Abstract: This file contains summaries of reports, letters and memoranda concerning Bolshevik and Pan-Islamic movements in Central Asia, Persia and Afghanistan. The file is divided into a series of sections, each of which contains summaries of reports, letters and memoranda. Prominent correspondents include the Chief of the General Staff (officially known as the Chief of the Imperial General Staff during this period but referred to here as 'CGS'), the Directorate of Military Intelligence ('DMI'), the Secretary of State for India ('S'), the Foreign Secretary (abbreviated simply as 'FS'; given the department in which this file was produced it is most likely that 'FS' refers to the Foreign Secretary of the Government of India), and the Viceroy and Governor-General of India ('V').The contents are listed as follows (the date ranges of each section are provided in brackets):I. Bolshevik Missions to Kabul (12 May-3 November 1919);II. Afghan Missions to Bokhura [Bukhara] and Khiva (8 June-3 November 1919);III. Intrigues at and with Tashkend (3 May-26 October 1919);IV. Afghan Mission to Kushk (3 June-14 October 1919);V. Movements in Afghan Turkestan (3 June-14 October 1919);VI. Afghan Missions to Moscow (28 May-2 November 1919);VII. Movements in Ferghana (2 May-20 October 1919);VIII. Bolshevik relations with Bokhara, Samarkand, and Khiva (12 June-29 October 1919);IX. Bolshevik-Afghan trade (27 July-12 October 1919);X. Barkatullah (18 July-13 October 1919);XI. Afghan aggression into Russian territory (2-31 October 1919);XII. Kasim Beg (24 July-19 October 1919);XIII. Pan-Islamism (30 May-30 October 1919);XIV. Bolshevik designs on Persia (24 July-31 October 1919);XV. Bolshevik Promises of Assistance to Afghans (16 June-2 October 1919);XVI. Miscellaneous (21 July-31 October 1919);XVII. Government of India's appreciations of position, etc. (23 June-10 September 1919).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the first folio and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: Genre/Subject MatterThis pencil sketch on paper depicts a man reclining against a pillow on a chaise-longue while reading. It is drawn in the style of a caricature, which is in keeping with other figural sketches in this volume and, more broadly, in the related files Mss Eur F140/232 and Mss Eur F140/233, which, together with this volume, complete the trio of journals created by Jeffrey C. Amherst.The man depicted is likely Captain Chamberlain, who Amherst cites as being ‘in command’ of B & D Companies upon his arrival at Aden on 30 November 1870. He is wearing at least one brace and holding the papers he is reading above his torso.The latter part of the inscription – ‘Marshag’ – refers to Ras Marshag, a promontory to the south of the Crater, upon which a lighthouse (built in 1861 to facilitate the navigation of increasing numbers of steamers passing through) was situated as well as the quarters for a detachment of infantry.InscriptionsUpper left corner: ‘Capt C at Marshag May 22nd 71’Temporal ContextThe drawing was made during the period Amherst was based at Aden, between 30 November 1870 and 1871/1872; on 5 February 1871, Amherst notes that he was in command of D Company and that he was based at the Isthmus Position, where two companies of British and two companies of Native Infantry were regularly based according to an 1877 publication (F. M. Hunter, An Account of the British Settlement at Aden, (London: Trübner & Co., 1877)). It seems Amherst moved about frequently between Crater, Isthmus, Ras Marshag and elsewhere during his time at Aden.Physical description: Dimensions:107 x 182 mm [landscape]Materials:Pencil on paperCondition:The paper is slightly foxed, but otherwise in good condition with adhesive still sturdy.Foliation:The image has been assigned a sequential number, 4, which is written in pencil in the lower right corner of the page onto which the image is pasted.
Abstract: A confidential report on Central Asia, compiled by Captain H H Dowding, Captain of the General Staff, War Office, 1905.Contained within the report are chapters on the history, geography, administration, communications, resources, ethnography, and military of the region. Also included is a preface by Major-General J M Grierson, General Staff, War Office (folio 3), appendices (folios 63-78), including detailed information on the railways of the region, and a colour map of Central Asia (folio 81).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 81; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The file has one foliation anomaly, f 34a.
