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25. 'Mesopotamia: boundaries and disturbances: Pt 3'
- Description:
- Abstract: Correspondence consists of telegrams and memoranda relating to boundaries and disturbance in Mesopotamia. The correspondence discusses location of insurgencies (including Kirkuk, Sulaimani, Hit, Basrah to Mosul route) and identification of insurgents and methods to repress insurgency including use of artillery fire and airpower.Also discusses situation in Caucasia and Crimea, and the Cossacks and Bolshevik conflict in context of British relations with the Soviet Government. A note on British Foreign Policy (folio 154) observes that the 'Policy of the British Government does not permit assistance being given to Wrangel [Petr Nikolaevich Wrangel, Baron]', a founder of the White Russian movement in the Russian Civil War.The file includes a map (folio 174): 'Map of Eastern Turkey in Asia, Syria and Western Persia'.Correspondents include GHQ Mesopotamia; the War Office, London; the High Commissioner for Iraq; and the General Officer Commanding, Mesopotamia.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 175; 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 An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 71-174; this sequence is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out. An additional foliation sequence is also present between ff 2-173; these numbers are written in coloured crayon.
26. ‘Postponement of the Abolition of the Bussora Agency.’
- Description:
- Abstract: The item consists of extracts from a Government of Bombay Political Letter, extracts from the Government of Bombay Political Consultations, and copies of correspondence and minutes regarding the situation of the Bussora [Basra] Agency. The primary subjects are:• The question of reducing or abolishing the Bussora Agency, and the decision to delay doing this as a result of the war between Russia and the Ottoman Empire• The incomplete state of the Agency accounts, and requests from the Government of Bombay for an explanation for the large sums that have been disbursed.The correspondence also includes notifications from Major Robert Taylor, Political Agent at Bussora, and Barseigh Johanness [Khōjah Parseigh Johannes], Native Agent at Bussora, that Taylor has left Bussora for Baghdad, leaving Johanness in charge of the Bussora Agency.The primary correspondents are: William Newnham, Chief Secretary, Government of Bombay; and John Wedderburn, Civil Auditor, Government of Bombay.The item also contains a contents page (f 47) listing the collected documents and giving their page numbers within the item, and an ‘Audit on the Disbursements of the Political Agent at Bussora from 31st July 1826 to 30th April 1827’ (ff 54-57).The title page (f 46) of the item contains the following references: ‘P. C. 783’, ‘Draft 477’, ‘Collection No. 5’, and ‘Examiner’s Office, 1830’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 46, and terminates at f 60, 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 volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
27. 'Reports on (1) the Conservancy of the Shatt-el-Arab river from the Port of Basra to the Persian Gulf and on (2) the Development of the Port of Basra. By Sir George Buchanan Kt., C.I.E'
- Description:
- Abstract: This file contains two printed reports written by Sir George Buchanan, Director of Port Administration and Conservancy, Indian Expeditionary Force "D".The details of the reports are as follows:1) 'Report on the Conservancy of the Shatt-El-Arab River from the Port of Basra to the Persian Gulf'(folios 1-7);This report is separated into the following sub-headings:(a) General Description of the River.(b) Physical Characteristics.(c) Obstructions to Navigation.(d) Removal of the Outer Bar.(e) Lighting and Buoying.(f) Pilotage.(g) Financial.(h) Conclusion.A number of charts and plans referred to in the report are contained in a seperate pocket at the rear of the folder (folios 21-29).2) 'Report on the Development of the Port of Basra'(folios 8-18)This report is separated into the following sub-headings:1) Suitability of Basra as the Principal Port of Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf.2) Trade Prospects.3) Administration.4) Works and Equipment.5) Import Trade.6) Export Trade.7) Inland Vessels' Trade.8) Trade with Southern Persia.9) Miscellaneous private trades and industries.10) Finance.11) Charges on Vessels.12) Dues on Goods.13) Inland Vessels' Trade.14) Land Rents.15) Conclusion.This report includes an appendix entitled 'A brief note on the future development of the Port of Basra and its communications by land and water, by Sir George Buchanan, Kt., C.I.E., Director of Port Administration and Conservancy, Indian Expeditionary Force, "D" (folios 16-18).Physical description: A bound volume with a pocket attached to its inside rear cover containing nine fold-out maps.There is a foliation sequence, which is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the first folio with text, on number 1, and ends on the last of the various maps that are inserted at the back of the volume, on number 29.
