correspond with Trucial Shaikhs'. Following discussions with the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Persian Government the matter was resolved and arrangements made for the Persian Custom Authorities at Bushire for transfer of the confiscated rupees. The file includes the Shaikh of Ajman's original letter in Arabic to the Residency Agent, Sharjah and English translation.1 volume (89 folios)Foliation: The foliation sequence consists of pencil numbers located in the top right corner of each folio. Foliation begins at the first telegram on number 1 and runs through to 89, ending on the inside of the back cover of the volume. Foliation omission: There is no folio 10.
The file concerns publicity about Bahrain in newspapers and journals, much of it of a sensitive or critical nature. The sources of the articles are the British and Indian press, the European press (Italian and German newspapers), and the Arabic press (based in Iraq, Egypt, and Syria). The transcripts of articles from the Arabic language press appear in English translations. The transcripts of articles and press summaries are accompanied by correspondence from British officials (especially the Political Agent, Bahrain and the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf), Charles Dalrymple Belgrave, Adviser to the Bahrain Government, and other officials.The papers include:correspondence between Lieutenant-Colonel Percy Gordon Loch, Political Agent, Bahrain, Lieutenant-Colonel Trenchard Craven William Fowle, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, and William Arthur Moore, editor of the
Statesman, Calcutta, dated January - February 1934 and November - January 1935 concerning a proposal that Moore come to Bahrain in 1935 in order to write a series of articles about the Persian Gulf;correspondence relating to the correction of an inaccuracy in an article entitled 'Persian Gulf Oil Wells' published in the
Observerof 15 April 1934, dated May - July 1934;papers relating to an anonymous article critical of Belgrave in the
AlShababnewspaper of Cairo dated 6 October 1937 entitled 'The Country of Bahrain: What Befell her through Colonisation', including attempts to identify the author of the article, November 1937 and August - September 1938, discussion of counter-propaganda, December 1937 - February 1938, and four 'counter-propaganda' articles by Belgrave for insertion in the Arabic press entitled 'Bahrain and what is Said about it', February 1938;papers concerning an extract from the
Bombay Chronicledated 3 January 1938 containing a letter entitled 'Plight of Indians in Bahrain Petroleum Company', in which seven Indian employees had made complaints about working conditions, pay, and accommodation at the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), February - July 1938;press agency reports issued by L'Orient Arabe, Cairo containing details of articles in the Arabic press relating to the Persian Gulf, July - September 1938;translation of anonymous article published in
Al-Rabita El-Arabiahdated 31 August 1938 entitled 'People of Bahrain are Displeased with the Bad Administration of the British Authority';translation of article that appeared in the
Frankfurter Zeitungof 7 August 1938 entitled 'On the Bahrain Islands: the Play for Oil and Power in the Persian Gulf'.The Arabic and French language content of the file is confined to letterheads of L'Orient Arabe, Cairo, apart from an Arabic version of the pseudonym 'Young Man' at the end of the letter on folio 52.The last item of correspondence in the main body of the file is dated 21 September 1938. The closing date in the overall date range is supplied by a note on that item dated 15 November [1938].1 file (316 folios)The papers are arranged in chronological order from the front to the rear of the file. Occasional serial numbers in pencil and red crayon in the top right hand corner of the recto page of folios refer to entries in the notes at the rear of the file.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1 on the fourth folio after the front cover (the first bearing text) and terminates at 310 on the fourth before the back cover (the last bearing text). The numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and appear in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio. Foliation anomaly: ff. 58, 58A. The following folios need to be folded out (to almost A3 size) to be read: ff. 37, 38. In addition, a second, incomplete foliation sequence runs from 31-277 (ff. 39-285). These numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and appear in the same position as the main sequence.
