Abstract: The file is a report, compiled by the Army Headquarters and printed in 1914 at the Government Monotype Press (Simla), regarding planning for operations in Turkish Mesopotamia (Iraq). The report has been compiled on the basis of the latest information available and with approval of His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief.The report is divided into two sections. The first section, entitled 'Information' (folios 2-3), gives topographical and geographical information concerning Iraq, as well as details concerning supplies, telegraphic communications, naval and military strength, the local Arabs of Mesopotamia, and important local chiefs. A further paragraph (number 11 on folio 3v) has been pasted into the report after printing. The second section, entitled 'Plan' (folio 4), sets out a plan of operations for the occupation of Basrah [Basra] and the Shatt-al-Arab [Shaṭṭ al-‘Arab], as part of Britain's general scheme of military action against Turkey. Details are given regarding the strength of Turkish forces, landing at Umm Qasr, local chiefs, clothing and tentage, special equipment, transport, and supplies.The file also includes a map, 'Lower Mesopotamia', on folio 5, which is referenced in the text of the report.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover, and terminates at the inside back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: Distinctive Features:Hand drawn sketch map of Umm Qasr sent with a copy of report by Colonel A.C Galloway dated 21th August (folios 89-91).Map prepared by the Base Survey Section showing the location of the proposed port at Umm Qasr, with landmarks lettered for reference and described in the report. Includes typewritten note in the bottom left-hand corner.Physical description: Materials:Pen and ink on paperDimensions:430 x 680 mm
Abstract: The file contains papers relating to the proposed construction of a port in Kuwait (Koweit) Bay, and the construction of a port in Um Qasr Creek.The papers mostly concern the following:The attitude of HM Government towards the proposal of the Government of Iraq for the extension of the Iraqi railway system through Kuwait territory to the coast at Koweit Bay, and the construction there of a port under Iraqi control. This proposed port would provide Iraq with an additional commercial outlet to the sea on the Persian Gulf, as an alternative to the Shatt-al-Arab.The Iraqi Government’s adoption of the alternative recommendation of Um Qasr Creek in the Khor Abdulla as the location for the port, and the Iraqi Government raising the question of territorial concessions from Kuwait in relation to the port.The decision of British military authorities in 1941 to construct a port at Um Qasr as an urgent military necessity, to remain under British military control during the Second World War, and the proposal to improve port facilities in Koweit itself in order to enable troops and stores to be disembarked there.The location of the selected site for the port in Um Qasr Creek in relation to the disputed frontier between Iraq and Kuwait.The papers largely consist of India Office minute papers and internal notes, papers of the Committee of Imperial Defence Standing Official Sub-Committee for Questions Concerning the Middle East, and correspondence and copy correspondence between the following:The India Office and the Foreign Office.The India Office and the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf.The India Office and the Government of India External Affairs Department.The Foreign Office and HM Embassy, Baghdad (Maurice Peterson, Sir Basil Cochrane Newton, Sir Kinahan Cornwallis, and W E Houston-Boswall).The Commander in Chief in the Middle East, the Commander in Chief in India, and the War Office.Other correspondents in the file include the Army Council, the Air Council, the Admiralty, the Political Agent at Kuwait (Tom Hickinbotham), and the Ruler of Kuwait (Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ).The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 535; 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 2-353; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: The file contains papers mainly relating to the port at Um Qasr (Umm Qasr). These papers mostly concern a notification of the schedule of dues and charges to be imposed by the Government of Iraq on vessels navigating to Um Qasr port (printed in the Iraq Government Gazette No. 24 of 14 June 1942); specifically, the response HM Ambassador to Iraq should make to the notification, with regards to the rights of the Sheikh [Shaikh] of Koweit [Kuwait], and the wider question of the disputed frontier between Iraq and Koweit.The file also includes some correspondence relating to HM Government’s decision to dismantle the port installations at Um Qasr in 1945.The papers in the file mainly consist of correspondence, India Office internal notes, India Office minutes, and copies of minutes of an interdepartmental meeting of representatives of the India Office, the Military Sub-Committee, the Admiralty, the War Office, the Foreign Office, and the Port Director at Basra, of 27 August 1943, to discuss Um Qasr.The main correspondents are the following: the India Office, the Foreign Office, the External Affairs Department of the Government of India, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, and HM Ambassador, Baghdad (Sir Kinahan Cornwallis). Other correspondents include the Political Agent at Kuwait, and the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Persia and Iraq Command.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the outside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio 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 2-144; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.