Abstract: The account gives details of the route taken through Lingah [Bandar-e-Lengeh], Kishm [Qeshm] and Bunder Abbas [Bandar Abbas] , and provides geographic information on the areas travelled through, information on the peoples inhabiting the areas and information on local trades with particular focus on mining for Salt, Nahptha, Sulphur and Red Ochre.Physical description: 7 folios
Abstract: Confidential printed abstracts of letters received by the India Office from the Government of India, and from senior officials in certain areas outside India, during the year 1869. The letters are dated December 1868-December 1869. The abstracts each have one of the following titles:Abstracts of Letters received from IndiaAbstracts of Letters received from AdenAbstracts of Military Letters received from IndiaAbstracts of Letters received from Zanzibar and AdenAbstracts of Secret Letters received from IndiaAbstracts of Letters received from ZanzibarAbstracts of Letters received from Bushire [Bushehr]Abstracts of Letters received from Muscat and AdenAbstracts of Letters received from MuscatAbstracts of Letters received from Bushire and AdenAbstracts of Letters received from Zanzibar and MuscatAbstracts of Letters received from Bushire, Muscat and AdenAbstracts of Letters received from Zanzibar and Bushire.Each abstract contains summaries of one or more letters from the specified source, each with a title giving the subject of the letter. Letters from India are divided within each abstract by the branch or department of the Government of India they originated from. The correspondence covers issues including:Pay, pensions, recruitment, and other personnel issues in the Indian Civil and Military establishmentsRevenue, expenditure, and taxationFood shortagesPublic works, including railways, roads, irrigation, and harboursBanking and financeTelegraphyCholera outbreaksIssues concerning Princely States, including: allowances; debt; succession; internal administration; and the slave trade in KutchLegal issues, including the question of British jurisdiction in occupied Bassadore [Basa’idu] arising from the case of a murder committed by a British subjectLand issues, including the cultivation of cash crops such as cinchona, indigo, and tea, and the sale of ‘waste lands’Issues around emigration from India to British and French coloniesMilitary affairs, including the reorganisation, accommodation, and supply of military unitsFrontier policy and relations with tribes on the Northwest and Northeast Frontiers; in particular frontier raids and retaliatory expeditions, including the destruction and pillage by British forces of Shahtoot [Shahtut] village on the Northwest FrontierThe Russian advance in Central Asia; related discussions around British policy in the Northwest Frontier, Cabul [Kabul], and Persia [Iran]; and restrictions on trade from India to Central AsiaCommunications and trade with Ladakh and Cashmere [Kashmir] and on to Central AsiaAffairs in Affghanistan [Afghanistan], including challenges to the rule of the Ameer Shere Ali [Amīr Shīr ‘Alī Khān], internal reforms, a meeting between the Ameer Shere Ali and the Viceroy of India in Umballa [Ambala], and the presence of rival Sirdars [Sardārs, noblemen] in IndiaAffairs in and around Aden Settlement, including: relations with neighbouring polities, including Lahej [Laḥij Sultanate], Fodthlee [Faḍlī Sultanate], Houshebi [Ḥawshabī Sultanate], and Maculla [Mukalla]; water supply to Aden; the purchase of Little Aden; and attempted French inroads in the areaCivil conflict in the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman, in particular the capture of Muscat by Azan-bin-Ghes Azzān bin Qays Āl Bū Sa‘īd], the consolidation of and challenges to the rule of Azan-bin-Ghes; the effect of the change in regime on the lease of Bunder Abbas [Bandar-e ‘Abbas]; a conflict between Muscat and the Wahabees [Waḥabī movement] at Bereymee [Al Buraymi]; and debates around British policy in the countryAffairs in the Persian Gulf, including an attack by Shargah [Sharjah] on Rasul-Khyma [Ra’s al-Khaymah] and civil conflict in Bahrein [Bahrain]Relations with Persia, including: Persian objections to British actions in Bahrein; trade restrictions in the Gulf ports; frontier disputes around Khelat [Kalat], Seistan [Sistan], and Mekran [Makran] and the need to determine the eastern border of Persia; and the opium trade between Persia and ChinaAffairs in Zanzibar, including: the slave trade; the issue of subsidy payments to Muscat; and the Sultan of Zanzibar’s reaction to events in MuscatAffairs in East Africa, including the proposed occupation of Asab [Assab] Bay, French activity on Mohilla [Mohéli], affairs in Abbysinia [Ethiopia], and relations with Somali tribesAffairs in Burmah [Burma/Myanmar], Siam [Thailand], Nipal [Nepal], and Bhootan [Bhutan]The annexation of the Nicobar Islands.The primary correspondents are:The Government of IndiaThe Viceroy and Governor-General of IndiaThe Resident at AdenThe Political Resident in the Persian GulfThe Political Agent in MuscatThe Political Agent in Zanzibar.