28. 'Report (with Maps) on the country adjacent to the Khor Abdullah, and places suitable as Termini of proposed Bagdad Railway, by Captain E W S Mahon, RE July 1905'
- Description:
- Abstract: The report, printed for the use of the Foreign Office, was compiled by Captain Edward Willoughby Sandys Mahon, Royal Engineer on 24 July 1905 to identify places suitable as termini of the Baghdad Railway. He advises Bussorah [Basra] as the best place, for strategic and commercial reasons.The report contains two maps:'Sketch Map of the Mouth of the Shatt-El-Arab' (f 15);'Koweit Harbour' (f 16).Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at f 13, and terminates at f 17, since it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in the bottom right-hand corner of the recto of each folio. These numbers are written in pencil, but are not circled. Pagination: This section of the volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
29. ‘Report on the British Trade with Persia and Arabia.’
- Description:
- Abstract: Extract of Bombay Commercial Consultations prepared by Charles Walking, the Secretary to the Court of Directors, in which he includes an enclosure from the Resident and joint Factor at Bussora [Basra] and from the Resident at Bushire [Bushehr], Samuel Manesty and Harford Jones respectively. The enclosure covers: the Residents’ correspondence with Persian officials; the Persian Government’s views on the establishment of British factories in the Kingdom of Persia [Iran]; the privileges and the commercial advantages that would be granted by the Shah of Persia to the East India Company (EIC); and a list of the different kinds of goods usually brought to Bushire from India.The enclosure also includes a ‘Report of the Commerce of Arabia and Persia’ (ff 208-286) based on information already available from previous reports of the Bushire Factory. The report is prepared and signed by the Residents of Bussora and Bushire. It is divided into three parts: ‘Commerce of Arabia bordering on the Persian Gulph [Gulf]’, ‘Commerce of the Red Sea’, and ‘Commerce of Persia’.‘Commerce of Arabia bordering on the Persian Gulph’ covers the following matters:Trade status in Muscat, Bahreen [Bahrain], Catiffe [Qatif], Jebarra [Zubarah], Bussora, and Bagdad [Baghdad, also spelled as Bagdat]Privileges granted by the Ottoman Empire to the British and other European nations at BussoraAccount of the main powerful Arab tribes in the region including: Benechalid [Banū Khālid], Beneattaba [Banū ‘Utbah], Whahab [the Wahhābīs], and the Montificka Arabs [al-Muntafiq Arab tribal confederation]The trade activities of merchants from Constantinople [Istanbul], Aleppo, Damascus, Mardin, Orfa [Urfa], and Diarbeker [Diyarbakir]Commodities traded including: sugar, dried fruit, rose water, coffee, spices, rice, pearls, woollen goods, metals, and opiumThe activities of vessels belonging to Arabs and Moslem [Muslim] merchants of Surat and MuscatThe European vessels in the Persian Gulph.It appears that part of the report is missing (between folios 242v and 243r). This may have been the second part, ‘Commerce of the Red Sea’.‘Commerce of Persia’ covering:The EIC’s trade activities in Persia and the attitude of the Persian Kings towards itRemarks on the Factory at Gombroon [Bandar Abbas]The Dutch Factory activities on the Island of Carrack [Jazireh-ye Khark]Events taking place in Persia [Iran] and their impact on the commerce as early as 1773The status of trade on the Island of Ormus [Jazireh-ye Hormoz]The trade with Kandahar [also spelled as Candahoor]The languishing state of the EIC’s commerce at the port of BushireThe importation to England of raw silk from PersiaThe type of woollen goods and other British products suitable for the Persian marketDescription of the arrival of a Persian pilgrim caravan in BagdadComparison between the carpets manufactured in Persia and those manufactured in England, the Wilton and Axminster carpets in particularAnnual accounts of exports and imports between the Persian Gulph, the Red Sea, and IndiaThe recommendation to establish factories at the ports of Mocha and Muscat.Physical description: 1 item (90 folios)
30. 'Report on the operations carried out in the southern desert in connection with the Iraq-Najd borders, June 1928-May 1929.'