Correspondence discusses visits of foreign warships to Bahrain. Topics discussed include:Visit in 1935 of French warship "Bougainville" with Admiral Rivet on board and protocol in terms of gun salutes, uniforms worn, and programme of exchange of calls and dinner arrangements. Includes hand-written note (folio 20A) in French from Rear-Admiral Rive, arrangements for delivery of fish and vegetables to the warship, and a report on the visit. Also notes from Charles Dalrymple Belgrave to Colonel Loch about three pictures (not in file) of the French man-of-war by local artists.Arrangements for a visit of a French sloop "d'Iberville" in 1937 calling at Bahrain, Kuwait, Muscat and Aden. The vessel carried a hydroplane and flew the flag of Rear-Admiral Fernet commanding la Division Navale du Levant. Correspondence includes the list of attendees for a party at the Agency the seating plan of the dinner party for Contre-Amiral Fernet (folio 96). Correspondence discusses how to avoid an unarranged visit to the Trucial Coast. Arrangements were made for Rear-Amiral Fernet to go round the Bahrain Petroleum Company oil field.Arrangements for a visit in 1939 of the French sloop "d'Iberville" with Rear-Admiral Carpentier, Commandant la Division Navale du Levant.Correspondents include: Colonel G. Loch, Political Resident Persian Gulf; Political Agent, Bahrain; Assistant Political Agent, Bahrain; Shaikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifah, Ruler of Bahrain; Senior Naval Officer Persian Gulf; Rear-Admiral Rivent, Commandant la Division Navale du Levant; Political Agent, Kuwait; Charles Dalrymple Belgrave, Adviser, Bahrain Government; C W Baxter, Foreign Office, London; M J Clauson, India Office, London; J S Black, Chief Local Representative, The Bahrain Petroleum Company; Director of Customs and Port Officer, Bahrain.1 volume (161 folios)The papers are arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file.
This volume contains correspondence predominantly between Major W G Grey, Officiating Political Agent; Percy Zachariah Cox, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire; the Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department; and A Barnett Barker, Lieutenant-Commander, HMS
Lapwing; and Fayṣal bin Turkī Āl Bū Sa‘īd, the Sultan of Muscat. The volume primarily concerns a dispute between Great Britain and France with regards to the flying of the French flag by Muscat dhow boats, resulting in arbitration by the Hague Tribunal. Subjects discussed within the volume include:The case of a British ship (HMS
Terpsichore) boarding a vessel flying the French flag (folios 320-324);The French Consul's visit (folio 76);A landing at Gwadar in 1896 by the Perso-Baluch Boundary Commission without reference to the Sultan of Muscat (folios 111, 119);The objection to the inclusion of the Sultan in the Hague Arbitration (folio 7) and selection of members for the Hague Arbitration (folio 14);The captain Ali bin Salim Walad Taib [‘Alī bin Sālim Walad Tayyib?] (folio 289);Boundaries of Muscat as given for the Hague Arbitration (folios 168, 231, 266);Instructions that the Political Agent should not interfere with French consul's visit (folio 76);The case of ‘Abd al-Ḥasan bin ‘Abdullāh, known as Habluk (folio 67-68);The treatment of the Khoja's (f. 42); Nasib bin Muhammad [Naṣīb bin Muḥammad] (folio 67);The naval contractor and French protection (folio 60);Russian interests (folio 17);Question of the flag on Telegraph Island off Musandam (folios 201, 27);Boundaries with Ras-el-Khaimah (Ras al-Khaymah)and Shargah (Sharjah) (folio 200); slave trade under French flag (folio 320).Documents of particular interest include:Agreements between the United Kingdom and France referring to Arbitration: the Question of the Grant of the French Flag to Muscat Dhow, February 1905 (folios 1C-4);Memorandum regarding the history of the Khoja Community now in Oman (folios 39-45); letters of Faysal bin Turki Al Bu Said (folios 47, 53-54);Documents concerning the interpretation of a 15 June 1900 (16 Ṣafar 1318) notification (
‘ilān) in Arabic by Faysal bin Turki regarding flying flags of foreign governments (folios 134-144, 179-186);'List of dhow owners supposed by French to be under their protection' (folios 177-178);And Nine separate notes in reply to various statements made in the French case for the Hague Tribunal (folios 204-233);'Foreign Department Notes. Limits of the Sultanate of Muscat', by John Gordon Lorimer, dated 22 March 1905 (folios 267-268)1 volume (332 folios)The file has an index on folio 328.Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the cover and terminates at the final folio; these numbers are typed, with additions/clarifications/corrections in ink and pencil, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Foliation errors: 1, 1A, 1B and 1C; 42 and 42A. Fold out folios: 36, 53-54, 93 and 93A; 138; 183; 185.
