Abstract: Sketch map showing Mohammerah [Khorramshahr] and its surrounding district.The map features coloured lines showing the proposed location of the Turco-Persian frontier at Mohammerah. The proposed Turkish line is marked in yellow; the proposed Persian line is marked in green; and the line proposed by the Mediating Commissioners is marked in red. The map also shows the principal waterways in the area.It is found in the volume 'Report and Proceedings of the Standing Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence on the Persian Gulf', 1911.Printed by Harrison & Sons.Physical description: Materials: Printed in colour on paperDimensions: 295 x 164mm, on sheet 322 x 204mm
Abstract: The map shows a region around Mohumra [Khorramshahr] in south-western Persia, indicating the positions and movements of British warships and troops, and the locations of Persian camps and gun batteries. The map also indicates hydrology, vegetation and settlements.The map is Plate 4 in 'Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman' (Naval Intelligence Department No. 694), 1903, and is 'Reproduced from "Outrams Persian Campaign 1857"'.A printing statement reads, 'Weller & Graham, Ltd. Litho, London.'.Physical description: Materials: Printed on paperDimensions: 209 x 338mm, on sheet 244 x 484mm
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries of official secret letters received from Sir James Outram (in command of the British army in the Anglo-Persian War), addressed from Outram to the Government of Bombay, dated 9 March 1857, and to Lord Clarendon (George William Frederick Villiers, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs), dated 28 March, 3 April, and 5 April 1857.The summary of the letter to the Government of Bombay concerns written engagements with certain Arab tribes. The summaries of letters to Lord Clarendon mostly concern the claim of the Turkish Government with respect to Mohammerah (Mohammera) [Khorramshahr], the capture of Mohammera on 26 March 1857, and the Peace Treaty between Great Britain and Persia.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. It covers a range of topics relating to the Persian Gulf. All of the material in the item dates from 1844-45, except for one letter which is from 1834.The item begins with discussion of the entry into Brymee [Al Buraymi, also referred to in the item as Braimee] and Oman of the forces of Saad bin Mootluk [Sa‘d bin Mutlaq], on behalf of Ameer Fysul [Amir Faysal bin Turki bin Abdullah Al Sa‘ud, also referred to in the item as Fysul Alli Suood and Fysul Bin Toorkee] the Wahabee [Wahhabi] leader [Emir of Najd]. This includes:The submission of the local authorities in Brymee to Saad bin Mootluk, and the presentation of gifts to him by several rulers from the Arabian coast of the GulfThe demands of Saad bin Mootluk for tribute from Syud Hamood bin Uzan [Sayyid Hammud bin ‘Azzan al-Bu Sa‘idi] and Syed Soowenee [Sayyid Thuwayni bin Sa‘id Al Bu Sa‘id, also referred to in the item as Syed Sooweynee and Syed Thooenee], the Acting Governor of Muscat [Acting Imam of Muscat], and the response of the latter, including a request to Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, for adviceCorrespondence between Hennell, the Government of Bombay and the Government of India regarding the implications of the above events for British interests in the Gulf, and what their response should be.Also covered in the item is the following:The wreck of two ships off Ejman [Ajman], and the actions of Shaik Abdool Azeez bin Rashid [Shaikh ‘Abd al-‘Aziz bin Rashid al-Nu‘aymi], the Chief of Ejman [Ruler of Ajman] in recovering the ships and cargoes and restoring them to their ownersThe question of how to deal with an attack on a ship from Karrack [Jazireh-ye Khark] carried out by Humud bin Mujudel [Hamad bin Majdal], the Chief of the Amaeer [‘Amayir] tribe, who is said to be under the protection of Shaik Mahomed bin Khaleifa [Shaikh Muhammad bin Khalifah Al Khalifah], the Ruler of Bahrein [Bahrain]The seizure by Shaik Faris [Shaikh Faris bin Ghayth], the Chief of the Chaab [Banu Ka‘ab], of a ship from Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi], and the mission of Lieutenant Arnold Burrowes Kemball, Assistant Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, to Mohumrah [Khorramshahr] to try to persuade Shaik Faris to restore the ship and its cargoThe negotiations for the establishment of an alliance between Shaik Sultan bin Suggar [Shaikh Sultan I bin Saqr al-Qasimi] of Rasel Khymah [Ruler of Ra’s al-Khaymah and Sharjah], and Shaik Khuleefa bin Shackboot [Shaikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut al-Nahyan] of Aboothabee [Ruler of Abu Dhabi]The activities of Shaik Abdoollah bin Ahmed [Shaikh ‘Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Khalifah], the former Ruler of Bahrein, who has received asylum from the Chief of Nabend [Damagheh-ye Nay Band] and is carrying out attacks on ships from BahreinThe appointment of Housseni Khan [Mirza Muhammad Husayn Khan Muqaddam Maragha'i] as Governor [Wali] of Fars, and the reinstatement of Shaik Nasir [Nasr III Al Mazkur] as Governor of Bushire [Bushehr]The arrangements made for the three men accused of the murder of Beebee Aseelah [Bibi Asilu], widow of Meerza Juwad [Mirza Javad Shirazi], the former Native Agent at Shiraz. Two of the accused are to be taken to Tehran, while the third, the victim’s