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 388; 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.Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: Confidential printed abstracts of letters received by the India Office from the Government of India, and from senior officials in certain areas outside India, during the year 1870. The letters are dated December 1869-December 1870. The abstracts each have one of the following titles:Abstracts of Secret Letters received from IndiaAbstracts of Letters received from IndiaAbstracts of Military Letters received from IndiaAbstracts of Letters received from Zanzibar and MuscatAbstracts of Letters received from AdenAbstracts of Letters received from MuscatAbstracts of Letters received from Bushire [Bushehr]Abstracts of Letters received from Aden and ZanzibarAbstracts of Letters received from Bushire and AdenAbstracts of Letters received from Zanzibar and Aden.Each abstract contains summaries of one or more letters from the specified source, each with a title giving the subject of the letter. Letters from India are divided within each abstract by the branch or department of the Government of India they originated from. The correspondence covers issues including:Pay, pensions, recruitment, and other personnel issues in the Indian Civil and Military establishmentsPublic works, including: railways, including a proposed railway from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf; roads; canals; irrigation; docks; and river embankmentsRevenue, expenditure, and taxationLand issues, including: the cultivation of cotton, cinchona, and silk; forestry; and coal miningEducationBankingTelegraphy, including international telegraphic links to IndiaAffairs concerning Princely States, including internal administration, debts, allowances, issues of succession, investment in railways, and territorial claimsIssues around emigration from India to British and French coloniesLegislative and judicial affairs, including the question of jurisdiction over British subjects in the Persian GulfMilitary affairs, including the organisation and supply of military units and a proposed naval force for the Indian seas and the Persian GulfFrontier affairs: relations with tribes on the Northwest and Northeast Frontiers and frontier raidsAffairs in Persia [Iran], including: Persian claims to sovereignty over Bahrein [Bahrain] and objection to British actions in Bahrein; frontier disputes around Khelat [Kalat], Mekran [Makran], and Seistan [Sistan] and proposed arbitration of the Persian-Afghan border; anticipated food shortages and subsequent disturbances involving British subjects exporting grain from BushireAffairs in the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman, including: the consolidation of and challenges to the rule of Syud Azan [Azzān bin Qays Āl Bū Sa‘īd]; debates around British policy towards Syud Azan; confrontation between Muscat and the Wahabees [Waḥabī movement]; the issue of the Zanzibar subsidy; and Syud Azan’s claims to Bunder Abbas [Bandar-e ‘Abbas], Gwadur [Gwadar], Charbar [Chabahar] and other territories on the Mekran CoastAffairs in the Persian Gulf, including: the campaign of Colonel Lewis Pelly in Bahrein and the installation of Esau bin Ali [‘Īsá bin ‘Alī Āl Khalīfah] as Ruler; trade and shipping in the Gulf; the desire of the Shah of Persia for a naval presence in the Gulf; Dutch and Turkish [Ottoman] activity in the region; and tensions between Bahrein and the Wahabees, including Wahabee inroads in the Guttur peninsula [Qatar]Affairs in Affghanistan [Afghanistan], including relations with Bokhara [Emirate of Bukhara] and RussiaCentral Asian affairs, including the Russian advance in the region, trade and communication from India to Central Asia via Cashmere [Kashmir] and Ladak [Ladakh], and affairs in Eastern Turkestan [Xinjiang]Affairs in Zanzibar, including the slave trade, relations with Muscat, the death of Syud Majid [Mājid bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd], and the accession to the throne of Syud Burgash [Barghash bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd]Affairs in and around Aden Settlement, including: relations with neighbouring polities, including Lahej [Laḥij Sultanate], Houshebi [Ḥawshabī Sultanate], Fodtheli [Faḍlī Sultanate], and Kathiree [Kathīrī Sultanate]; the purchase of Little Aden; the defences of Aden; an attack on Hodeida [Al Hudaydah] from Aseer [‘Asir] and the threat to Lahej from the Zaidees [Zaidīs]Affairs in the Red Sea, including attempted French, Austrian, Turkish, and Egyptian inroads in the regionAffairs in Burmah [Burma/Myanmar], Bhootan [Bhutan], and Nipal [Nepal].The primary correspondents are:The Government of IndiaThe Viceroy and Governor-General of IndiaThe Resident at AdenThe Political Resident in the Persian GulfThe Political Agent in MuscatThe Political Agent in Zanzibar.