Correspondence relating to negotiations over revisions in the tariff questions relating to the proposed tariff treaty with Muscat. Includes correspondence relating to negotiations with France, United States, Irish Free State and Canada, as well as, letters in Arabic with translations in English from Taimur bin Faisal [Taymūr bin Fayṣal], Sultan of Muscat, giving full powers in representing him in the negotiations.Correspondents include Taimur bin Faisal, Sultan of Muscat; Trenchard Craven Fowle, Political Resident, Persian Gulf; Major Ralph Ponsonby Watts, Political Agent Muscat; Major Claude Edward U Bremner, Political Agent Muscat; John Charles Walton, India Office, Whitehall. A. Wiseman, Dominions Office, London; Maurice J Clauson, India Office, London; Henry Lewis Stimson, Secretary of State of the United States, Washington.1 file (234 folios)Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the first folio 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. A second foliation/pagination sequence briefly runs between ff 207-211A; these numbers are written in blue crayon, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence. Circled index numbers written in red crayon can also be found throughout the volume. Foliation errors: 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E; 9 and 9A; 10 and 10A; 15 and 15A; 23 and 23A; 41 and 41A; 68 and 68A; 177 and 177A, 211 and 211A Foliation omissions: 25
The file contains transcripts and reports of press articles on Bahrain and the Persian Gulf, and associated correspondence. Much of the press is critical of the Government of Bahrain and the British administration there. The sources for the press articles are mainly the Arabic and French language press of Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Bahrain itself, but there are also articles from German, United States, and Indian publications. The Arabic and French articles are mostly provided by L'Orient Arabe press agency of Cairo, Egypt. The associated correspondence is mostly from Hugh Weightman, Political Agent, Bahrain, Lieutenant-Colonel Trenchard Craven William Fowle, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, and Charles Dalrymple Belgrave, Adviser to the Government of Bahrain. There is also correspondence from other British officials in the Middle East, the India Office, the Foreign Office, and officials of the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO).The file includes papers relating to articles in the
Al Bahrainnewspaper of Bahrain, March -May 1939, and September 1939, including letters from Belgrave and British officials expressing criticism of the paper and the need to impose censorship.The Arabic and French language content of the file consists of letterheads and reports of L'Orient Arabe.The starting date of the overall date range is provided by the covering letter for the translation of an article that was published on 2 November 1938, and the end date of the overall date range is provided by an entry in the notes at the end of the file.1 file (362 folios)The papers are arranged in chronological order from the front to the rear of the file. Circled serial numbers written in pencil and red crayon or ink can be found throughout, but do not refer to the existing notes at the rear of the file.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1 on the front cover and terminates at 363 on the back cover. The numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and can be found in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio. Foliation anomaly: ff. 1, 1A. A second, incomplete foliation sequence numbered 340-364 appears between ff. 338-362. The numbers are written in pencil, but are not enclosed in a circle, and appear in the same position as the main sequence.
Correspondence related to the distribution of the text of the General Act of the Brussels Conference of 1890 throughout the Persian Gulf region. The English version of the Act is on folios 32-37. William Lee-Warner, Secretary to the Government of India in Bombay, sent Adelbert Talbot (Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, 1891-93) 100 copies of the Act in Persian (folios 5-19), and 100 in Arabic, for distribution to the Political Agencies on the Persian and Arab coasts of the Gulf respectively. Talbot sent 25 copies of the Persian translation of the Act to his Political Agent in Bandar-e Lengeh, and a further 25 copies to the Agent of the British India Steam Navigation Co. (Gray Paul & Co.) at Bandar-e Abbas. The Governor of Turkish Arabistan, Nizam-es-Sultaneh was critical of the distributed Persian translation of the Act, which had been produced under the authority of British Government staff in Bombay. In response Talbot commissioned and distributed a new translation (folios 73-88), produced under his authority at the Political Residency in Bushire.1 volume (137 folios)The contents of the volume have been arranged chronologically, with the earliest documents at the front, and the latest at the rear.Foliation: The volume has been foliated with small circled numbers in the top right corner of each front-facing page. The front cover has been foliated 1, then there are two unfoliated pages, before foliation restarts at 2 on the title sheet. After the title sheet and contents page (folio 4) there are a further three unfoliated blank pages before foliation restarts on the first piece of correspondence.). Folio 100 is missing.