- Description:
- Abstract: A printed report on air and motorcar operations carried out along the Iraq-Najd border following several cross-border raids. The report was produced and issued by the Air Ministry and printed in London in July 1930. The volume is divided into three sections: the report; appendices; and maps.The report contains the following sub-headings: The Uqubba Incident on 1st January, 1929; Ajman Raid.List of Appendices:I. Distribution of Forces--Southern DesertII. Flying TimesIII. SignalsIV. Report on Weather Conditions in the Southern Desert--June, 1928, to May, 1929V. Medical Arrangements--Southern Desert--1928-29VI. Memorandum of Armament during Operations in the Southern Desert--June, 1928-May, 1929VII. Supply of Transport Services--Period June, 1928-May, 1929VIII. Stores Organisation and Accounting--Period June, 1928-May, 1929IX. Maintenance of Aircraft and Engines of Detachments Engaged--Period June, 1928-May, 1929.Folio 15 is a map of Basra and Hail [Ḥā’il].Physical description: Foliation: The main foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio (except for the back cover, where the folio number is on the verso).Pagination: The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
31. ‘Report for the Army Council on Mesopotamia. By Sir John P Hewett, GCSI, KBE’
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains an illustrated report, with maps, correspondence and statistical data included as appendices, for the Army Council on Mesopotamia [Iraq], prepared by Sir John Prescott Hewett for the War Office, dated 10 March 1919. The report focuses on: a) the administration and expenditure of agricultural and irrigation schemes put in place in Mesopotamia for 1918 and 1919, and administered by the Imperial Government; b) the extent to which expenditure on agriculture and irrigation schemes, charged against Imperial Army Funds, is necessary for the prosecution of war; c) infrastructure development in Mesopotamia (facilities at Basrah [Basra] port; railways; telegraphs, telephones and post; water supply; electrical and mechanical installations), and questions of their financial support through military and civil funds.The appendices include: maps illustrating the scope and geographical detail of the agricultural and irrigation schemes; correspondence providing context into the circumstances surrounding the need for and implementation of the schemes; statistical data, including: irrigation scheme expenditure; capacity at Basrah port; valuation of the dockyard; admission rates for Indian troops and followers with scurvy for the years 1916, 1917 and 1918; valuation of telegraph apparatus, telephone lines.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the back cover with 57; 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 contains an original printed pagination sequence.
32. ‘Instructions for the guidance of Mr Manesty’s conduct in the event of hostilities between Great Britain and the Ottoman Porte.’
- Description:
- Abstract: The item consists mostly of copies of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the Governments of Bengal and Bombay.The primary subjects are:• The outbreak of war between Britain and the Ottoman Empire, and the implications for Britain’s relations with the Pashalik of Baghdad• The measures put in place for the protection of British subjects and property in Bussora [Basra] and Baghdad, in particular the stationing of British vessels in the Gulf and on the Bussora River [Shatt al-Arab], including the HMS Foxunder the command of Captain Archibald Cochrane• Manesty’s efforts to find a suitable place for an encampment outside of Bussora, and his meeting with the Chaub Sheik [Sheikh of the Bani Ka’ab]• Complaints that the Pacha of Baghdad is withholding mail sent from Britain that was to be forwarded to India.The primary correspondents are: Sir George Hilaro Barlow, the Governor-General of Bengal; Thomas Brown, Chief Secretary to the Government of Bengal; Neil Benjamin Edmonstone, Secretary to the Government of Bengal; Francis Warden, Secretary to the Government of Bombay; Samuel Manesty, Resident at Bussora; and John Hine, Acting Resident at Baghdad.The title page (f 264) of the item contains the following references: ‘Political No. 12, Season 1808/09, Draft 178, Para. 55’; and ‘Examiner’s Office, July & August 1808’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 264, and terminates at f 302, 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 volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
33. 'Map of Eastern Turkey in Asia, Syria and Western Persia. Map Showing Present Disposition of Troops With Reference to Railheads.'
