1. ‘Persian Gulf. Opposition offered by the Shaik of Mohumrah to the trade of British subjects with that Port – Vol: 40’

Description:

Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay. These political letters appear in IOR/F/4/2302/118727. The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; Major Samuel Hennell, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; and Major Henry Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia [Ottoman Iraq]. It is the fortieth in a series of fifty-one items on the Persian Gulf.The item concerns Rawlinson’s complaint against Hajee Jaabar, Shaik of Mohumrah [Shaikh Jābir bin Mirdāw al-Ka‘bī of Khorramshahr] that he has obstructed British trade at that port. Rawlinson has requested that some British vessels be sent to Mohumrah.The item contains a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Collection No 2 of No 4’, ‘Coll[ection]: 17’ and ‘Draft no 465 of 49’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 622, and terminates at f 627, 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.

2. 'BRITISH RELATIONS WITH KHAZAL, SHEIKH OF MOHAMMERAH.'

Description:

Abstract: This file consists of a memorandum of British relations with Khazal Khan, Shaikh of Mohammerah. The memorandum describes the inter-acting strategies over time of Khazal, the British Government and the Government of Persia, and reproduces the texts of British assurances of support given to Khazal. The memorandum goes on to describe Khazal's arrest and detention by Reza Shah in Tehran, and his death there eleven years later.The memorandum was written by Hugh K Grey, Foreign Office, in response to a claim made by Khazal's eldest son that British assurances given to his late father should pass over to him.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 12; these numbers are written in pencil, 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.

3. ‘Mahomerah – Sheik of – Refuses to allow certain Government Coal to be taken from that place.’

Description:

Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, and consultations, cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay. It is the sixth in a series of seven items about the Persian Gulf (the others are IOR/F/4/1912/81793, 81794, 81795, 81796, 81797, and 81799). The correspondents are: the governments of Bombay and India; Captain Samuel Hennell, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; Captain Robert Oliver, Superintendent of the Indian Navy; and Lieutenant Charles D Campbell of the East India Company Steamer Hugh Lindsay.The item concerns the initial refusal of Sheik Faris of Mahomerah [Shaikh Faris bin Ghaith Āl Kaabi of Mohammarah, i.e. Khorramshahr] to give Campbell coal deposited at Mahomerah belonging to the British Government, despite acknowledging that it was British property.The item includes a contents page, and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Col [Collection] 12, Draft 713, P.C. [Previous Communication] 3227, [Season 18]41’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 388 and terminates at f 406, 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.

4. 'File 73/7 III (D 24) Status of Kuwait & Anglo-Turkish negotiations'

Description:

Abstract: 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.Physical description: 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.

5. ‘Persian Gulf gazetteer. Part 1. Historical and political materials. Précis of Persian Arabistan affairs.’

Description:

Abstract: The volume, stamped ‘Secret’ on the front cover and frontispiece, is part 1 (historical and political materials) of a précis of Persian Arabistan affairs. It was prepared by Judge Jerome Antony Saldanha of the Bombay Provincial Civil Service, and published in 1903 by the Government of India Foreign Department, Simla, India.The contents of the volume run as follows:Chapter 1, entitled Internal affairs, 1876-1904, including: early history of the region, up until 1873; early history of the Kaab tribe; murder of Shaikh Lufti, Kaab chief; death of Haji Jabir Khan, Governor of Mohammerah [Khorramshahr], and Shaikh Mizal’s succession; local chiefs and governors between 1878 and 1883; Govenor-Generals of Arabistan; trouble in the Kaab districts, and release of Shaikh Mizal’s brother Mahomed; disturbances in Arabistan and Persian intrigues, 1888; narrative of events, 1891-97; murder of Shaikh Mizal [Maz’al bin Jabir bin Merdaw al-Ka’bi] and succession of his brother, Shaikh Khazal [Khaz’al bin Jabir bin Merdaw al-Ka’bi], 1897.2. Karun river[Rūd-e Kārūn] navigation and irrigation schemes, 1871-79, including a history of the navigation and irrigation schemes, 1871-77; proposed railways from Rehst [Rasht] to Teheran, and from Teheran to the Karan river; question of navigation of the Karun, 1878-79.3. Karun river navigation and irrigation schemes, 1881-83, including: an historical overview; navigability; trade routes; general remarks. Four appendices follow chapter 3: A) Reports by Colonel Edward Ross, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, on the Karun river navigation; reports by Captain Henry Wells on the Ahwaz canal; memoranda on the Karun river by Sir Henry Rawlinson; a report comparing routes from Ispahan [Eşfahān] to the sea, by Captain Wells; and Felix Vauvillier’s scheme for establishing water communication between Kermanshah [Khorramshahr] and Dizful [Dezfūl] (in French).4. Opening of the Karun to navigation of all nations, 1888-89.5. Obstacles in the way of the British enterprise on the Karan river, including: the erection of warehouses and business premises on the banks of the river; misunderstanding over tonnage dues and certification; charges against Mr John Gaskin over irregular conduct and his employment of private servants; navigation of the Upper Karun; rival enterprises and intrigues of the Shaikh of Mohammerah; embargo on grain; fanatical outbreaks of local tribes and Persian soldiers against British interest.6 . Karun river subsidy, 1890-1900.7. Appointment of consular officers in Arabistan, including: the appointment of Mr William McDouall as Vice-Consul for Mohammerah, 1890; the appointment of Major Edmund Boteler Burton to act for McDouall; the appointment of Lieutenant David Lorimer as Vice-Consul for Arabistan; the appointment of a consular surgeon for Arabistan; headquarters and accommodation for the Vice-Consul and Consular Surgeon at Arabistan; attack on Lieutenant Lorimer and Colonel Douglas.8. Construction of roads in aid of the Karun river trade.9. Desire of Shaikh Khazal to place himself under British protection: interference of Belgian customs administration in Mohammerah Customs and British intervention, 1898-1904, including Shaikh Khazal seeks British protection, 1898-99; proposed establishment of Persian customs at Mohammerah and Shaikh Khazal’s appeal to the British 1900-04; presence of Belgian customs boats on the Shat el-Arab, 1904.10. Attempted change in the system of collection of customs on the Karun river, 1902-03.11. Disturbed state of Arabistan: attacks on the Shushan[ Sūsa] : measures for its protection.12. Restoration of Ancient Elam: projected irrigation works in Arabistan, 1903-04.The appendix at the end of the volume is a memorandum on the Kaab tribe and Mohammerah, dated 6 January 1844, and written by Sir Henry Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia.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.Pagination: The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence, with page numbers located top and centre of each page.

6. 'Memorandum on British Commitments (during the War) to the Gulf Chiefs'

Description:

Abstract: This is a printed memorandum by the Political Intelligence Department of the Foreign Office concerning British commitments during the First World War to autonomous or independent Arab rulers of the Persian Gulf, including the Sultan of Maskat [Muscat], the Trucial Chiefs of Oman (that is, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Dubai, Ra's al-Khaymah, Ajman, etc.), and the Sheikhs of Katar [Qatar], Bahrein [Bahrain], Koweit [Kuwait] and Mohammerah [Muḥammarah / Khorramshahr]. The memorandum includes the following sections: 'Collective Assurances'; 'Assurances to the Sheikh of Mohammerah' [Khaz‘al bin Jābir al-Ka‘bī]; 'Assurances to the Sheikh of Koweit' [Mubārak bin Ṣabāḥ Āl Ṣabāḥ, Jābir bin Mubārak Āl Ṣabāḥ from 1915 to 1917, and Sālim bin Mubārak Āl Ṣabāḥ from 1917 onwards]; 'Treaty with the Sheikh of Katar' [‘Abdullāh bin Jāsim Āl Thānī]; and 'Relation of Commitments (during the War) to the Gulf Chiefs to British Disiderata'. References are made in the text and footnotes to various treaties and correspondences. A section of appendices (folios 148v-149v) includes the text of a treaty with the Sheikh of Qatar, dated 3 November 1916; a translation of a letter addressed by the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf to Sheikh Abdullah [‘Abdullāh bin Jāsim Āl Thānī], dated 3 November 1916; and a proclamation by Sheikh Abdullah regarding the Arms Traffic, dated 6 Moharram [Muḥarram] 1335 [3 November 1916].Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 143 and terminates at folio 149, 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 11-158; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.