The file contains correspondence and other papers related to Persia's withdrawal of claims to sovereignty over Bahrain. The majority of the file's correspondence takes place between the Foreign Secretary to the Government of India, the Political Resident (Lieutenant-Colonel Cyril Barrett until November 1929), and the Political Agent at Bahrain (Geoffrey Prior).The withdrawal of Persian claims over Bahrain raised a number of implications for British representatives in the Gulf, and these comprise the contents of the file. The main implications were: the treatment of Persian subjects in Bahrain; British representation of Persian subjects in Bahrain; the question of whether there should be an official or non-official Persian representative in Bahrain (which both the Resident and Political Agent were strongly objected to); and passports and certificates of identity for Bahrainis travelling within and beyond the Gulf.In response to a request from Barrett, Prior compiled detailed notes on the Persian communities in Bahrain. His official typewritten response (with handwritten notes) are included in the file (folios 43-47, 48-56). These notes include comments on Persian Sunnis and Shias in Bahrain, their relations with the Āl Khalīfah family, animosity between Nejdis [Saudis] and Persians, Persian schools and property in Bahrain, and the Political Agency's ability to represent Persians in Bahrain. Further notes on the Persian communities, sent to Prior by the Advisor to the Bahrain Government, Charles Dalrymple-Belgrave, are also included (folios 60-61A). A letter in English and Arabic, from Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah to Prior, dated 23 April 1930, is an undertaking not to attack Persian sovereignty or to violate Persian independence (folios 67-68).1 file (73 folios)The contents of the file have been arranged in approximate chronological order, running from the earliest items at the front of the file to the latest at the end.Foliation: The file is foliated from the front cover to the inside back cover, using pencil numbers in the top-right corner of each recto. The following foliation anomalies occur: 1a, 1b, 61a. There is no folio 1.There is minor insect damage throughout the file, which is not sufficient enough to impair the legibility of the file contents.
This file contains correspondence between British officials (primarily from the Foreign Office and the India Office) concerning two interrelated topics; the Persian Government's claim to sovereignty over Bahrain and discussions over whether or not Bahrain should be considered part of the British Empire for the purposes of the Import Duties Act of 1932.The file contains two memoranda concerning the history of Bahrain:1) 'Historical Memorandum on Bahrein' written by J G Laithwaite of the India Office, 1934 (ff 11-34); 2) 'The History of the Bahrein Islands' written by the Foreign Office Research Department, 1945 (ff 217-218).A number of translations and cuttings of press articles related to the sovereignty of Bahrain (in Faris, Arabic, French and English) are contained in the file.The file also contains letters in Arabic (with English translations) from the rulers of Qatar (f 155), Bahrain (f 157), Umm al-Quwain (f 165) and Abu Dhabi (f 169), sent to the British Political Agent in Bahrain in response to a letter informing them that their territories were to be granted 'imperial preference' as per the Import Duties Act, 1932 (f 154).1 file (249 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 4-230; 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 superceeded and therefore crossed out.
The file contains correspondence related to the negotiation of new or continuing civil air agreements between British Government representatives and the Sheikhs of Bahrain, Qatar and the Trucial States. The main correspondents in the file are the Political Agent in Bahrain (Major Arnold Crawshaw Galloway until July 1946, thereafter Hugh Rance), and the Political Resident of the Persian Gulf (Sir Geoffrey Prior until November 1945, Sir Rupert Hay thereafter).The file begins with correspondence related to negotiations for the continuance of the Civil Air Agreement already in place between the British Government/British Overseas Air Corporation (BOAC) and the Government of Bahrain (see 'File 13/1 I Aerodrome at Bahrain' IOR/R/15/2/505 for the original agreement). Notes from a meeting that took place at the India Office in London on 9 October 1945, outline the British Government's reasons for wishing to extend the Agreement by seven years (folio 9).Subsequent correspondence in the file relates to a number of new air routes proposed between Europe and India/Asia, which would entail increasing numbers of international aircraft passing over or refuelling on the Arab Gulf coast. These airlines included Transcontinental and Western Airlines (TWA), Air France, Morton Air Services Limited, and Dalmia Jain Airways. The Chicago Convention, an international code intended to coordinate and regulate international air travel, had been signed on 7 December 1944. Amongst its provisions was the need to accord equal rights to all aircraft flying over foreign territories. In response to the convention, the British Government had to seek the Arab coast sheikhs' agreement to conform to the Chicago code, in order to permit airlines such as TWA and Air France the right to fly over or land in the dominions. Copies of the letters sent by Galloway to the various sheikhs are included in the file (folios 41-48), along with the sheikhs' replies (folios 61-66, 70-71, 73-80). The file also includes a printed copy of an agreement between the British and French Governments relating to air transport between British and French territories, issued on 28 February 1946 (folios 129-140), and reports of TWA's plans to fly to Bombay via Saudi Arabia (folio 184).1 file (212 folios)The contents of the file have been arranged in approximate chronological order, running from the earliest items at the front of the file to the latest at the end.There is a set of office notes at the end of the file (folios 199-213) which mirrors the chronological arrangement. The office notes comprise a numbered list of items contained in the volume. Each item is written in red or blue/black ink, dependent on whether it refers to an incoming (red) or outgoing (blue/black) piece of correspondence. The list references items in the file, marked either with corresponding red or blue numbers.Foliation: The main foliation system starts on the front cover of the file, and runs to the inside back cover. It uses circled pencil numbers in the top-right corner of each recto. There is a second foliation system which uses uncircled numbers, also in the top-right corner of each folio. This foliation system runs through most of the volume, merging occasionally with the main foliation system. Some items in the file are marked with circled red or blue crayon numbers, which constitute part of the original filing arrangement. Blue numbers are used for outgoing correspondence, red numbers for incoming correspondence.Folio 66 is a fold-out.