brother, identified as Sultan, son of Hajie Jassem [Haji Jassim], has made a confession (included in the item) and is to remain behindA dispute regarding a possible increase in the duty to be charged on the export of horses from Bushire by British merchants, including a petition from the Bushire merchants, and correspondence from Hajee Mirza Aghasee [Haji Mirza ‘Abbas Aghasi], Prime Minister [Sadr-i A’zam] of Persia [Iran] and Mirza Hadayut Allah [Mirza Hidayat Allah], Moostowfaa [Mustawfi] of the Governor of FarsThe sanctioning of the payment required for a grant in perpetuity of the ground occupied as an English burial place at KarrackThe need for a new coating of mud on all the roofs of the Residency buildings at Bushire, and an estimate of the expenses this will incur.As well as those already mentioned, the main correspondents are: Moollah Houssin [Mullah Husayn], Native Agent at Shargah [Sharjah]; Heskeal Bin Yusoof [Hizqial bin Yusuf], Acting Native Agent at Muscat; and Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, Her Majesty’s Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary at the Court of Persia.The item contains a table of contents (ff 593-598), and the title page (f 592) contains the following references: ‘P C [Previous Communication] 49501, D/t 7557, Collection No. 1 of No. 44’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’. The item was originally divided into two parts, and the title page of the second part (f 694) contains the following reference: ‘P C [Previous Communication] 49501, Vol. 2, Collection No. 1 of No. 54’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 592 and terminates at f 700, 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.
Abstract: The volume contains letters sent and received by the Resident at Bushire, Captain James Felix Jones and by Lieutenant Herbert Frederick Disbrowe, Commanding Resident's Escort. Correspondents include the India Office in London, the Government of Bombay, H M Minister at the Court of Persia.The main subject is the construction of an overland telegraph line from Constantinople to Baghdad, to be extended to Karachi.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation is in pencil in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. The numbering 1-58 covers all pages of writing.
Abstract: The draft report of the Mesopotamian Administration Committee containing recommendations made by the committee.These recommendations include:The occupied territories of Mesopotamia being administered in the future by His Majesty's Government and not by the Government of India;The Basra Vilayet territory remaining permanently under British administration;Proposed boundaries for the region which would ensure that Holy Places remained outside of British control;The proposed system of Arab Administration of the Bagdad Vilayet, including the committee's desire for the 'Irak Code' not to be implemented there and local judicial systems to be maintained where possible;The considerations needed over the title and place of residence of the future Head of the Mesopotamian Administration, which would depend on the future status of the Basra Vilayet, and on concerns over how a potential British position of 'High Commissioner of Mesopotamia' might look to the Arabs;The possible need for the creation of a Mesopotamia Civil Service which could be amalgamated with that of the Sudan and also the Levant;Arabistan [Khuzestan] and the Sheikh of Mohammera [Khorramshahr] remaining under the political influence of Southern Persia, which should be under British influence; and the Bakhtiari county to be included in the British sphere of influence of the Indian Government;the placing of responsibility for the Arabian littoral and Muscat under Mesopotamian authorities rather than the Government of India;The relieving of the Government of India of responsibility for Aden and its dependencies;That the administration of Mesopotamia should perhaps be arranged along similar lines to Egypt.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 125 and terminates at folio 126, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between folios 6-153; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 10 and 25 November 1914. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: letters, orders, and telegrams containing instructions and reports.A summary of the contents of this volume is pasted on the leading flyleaf, under the subtitle ‘Advance to Basrah [Basra]’:‘Action at Saniyeh’‘General Barrett arrived at Saniyeh’‘Action at Sahil’‘Action at Saihan [Qaryat Sayhan]’‘130th stopped and 22nd diverted to Basrah’‘17th Brigade sailed’‘Force “D” arrived at Basrah’.The volume contains numbers and details of soldiers who were wounded or killed.A summary of contents for the previous volumes is pasted on the inside front cover.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 57; these numbers are printed, and are located in the bottom centre 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.The sequence contains one foliation anomaly, f 24a.Dimensions: 21x33cm