7. 'File 29/6 British Relations with Khazal, Sheikh of Khorramshahr'

Description:

Abstract: The file contains a Confidential Foreign Office report entitled 'British Relations with Khazal, Sheikh of Mohammerah'. The report contains a detailed history of the relationship between the British Government and Shaikh Khaz‘al bin Jābir bin Mirdāw al-Ka‘bī, the Ruler of Mohammerah (present day Khorramshahr). An annex to the report contains copies of numerous written assurances given to the Shaikh by British officials between 1902 and 1914.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 14; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.

8. 'File II. IRAQ (3) Vol. 1 Shaikh of Kuwait's Date Gardens on the Shatt-al Arab. (Kuwait's relations with Turkish Govt. and Turkish demand that Kuwaitis should take out Turkish Nationality Certificates)'

Description:

Abstract: The volume comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, relating to the:Shaikh of Kuwait's date gardens on the Shatt al-`ArabTurkish demand that Kuwaitis should take out Turkish Nationality Certificatesregistration of Shaikh Mubarak's property at Faddaghiyaoffer of a cash salary to Shaikh of Kuwait as QaimaqamThe principal correspondents in the volume include the Political Agent, Kuwait, Stuart George Knox; the Ruler of Kuwait, Shaikh Mubarak al Sabah; and the Political Resident in Turkish Arabia, John Gordon Lorimer.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 309; 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 2-308; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.

9. 'File II. IRAQ (3) Vol. 2 Shaikh of Kuwait's Date Gardens on the Shatt-al Arab'

Description:

Abstract: The volume comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, relating to three main topics.The first main topic discussed is the Shaikh of Kuwait's date gardens on the Shatt al-Arab (ff 3-162). The discussion in the volume relates to the Shaikh's concern about the repair of embankments and the actions of Turkish soldiers in dismantling the embankments in proximity to their fort. Included in the volume is a hand-drawn plan (folio 135) of the fort, garden, embankments and marshlands in relation to the Shatt al Arab waterway.The second main topic discussed is registration of Shaikh Mubarak's property at Faddaghiya (ff 163-311). The volume includes the Arabic version with English translation (ff 165-182) of the preliminary agreement between Shaikh Mubarak al-Sabah and Abdul Wahab bin Qirtass concerning 'the property known as Fadhagiya' as well as the final deed relating to the purchase. Also included is an Arabic copy (folio 251) of 'receipts passed for land revenue paid by Shaikh Mubarak on his Faddaghiya estate'.The third main topic discussed is the dismissal of the Mudir of Fao for overstepping his authority.The principal correspondents in the volume include the Political Agent, Kuwait (Stuart George Knox; William Henry Irvine Shakespear); the Political Resident in Persian Gulf (Percy Zachariah Cox); the Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department (Sir Louis Dane); the First Assistant Resident, Bushire; HBM's Consul at Basrah; and the Ruler of Kuwait (Shaikh Mubarak bin Sabah al-Sabah).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 340; 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.Pagination: the file also contains a hand written pagination sequence (ff 3-339).

10. 'File 11/5 Titles. Koweit 15 Recommendations for Titles and Honours'

Description:

Abstract: The file contains correspondence and telegrams between the Ruler of Kuwait, Mubarak us Subah (Shaikh Mubarak bin Ṣabāḥ Āl Ṣabāḥ); his successor Shaikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah; the Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department; the Secretary to the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India; the Civil Commissioner in Baghdad; John Gordon Lorimer, Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE), at the Foreign Office in Simla; the British Residency in the Persian Gulf; the Political Agent in Baghdad; and the Political Agency in Kuwait; regarding recommendations for titles and honours to be granted to various subjects.The volume also contains speeches and programmes for the investitures; in detail:request by J G Lorimer for sanads (ordinances) to be conferred to the Persian Gulf Gazetteer workers in recognition of their services;recommendations for the Assistant Surgeon in Kuwait, Daudur Rahman, sent by the Ruler of Kuwait;grant of Knight Commander to the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE) to the Ruler of Kuwait,investiture of Commander of the Order of the Star of India (CSI) to Shaikh Salim (Salim Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Ruler of Kuwait from 1917); and of CIE to his successor from 1921, Shaikh Ahmad;title of Khan Sahib conferred on Mullah Abdullah bin Abdul Ilahi, Arabic Munshi at the Political Agency in Kuwait and badge of Khan Bahadur granted to Sahib Mulla bin Muhammad, Secretary to the Sheikh of Kuwait;title of Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India (KCSI) to the Sheikh of Mohammerah, Sir Khazal Khan (Khaz'al bin Jabir bin Merdaw al-Ka'bi), KCIE.The volume contains documents in Arabic with English translation, a speech by H E the Naval Commander in Chief, and acceptance speeches from the Rulers of Kuwait.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 188; 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 3-187.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.