The volume comprises correspondence relating to requests from foreign airlines – chiefly the Dutch company Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij (KLM) and Air France – to use the air route following the Arab coast of the Persian Gulf, and its aerodrome facilities at Bahrain, Gwadur [Gwādar, then a possession of the Sultan of Muscat], and Sharjah. The principal correspondents in the file are Lieutenant-Colonel Percy Gordon Loch, Political Agent in Bahrain, and George William Rendel, Head of the Eastern Department at the Foreign Office.Specific events and topics covered in the volume include:An official request by KLM to the British Government to fly aircraft on their Amsterdam to Batavia [Jakarta] route over Bahrain (ff 98-109), emergency landings made by two KLM aircraft at Bahrain not covered by the original authorisation (ff 62-87), and further authorisation requests as a result of enlargements to the Amsterdam to Batavia fleet;Foreign Office discussion over Bahrain’s status in relation to Britain, with regard to the International Convention Relating to the Regulation of Aerial Navigation (or Paris Convention of 1919, ff 27-31);An official request by the French Ambassador to the British Government for the French airline Air Orient to use civil air facilities in the Gulf;The arrival in Bahrain of a French director of the Iraq Petroleum Company (Monsieur Montaigu), who had arrived from Basra by air without seeking prior permission to land, the subsequent formal complaint made by Government of Bahrain, and official investigation into the incident, including the aircraft’s original passenger list (f 72);The presence in the Gulf of a French intelligence officer (Captain Albert de Boucheman), understood by British officials to be in the region on behalf of Air France (ff 162-163, 165, 169-170);Official permission for the Czech businessman Jan Antonín Bat’a to fly over the Gulf (ff 157-159).1 volume (222 folios)The volume’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 volume/file (ff 210-226) mirror the chronological arrangement.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. Two additional foliation sequences are also present between ff 6-209 and ff 210-220; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence.
Correspondence relating to the mining of red oxide on Abu Musa island. Correspondence topics include:The Second British Memorandum, December 1911 (printed copy).The migration of the Sudanese community from Sirri to Abu Musa.The activities of the German company Wonckhaus which was not permited to ship oxide from the pit-head but permitted to remove all oxide already mined.Letters discuss the view of the Political Resident Persian Gulf that no further concessions be given to Wonckhaus.Correspondents include the Political Resident Persian Gulf; the Foreign Office, London; India Office, London; H. Listermann, German Consulate, Bushire; Shaikh Sagar bin Khalid, Chief of Sharjah; Residency Agent, Sharjah; H.M. Vice-Consul and Assistant Resident, Lingah.1 volume (188 folios)The papers are arranged chronologically from the front to the rear of the file.Foliation: the foliation system in use is the sequence of numbers appearing in a circle in the top right hand corner of each page.
This file contains correspondence between British officials in Bushire, Bahrain and India regarding the Persian government's claim of sovereignty over the island of Bahrain. The broader historical context of Persia's claim to the territory is outlined in detail in the documents.The likelihood of the Persian claim being taken to the League of Nations is discussed as is the alleged role of Russian support in encouraging the Persian government to push their claim.Correspondence regarding Persian 'agitation' and propaganda efforts on the island are also contained in the file, including a translation of an article published in a Persian newspaper criticising Britain and supporting the Persian goverment's claim to Bahrain.1 volume (235 folios)File is arranged in chronological order, from earliest at beginning of the file to most recent at end.An index of topics covered in the file is contained on folio 2 and uses the uncircled foliation system.Originally a bound correspondence volume, the file's sheets have been unbound and are now loose. Foliation starts on first page with writing (2nd folio in volume). Small encircled numbers in pencil on top right corner of recto. Correspondence in Arabic (f.185-f.187) is foliated on verso. There are two foliation errors: f.108A and f.108B; f.198A and f.198B.The 4 blank pages after f.223 are not foliated. Additional pagination starts with page 1 on f.4. In this system, only pages with writing are counted.