- Description:
- Abstract: Folio 8:Geographical Section, General Staff No. 2901, comprising a base map with overprint.The base map bears the imprint 'Published by the Royal Geographical Society, 1910. Railways inserted to November, 1917' and portrays hydrology, relief by spot heights, roads, telegraphs, settlements, place names and international boundaries. The sheets bear the printed note 'International Boundaries as in July, 1914'. A 1921 edition of this base map is at Maps 46970.(44.) and includes accompanying notes (including compilation details) published by the Royal Geographical Society in 1910, although lacks a GSGS designation yet contains an additional red plate (railways) and grey plate (hachures and ancient canals) that are both lacking from this version.An overprint in blue depicts the disposition of troops and bears the printed note 'Circulated with reference to the Memorandum by the S[ecretary]. of S[tate]. for War. Dated 12-6-20.' Also portrays the railway system from Busra [Basra] to Baghdad and thence to Feluja [Al Fallūjah], Shergat [Ash Sharqāţ], Kifri and Quaritu; railways are absent from the rest of the sheet.Folio 8a:Classified 'Secret'.An attached folio (typescript, with manuscript additions in pencil; 192 x 122mm) dated 29 June 1920 reads:'Secret. Cabinet. The Situation in Mesopotamia should it be decided to evacuate North West Persia [Iran] and withdraw on all Fronts within the area covered by existing Railheads. Memorandum by the Secretary of State for War. (Paper No. C.P. 1469). The attached Map is circulated with reference to the paper on the above-mentioned subject, which was issued on the 15th instant.'Physical description: Materials: Printed in colourDimensions: 701 x 728mm, on sheet 792 x 915mm
34. ‘MAP OF BASRA AND MAGIL’
- Description:
- Abstract: The map shows the state of the roads in and around Basra City. Different categories of roads are highlighted in different colours as follows: concrete roads (solid red line), metalled roads (red dashes), proposed metalled roads (small red dashes), kutcha roads (solid green line), proposed kutcha roads (green dashes), civil roads (yellow), and proposed civil roads (yellow dashes). A reference key for the map can be found in the top right corner.The scale of the map is 3 inches to 1 mile.The map includes two printing statements ‘Reproduced by Basrah Survey Party I.E.F.D No. 81 Dated 12.6.17’ and ‘Reproduced by Survey Party M.E.F. No. 339 Dated 30-1-19’.Physical description: Materials: Printed on paperDimensions: 645 x 640mm
35. 'Sketch of Approaches to Kuweit Harbour and Shatt Al Arab'
- Description:
- Abstract: Chart F3293.Hydrographic chart of the Shatt al Arab in southern Mesopotamia from the vicinity of Al Basra [Al Basrah, Iraq] approximately 100 miles south-eastwards to its mouth at the head of the Persian Gulf. Also includes the approaches to Kuweit [Kuwait] Harbour. Portrays hydrology, including depths by soundings and contours, sands, rocks and mud, relief by spot heights and shading, vegetation, cultivation, canals, settlements including significant buildings, forts and tombs, and place names, and includes topographical notes and navigational aids, including buoys, lights and prominent buildings.Compiled 'from various authorities'. Engraved by Davies & Company. Published by the Admiralty and 'issued for Fleet purposes' 1902, with new editions 1904, 1907, 1909 and 1912, and small corrections.The sheet bears the stamps:'For Fleet Purposes Only. Care is to be taken that this chart is not allowed to get into the hands of unauthorised persons' in red on the map face.The number '170.12' in black in the upper right margin.Physical description: Materials: Printed on paperDimensions: 597 x 456mm, on sheet 660 x 507mm
36. 'The Ashar Creek Basra.' Photographer: Wilfrid Malleson
- Description:
- Abstract: Genre/Subject Matter:View of the Ashar Creek at Basra. Four canoes carrying people and several moored sailing boats dominate the scene at centre and right. Three men use poles to propel the canoe in the middle-ground. Palms and other vegetation make up the scene on the left and background.Inscriptions:Ink, below image: 'The Ashar Creek Basra.'Pencil, above image, at right: ‘28’Physical description: Dimensions:138 x 190 mmCondition:The print is in good condition throughout with minor toning/fading at all edgesFoliation:‘28’