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 395; 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.Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The item consists of a summary document enclosed within a letter from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] to the East India Company Court of Directors. The document, written by William Henry Wathen, Secretary in the Persian Department, provides brief details on the political status of 'states' under the following headings:'Cashmere' [Kashmir]'Chinese Tartary' [parts of modern-day China, Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Bhutan and Nepal]'Independent Tartary' [parts of modern-day Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan]'Countries formerly dependent on or in the vicinity of Afghan states''Afghan territories''Beloocheestan [Balochistan] and Mukran [Makran]''Scind' [Sindh]'Persia' [Iran]'Persian Gulf''The Provinces of Oman in Arabia''Coast of Arabia from Muskat [Muscat] to the straights of Babeel Mandeeb [Bab el Mandeb]''Red Sea''Arabia''Egypt and Nubia''Abyssinia (Hubbush)' [Ethiopia]'North East and East Coasts of Africa''East Coast of Africa called by the natives Suwahil [suwāḥil or ‘coasts’ in Arabic]'The title page of the item contains the following references: 'P.C. [Previous Communication] 1631, Draft 696, 1835', 'Coll[ection] N. 4', 'Bombay Political Department', 'Examiner’s Office 1835'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 60, and terminates at f 69, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the item also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: The statement contrasts the information provided for the years 1826 and 1831.Physical description: The item has been foliated in the front top right corner of the page with a pencil number enclosed in a circle.
Abstract: The sketch map shows the rough boundaries and areas of responsibility of the seven principal groups of tribes and peoples living around the coast of the Gulf as given in Lewis Pelly's report No.67 of 13 April 1863.The map was lithographed in the Quarter Master General's Office in Poona, India on 02 June 1863.Physical description: The map has been foliated in the top right corner of the folio with a pencil number enclosed in a circle.
Abstract: Order issued by the British Minister at Tehran, Charles Alison, instructing Pelly to return to India overland from Persia through Afghanistan.The letter instructs Pelly on the British Government's preferred route for him through Meshed [Mashhad], Herat and Cabul [Kabul], weather permitting, and encloses fowling pieces and pistols to be presented as gifts Sultan Ahmed Khan [Soltan Ahmad Khan] of Herat and correspondence and friendly assurances to be given on behalf of the British Government to Dost Mahomed Khan [Dost Mohammad Khan] of Cabul.The letter also instructs Pelly to gather reliable information on the Persian expedition to Mero [Marv], and in particular on the state of the Persian Army as well as asking for any practicable information he can obtain on the condition and prospects of Aghanistan as he is passing through it.Alongside the instructions for him when visiting Cabul is a paragraph written in pencil which appears to be a brief outline of the mission order translated into Persian.Physical description: Foliation: This file has been foliated in the front top right hand corner of each page 1-6, with the folio number in pencil enclosed in a circle
Abstract: The papers relate primarily to the Royal Geographical Society who published Pelly's account of his journey to Riyadh and invited him to submit a talk to be read on his behalf at a Society event.There is also correspondence relating to the botanical specimens collected during the expedition and an article on Wahabism, the sect of Islam followed by the Najd tribes.Physical description: Foliation: The papers have been foliated in the front top right corner of each folio with a pencil number enclosed in a circle.
Abstract: Political Department report No. 67 of 1863 from Lewis Pelly to the Chief Secretary to Government, Bombay, giving specific details based on his personal observation and hearsay concerning the tribes, trade and resources of the Gulf littoral which are divided into seven areas according to political administration. The report also includes statements of Imports and Exports for the region, a Sketch map and statements relating to the activities at Joasmee [Qasimi] Ports covering various dates ranging from 1826 to 1864.Physical description: Foliation: File foliated in the front top right corner of each page with a pencil number enclosed in a circle.