The volume contains correspondence relating to the traffic of private aircraft through the Persian Gulf region. The correspondents include:Political Agent at Bahrain;Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire;British Consulate at Mohammerah [Khorramshahr];Government of India, Political and Foreign Departments;British Embassy at Baghdad;Air Officer Commanding, Hinaidi, Iraq;Foreign Office;Senior Naval Officer, Persian Gulf;Sir Charles Dalrymple Belgrave, Adviser to the Government of Bahrain;Political Agent, Muscat.Also included as enclosures are letters from Shaikh Hamad bin Isa al Khalifah [Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah], the British Embassy at Alexandria, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cairo, and the French Embassy in London.The papers cover the British effort to get a general ban on private aircraft flying over or landing in Bahrain and Muscat. Also included are the papers relating to permission for specific flights, including those of the following people:Maurice Wilson (British), travelling to India and then Mount Everest;R N Chawla (Indian), travelling around the world;Lord Sempill (British), travelling to Baghdad;Hassan Anis Pasha (Egyptian), travelling around the Arabian Peninsula;Amelia Earhart (American), travelling from Karachi to Aden;M and Mme Genin (French), travelling to Saigon;André Gueit and Jean Laurent (French), travelling to Saigon.Folios 134-41 are internal office notes.1 volume (142 folios)The volume is arranged in chronological order.Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 144; 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 5-133 and between ff 134-141; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence.
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.
This file contains correspondence, promotional material and other documents related to the British Industries Fair (BIF) in London and other similar events in London, including a mechanical handling conference (1948) and an engineering and marine exhibition (1949).The file contains a number of invitations to attend the fair that were sent to prominent merchants in Bahrain by the Political Agency in Bahrain as well as replies sent back by these merchants. Much of this correspondence is in Arabic (with English translations).The file also contains promotional material related to the BIF and other events including the following:a pamphlet written by Malcolm Logan entitled 'Story of the B.I.F.' The pamphlet is in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese (folios 142-149);two posters for the Mechanical Handling Conference in London 1948, one in French (folio 151) and one in English (folio 152);a pamphlet entitled 'Background to the B.I.F.' (folios 203-210).1 file (256 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 256; 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 4-117; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled (except for a few circled numbers which have been crossed out).
This file contains correspondence between various British officials (and correspondence directly between British officials and members of the Al Sabah ruling family of Kuwait including Shaikh Mubārak Āl Ṣabāḥ) concerning the nature of the relationship between the British Government and Kuwait.This correspondence discusses whether or not Kuwait should be made a British protectorate and Kuwait's relationship with the Ottoman state and other foreign powers. A copy and translation (into English) of a secret agreement made between Shaikh Mubārak and the British government is contained on folios 42-43.The recognition of Shaikh Mubārak as ruler of Kuwait (Mubārak murdered the previous ruler, his brother Mohammed, in 1896) is also discussed.The file also contains detailed correspondence regarding a scheme, proposed by a Russian named Count Kapnist, to construct a railway line between Tripoli and Kuwait.1 volume (280 folios)File is arranged in chronological order, from earliest at beginning of the file to most recent at end. An index of topics discussed in the file is contained on ff 1a-2. The page numbers used in this index relate to the foliation sequence in the file that is printed with a mechanical stamp.Condition: Formerly a bound volume, the file's sheets have been unbound and are now loose.Foliation: The volume is foliated from the front cover to the inside back cover, using pencil numbers in the top-right corner of each recto. There is an earlier, possibly original, foliation sequence that runs through the volume, using a mechanical stamp.The following foliation anomalies occur: 1a, 163a, 163b. Folios 258 and 259 are in reverse arrangement.