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 16 and 31 August 1917. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: letters, telegrams, notes, reports, tables, and memoranda.An index to the contents of this volume and a summary of the contents can be found at IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3282. The volume concerns:Appreciations [reports] and intelligence summaries from the Directorate of Military Operations dated 19 August 1917 (ff 53-55), 26 August 1917 (ff 162-164)One diary of information dated 28 July 1917 (ff 84-86) covering climate, floods, and the Christians of MesopotamiaReinforcements for Force DMovements of Turkish [Ottoman], Russian, and German troops and German officials, including General Erich von FalkenhaynReports from the Royal Flying Corps of machines in service and pilots availableProvision and movements of river craftProgress of railway constructions and future railway policy, including Turkish [Ottoman] railway constructionThe composition of the committee of enquiry into port congestion at Basrah [Basra]A scheme to stimulate cultivation by clearing the canals of the Euphrates area and providing advances of seed and cashInvestigation of postal arrangementsA fodder production scheme using local labourersA discussion of whether the French Consul at Basrah, Monsieur Roux, should be permitted to use a cipher and locked bag, and proceed beyond BasrahTrade between Basrah and BaghdadThe appointment of Sir Percy Cox as Civil Commissioner, MesopotamiaA proposal to terminate the agreement between HM Government and the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association employing Edmund Candler as Official EyewitnessA new Indian General HospitalThe appointment of R G Garrow as recognised irrigation expert for Mesopotamia.Proposed co-operation with the Russians.The following tables appear:Distribution of troops 29 July 1917 Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force (ff 8-12)Weekly return sick and wounded w/e 28 July 1917 (ff 23-24), 4 August 1917 (f 72)Ration strength of MEF 14 July 1917 (ff 26-29), 21 July 1917 (ff 102-105), 4 August (ff 136-138), 28 July 1917 (ff 181-184), 11 August (ff 199-201)State of supplies 18 August 1917 (ff 69-71 and 88-89), 25 August (ff 188-190 and 210-211)Distribution of the Turkish Army 21 August 1917 (ff 75-77), 28 August 1917 (ff 194-195)Strength return for IEF D 30 June 1917 (ff 118-135)Monthly distribution report of motor vehicles 1 July 1917 (ff 202-207).The file also contains a ‘Report on the conservancy of the Shatt-el-Arab [Shatt al-Arab] River from the Port of Basra to the Persian Gulf’ by Brigadier-General George Buchanan, Director of Port Administration and Conservancy, dated 22 March 1917, including nine maps of the Shatt-el-Arab River, the port of Basra, Mohammerah [Khorramshahr] bar, and the channel from Fao [Al-Faw] down the river.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 262; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Multiple additional mixed foliation/pagination sequences are also present in parallel; these numbers are printed.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
Abstract: The Memoir, written by Surgeon-Major James McAdam Hyslop, commences by describing the location, physical geography and conditions of Mohamreh [Khorramshahr] and Busreh [Basra] before going on to describe the climate; fevers that might be suffered there; and known outbreaks of cholera. Also included are excerpts from medical reports that discuss various fevers suffered by regiments in Mohamreh and Bushire:Extract from a 'Medical History of the Bombay Fusiliers', by the late Doctor Francis Shortt ArnottExtracts from the Annual Report of the 29th Regiment, Bombay Native Light Infantry, for the year ending 31 March 1858, by Surgeon John Robert MillerExtract from the Annual Report of the 26th Regiment, Native Infantry, for the year 1857-1858, by Surgeon James Ebenezer BathoThe memoir continues by describing places nearby to Mohamreh and Busreh where the climate is more favourable and people less prone to suffering fever and other illnesses: Subleh, Zobeir [Zubayr], Koorna [Kūnah?], Koot-al-amarah [Kut Al-Amarah]; Sook-esh-Shiukj [Sūq ash Shuyūkh], Hillah, Baghdad. Each place has a brief description of its location and general climate. Also described are the availability of water from the rivers Karoun [Karun], Tigris and Euphrates. A detailed description of the climate of Baghdad is then given, followed by information under the following headings: Bedsteads; Water; Ice; Clothing; Snakes and Scorpions; Date mark, a disease consisting of boils on the hands and feet of adults which afflicts many who visit and live in Baghdad, and which is known in Busreh and Aleppo too.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 51, and terminates at folio 55, 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 top right-hand corner of the recto of each folio. These numbers are written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: This file consists of a note written by Colonel Edward Charles Sparshott Williams, Deputy Government Director of Indian Guaranteed Railway Companies, in which the author assesses the practicalities and costs of constructing a number of alternative proposed river and rail routes, designed to improve communications from Mohummerah towards Teheran or Ispahan in southern Persia.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences and terminates at folio 200, as it is part of a larger physical volume; this number is written in pencil, is circled, and is located at the top right corner of the folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel; this number is also written in pencil, but is not circled.