11. 'File 2/4 I TAXATION OF SHAIKH’S DATE GARDENS.'

Description:

Abstract: The volume contains correspondence related to the date gardens owned by the Shaikh of Kuwait, Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ, and the Shaikh of Mohammerah, Khaz'al al-Ka'bi, in southern Iraq. In particular, the correspondence concerns the Government of Iraq's intention to end the immunity from taxation (on the gardens) that had been granted to the former ruler of Kuwait, Shaikh Mubārak Āl Ṣabāḥ, and the Shaikh of Mohammerah by the British Government in return for their military support against the Ottoman Empire in the First World War. The volume contains letters (ff 16-20), dated November 1914, from the British Resident and Consulate-General, Bushire, Persian Gulf, to both shaikhs in respect to this issue. The volume also contains correspondence between British officials discussing the British Government's obligations to Kuwait and how it should react to the Government of Iraq's plans.The Iraq Government had considered and continues to consider that the exemption from taxation is illegal. This issue was discussed in an extract of an article that appeared in Al-Iraqnewspaper and published in 1927, in which the writer gives the exact amount (12.000 Turkish gold liras per year, or 100.000 in the past 7 years) Iraq was losing annually as a result of the exemption from taxes granted to the two shaikhs.The British officials had direct correspondence with the Council of Ministers, Iraq. They conveyed the British Government’s approval to the Government of Iraq to open up direct negotiations with the Shaikhs of Kuwait and Mohammerah regarding their revenue exemptions. Correspondence between the High Commissioner, Baghdad, and the Government of Iraq were made as early as 1924 in regard to the issue. The correspondence between the British officials includes articles of the Anglo-Iraq Treaties as well as reports prepared by the Law Officer of the Crown, Downing Street (ff 116-123).The volume also contains correspondence between Sayid Hamid Bey Al-Naqib, Basra Deputy to the Ruler of Kuwait, and Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir conveying to him the procedures taking place in Iraq regarding his date gardens. Al-Naqib also paid visits to the Shaikh on behalf of the Government of Iraq. The volume also includes statements of the properties of both Shaikhs between the years 1914-1928.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 318; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Additional foliation sequences are present in parallel between ff 4-313; these numbers are also written in pencil but, where circled, are crossed through.

12. 'File 2/4 II TAXATION of SHAIKH’S DATE GARDENS.'

Description:

Abstract: The volume contains correspondence related to the date gardens owned by the Shaikh of Kuwait, Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ, and the Shaikh of Mohammerah, Khaz'al al-Ka'bi, in southern Iraq. In particular, the correspondence concerns the Government of Iraq's intention to end the immunity from taxation (on the gardens) that had been granted to the former ruler of Kuwait, Shaikh Mubārak Āl Ṣabāḥ, and the Shaikh of Mohammerah by the British Government in return for their military support against the Ottoman Empire in the First World War.The correspondence is mainly between British officials discussing the possible solutions to the gardens taxation issue. Among the suggested solutions was the selling of the property. British officials report that the Shaikh of Kuwait is entirely flexible in regards to the selling of certain estates but not the ones in Al-Faw. But they also suggested that it would be rather useless for the Iraq Government to attempt to purchase the gardens as they belong to more than a hundred relatives of the Shaikh who depend on the produce for their maintenance.The volume includes statements of an estimated value of the Shaikh of Kuwait’s estates on Shatt al-Arab. It also contains economic reports on the proposed new basis of taxation on agricultural produce in Iraq, and copies of the Government of Iraq’s new laws for the collection of consumption ( Istihlak) tax and for the collection of land rent and water rent (ff 79-101). The correspondence also includes records of meetings held in London in regard to the question of the taxations as well as the new system of land revenue collections in Iraq.The main correspondence is between the British Resident, Bushire, the Political Agent, Kuwait, the High Commissioner, Baghdad, and the Colonial Office, Downing Street, London.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 222; 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 present in parallel; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. One of these additional sequences has been crossed out.