This file contains correspondence between British officials regarding political affairs in Kuwait and its vicinity. The correspondence discusses developments in the conflict between Abdul Aziz ibn Abdulrahman ibn Faisal Al Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd (Ibn Saud)] and the ruler of the Emirate of Jabal Shammar, Mut-ab Ibn Abdul Aziz [Mit‘ab bin ‘Abd al-‘Azīz]. The murder of Mut-ab by his uncle Sultan is reported in the file on folio 54 and a detailed account of the killing is contained on folio 103. The subsequent murder of Sultan is also reported in the file on folios 230-232.Throughout the file, the correspondence discusses the rise in power of Ibn Saud (and the relative decline of the Rashidi tribal dynasty) and Ibn Saud's desire - often expressed through Shaikh Mubārak Āl Ṣabāḥ, the ruler of Kuwait - to form a closer relationship with the British Government.On folios 145-191, the file contains a detailed report written by the British Political Agent in Kuwait, Stuart George Knox concerning a trip he made to the village of Anta'a in February 1908.The file contains an English translation of a pamphlet produced by Suleiman Bassam, a prominent merchant in Mecca said to be a strong supporter of the Rashidis and an opponent of Ibn Saud. The pamphlet contains a history of the Rashidi tribal dynasty and information about the Emirate of Jabal Shammar.The file also contains copies of correspondence sent between the Ottoman Governor (Vali) of Basrah and Shaikh Mubārak as well as a report written by William Henry Irvine Shakespear, Knox's successor as Political Agent in Kuwait, after he had met Ibn Saud in Kuwait in February 1910.1 file (335 folios)The file is arranged in chronological order, from earliest at beginning of the file to most recent at end.An index of the topics discussed in the file is contained on folio 2. The numbers listed in this index relate to the foliation sequence that uses a mechanical stamp (and starts on folio 3).Condition: Previously a bound correspondence volume, the file's sheets have been unbound and are now loose.Foliation: The volume has been foliated from the first page of text in the volume until to the inside back cover using circled pencil numbers in the top right-corner of each recto. There is an earlier, possibly original, foliation sequence that runs through the volume, which uses a mechanical stamp. There is also an original pagination system which runs through the volume, using blue or red pencil numbers in the top-right corner of recto pages, and the top-left corner of verso pages.
The file contains letters, telegrams, memorandums, and maps relating to Anglo-Turkish negotiations over the Baghdad Railway, the status of Kuwait, and other Persian Gulf matters. The correspondence is between Percy Cox, Political Resident at Bushire, William Shakespear, Political Agent at Kuwait, the Government of India, the India Office in London, Louis Mallet, Under-secretary of State for Near and Middle Eastern Affairs, Arthur Trevor, Political Agent at Bahrain, Shaikh Abdalla bin Jasim bin Thani [[Jāsim bin Muḥammad Āl Thānī], Chief of Katar [Qatar], the Government of India, Sheikh Khazal [Khaz‘al al-Ka‘bi], ruler of Mohammerah, Sheikh Mubarak al-Sabah, ruler of Kuwait, and the Foreign Office, in London.The file contains drafts and counter-drafts of an agreement to be eventually signed by the British and the Ottoman Turks. Included is correspondence relating to Percy Cox's attempts to obtain Sheikh Khaz‘al's and Sheikh Mubarak's agreement to the draft agreement, and to concern over the status of Qatar, including the presence of the Turkish Garrison there.Folio 27 is a list of the sons of Sheikh Jasim, the late ruler of Qatar.1 file (42 folios)The file is arranged chronologically.Foliation: The file is foliated from the front cover to the inside back cover, using circled pencil numbers in the top-right corner of recto pages. There is an earlier foliation system that runs through the file, using pencil numbers in the top-right corner of recto pages, as well as the top-left corner of any verso pages bearing written or printed matter.The following anomalies occur: 1a, 11a.The following folios are foldouts: 19, 20, 26, 38, 42a.