Abstract: The memorandum concerns the border between Mohammerah [Khorramshahr] and Turkey, and was prepared by Alwyn Parker of the Foreign Office. There are a number of labels at the top of the first page: ‘Persia’, ‘Confidential’ and ‘Section 10’. The memorandum sections are as follows:Part I. A preface (folios 1-5), introducing the points at issue, with two maps, the first being a sketch map of the Mohammerah district, with the proposed Turkish, Persian and mediating commissioner’s lines indicated (folio 2), and a map compiled from plane table surveys by Lieutenant Arnold Talbot Wilson in 1909, with the frontier as defined by the mediating commissioners in 1850 (folio 4);Part II. An historical summary (folios 6-19) of British Government correspondence relating to the border dispute, with the chief focus being on correspondence exchanged during the period 1843-52, around the time of the Treaty of Erzeroum (c.1848). This part contains two copies of a map, a facsimile of a diagram of the disputed area, the original of which was enclosed by Colonel Williams in his despatch of 4 February 1850, indicating Turkish and Persian claims and the mediating commissioner’s proposal (folios 15, 19);Part III. Conclusion (folios 20-28), with a further map (folio 23), an exact copy of that found on folio 4.The appendices that follow are:A: British assurances given to the Shaikh of Mohammerah, 1899 and 1902-10;B. Protocol of December 1911 (in French) for the proposal settlement of the Turco-Persian frontier question;C. An extract from Sir Austen Henry Layard’s
Early Adventures in Persia, Susiana, and Babylonia, published in 1887. The extract is from volume 2, pp 431-439;D. Rough notes made by General William Monteith when in Persia, on the frontier of Turkey and Persia, as communicated to the Foreign Office in 1843;E. Observations by Sir Henry Rawlinson on a Persian memorandum relative to the situation of the cities of Mohammerah and Fellahiah [Fallāḥīyah], 1844;F. Text of the Treaty of Erzeroum, 31 May 1847, in English and French translation;G. Copy of a despatch from Sir Stratford Canning, the British Ambassador to Istanbul, to Lord Palmerston, Foreign Secretary, dated 30 May 1850;H. Copy of a despatch from Lord Palmerston to Lord Broomfield, dated 12 July 1850.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 booklet contains an original typed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This memorandum, written by Lieutenant-Colonel William Frederick Travers O'Connor, concerns the new subdivision of Persia into two spheres of influence – Russian and British – with the present neutral zone falling into the British sphere. The memorandum considers what system of Consular or other representation should be adopted in order to maintain not only law and order, but also British influence in the area.Before discussing the issue of Consular representation, O'Connor mentions two alternative suggestions regarding the future of Southern Persia (the first being that Britain should decline to extend its influence beyond its present zone, and the second being that Southern Persia should be turned into one or more independent states), which he dismisses as lying outside the sphere of practical politics.Assuming that the British sphere will encompass the whole of Southern Persia, O'Connor advocates the continuation of the existing post of British Minister at Tehran (located in the Russian sphere), and suggests that the Minister should be supported by Consular officers residing in the capital of each province. O'Connor suggests that Consul or Consul-General posts – to be held by officers of the Indian Political Department – should be present in the following places: Sistan [also spelled Seistan in this file] (as at present); Kerman (for the province of Kerman); Shiraz (for Fars, excluding the Gulf hinterland); Mohammerah [Khorramshahr in modern-day Iran] (for Arabistan); and Bushire (for the Gulf and for hinterland affairs).In addition, O'Connor advocates the appointment of a Resident or Consul in the Bakhtiari country. He suggests that his proposed Consulates be run in the same way as the existing Consulates at Seistan, Meshed and Kerman.O'Connor goes on to address the problem of the rivalry between the Home Government and the Indian Government on the subject of Southern Persia. He makes the following two proposals: either Southern Persia should be placed under direct control of the Indian Government, or it should be guaranteed that the Minister at Tehran will always be an officer from British India, who has been nominated for the post by the Indian Government.In this memorandum, O'Connor suggests that the future arrangement of Consular representation in Southern Persia has been made complicated by the anomalous status of the Resident in the Persian Gulf. O'Connor argues that, in the post-war period, whilst it would still be possible to retain a Resident at Bushire, it would not need to be such an important and highly paid appointment; he appears to imply that his proposed Consul at Shiraz and Consul at Bushire would take over the Resident's responsibilities regarding inland Persia and the Gulf and its hinterland respectively.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 18, and terminates at f 20, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.