This file contains correspondence between the British Political Agent at Bahrain; the British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire; ‘Abd al-Ḥusayn, the interpreter of the British Political Agency at Bahrain; Jāsim al-Chirāwī; Shaikh ‘Īsá bin ‘Alī Āl Khalīfah, ruler of Bahrain; and Seth Rao Sahib Tirathdas Maharaj, Director of Customs at Bahrain. These papers concern the issuing of clearance certificates in the context of the Tangistan blockade in 1916 which prohibited boats leaving Bahrain without obtaining permission from the Political Agent and other miscellaneous issues regarding shipping and smuggling.1 file (76 folios)This file is arranged approximately in chronological order.Foliation: The foliation system starts at the front cover and continues through to the back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled and may be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
The file contains correspondence in the form of letters, notes, pedigrees, news extracts and telegrams. The correspondence is mainly related to the ruling family in Kuwait. Reports were sent between the Political Agency, Kuwait and the Political Residency, Bushire regarding the following: political and social news in Kuwait; events concerning the al-Subah family (death, marriage or illness); news of Shaikh Mubarak’s coalition with Shaikh Khaz‘al against a number of tribes in the region; and reports on incidents taking place at Mohammerah, as well as news of the status of a number of Islands, such as Warba, which were claimed by the Shaikh of Kuwait.The file contains extracts from the Bahrain and Kuwait News, Residency reports about Shaikh Mubarak’s dispute with his pearl towashes (pearlers or pearl merchants), and an article (folios 219-224) on Shaikh Ahmad’s visit to London in 1919. It also contains a number of pedigrees of the al-Subah family.The file also includes correspondence related to the number of gun salutes due to chiefs in the Persian Gulf.The main correspondence is between the Political Agency, Kuwait, the Political Residency in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, the Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department, and the British Consul at Mohammerah.Due to the random arrangement of the papers in the file, the earliest paper (dated Nov 1904) is found at f 144, and the latest (dated Oct 1922) is found at f 135.1 volume (228 folios)The papers appear to be arranged randomly within 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 230; 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 4-227; these numbers are also written in pencil but are not circled.
The file contains correspondence related to the death of the ruler of Kuwait (Shaikh Jābir II al-Mubārak Āl Ṣabāḥ), and the succession of his brother (Shaikh Sālim bin Mubārak Āl Ṣabāḥ). Reports were sent by the Secretary to the ruler of Kuwait (Al-Mulla Salih) to the Political Agent, Kuwait, informing him of Shaikh Jabir’s health conditions. The Political Agent, Kuwait, reported his own observations about the political situation in Kuwait, and Shaikh Salim’s reforms. These reports were shared with the Political Officer, Basra, and the Political Residency, Bushire. The file also contains condolence letters.The main correspondence is between the Political Agency, Kuwait, Al-Mulla Salih, the Political Officer, Basra, and the Hakim of Kuwait (Shaikh Sālim bin Mubārak Āl Ṣabāḥ).1 file (67 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 69; 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 1-68; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
This file contains correspondence between the British Political Agent at Bahrain and the British Political Resident at Bushire, as well as Sheikh ‘Isā bin ‘Alī Āl Khalifah, ruler of Bahrain, and Sheikh Qāsim bin Mahzā’, Qāḍī of Bahrain.The correspondence concerns the anti-British revolt of the Tangsiri and Qashqai tribes, headed by Ra’īs ‘Alī Dalvārī under the influence of Wilhelm Wassmuss, and the aftermath of their attack on the British Residency at Bushire on 12 July 1915. Included within the correspondence are: letters concerning the occupation of the town of Bushire, British counter-raids and the death of Ra’īs ‘Alī Delvārī; the imposition of a blockade on Tangsiri boats operating in the Persian Gulf; statements and customs papers (Acquit de Sortie and Permis de Cabotage) from various Bahraini and Persian
nākhudās (dhow boat captains) gathered by the Political Agent; the arrest and detention of Yūsuf Fakhrū on suspicion of political dealings with Germany; attacks against British diplomatic missions and residents in Persia, including Shiraz and Isfahan; and information concerning German activities in Persia during the First World War.1 file (203 folios)This file is arranged approximately in chronological order.Foliation: Foliation is written in pencil, in the top right corner of each folio. It begins with the first item of correspondence, on number 2, and runs through to 201, ending on the inside of the back cover of the volume.
The volume contains telegraphs, letters and reports regarding the possibility of establishing a coal trade with the coast of Oman in the district of Sur. The correspondence is mainly between the Consul and Political Agent, Muscat, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, and the Under Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department, reporting about the necessity of hiring a geological expert to survey the area of Sur and its neighbourhood, and to examine the coal seams there. British Officials considered the coal found in Oman as a convenient source of supply for their Muscat and Persian Gulf requirements. British officials also reported about the French activities and their interest in the area of Sur.While the Sultan of Muscat was in agreement with the British over their interest in the coal export, the Hanawi tribal confederation in Oman was against any British work in Sur. The correspondence includes reports on Shaikh ‘Isa bin Salih al-Harthi writing to his followers in Sur endeavouring to stir them up against the British and the Sultan’s building operations.1 volume (159 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 first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 159; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.