1. ‘Egyptian Mission. Proceedings of Government in connection with the Mission by the Viceroy of Egypt of His Excellency Bechet Aga to Muskat and Bahrein. Vol: 2’

Description:

Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, memoranda, resolutions, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay. The main correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; Beghet Agha [Bahjat Āghā; also spelt Behjet and Behget], an agent of the Pacha [Pāshā] of Egypt [‘Abbās Ḥilmī Pāshā]; Captain Stafford Bettesworth Haines, Political Agent at Aden; and the Bombay Steam Navigation Company. It is the second in a series of two items about missions from Egypt.The item concerns a mission of Beghet Agha, who was commissioned by the Pacha to purchase horses in Bahrein [Bahrain]. The item discusses his arrival in Aden, onward journey to Bombay [Mumbai], and charter of a steamer from the Bombay Steam Navigation Company to take him and his entourage to Muscat, Bahrein, Aden, and Suez. The Government of Bombay are advancing him money and providing coals for the steamer.The item contains a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Draft No 653_1853’ and ‘Collection No. 20 of No. 50 of 1853’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 476, and terminates at f 502, 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. 'File B/4 Flag flying by Wonckhaus, Gray Paul and other Companies'

Description:

Abstract: The letters, memoranda and other items in the file relate to requests made by steamship companies in Bahrain, to the ruler of Bahrain, Shaikh ‘Īsá bin ‘Alī Āl Khalīfah, to erect flagstaffs and fly flags on their office buildings, primarily for the purpose of communicating signals to steamships entering the harbour. The main correspondents in the file are the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, or staff from the Residency, the Political Agent in Bahrain, and Shaikh ‘Īsá bin ‘Alī Āl Khalīfah. The posts of Political Resident and Political Agent were held by a number of incumbents during the period covered by the file.The German film Wonckhaus & Company, and the British firm Gray Paul & Company, both had offices in Bahrain, and were agents for the steamship companies using the island’s main port. Both companies made repeated applications to fly flags, via the Political Agency, to Shaikh ‘Īsá during the period covered by the file. On each occasion however, Shaikh ‘Īsá refused permission to allow the flying of flags, with it being reported that he regarded the practice as an innovation improper for himself, and disrespectful to him as a ruler (folios 17-18a). The Political Agent, operating as an intermediary between Wonckhaus/Gray Paul and Shaikh ‘Īsá, offered the use of their own flagstaff to the steamship agencies when required (folio 16).Physical description: Foliation: The file is foliated from the front cover to the inside back cover, using pencil numbers located in the top-right corner of each recto. The foliation system originally numbered three versos in the file, which can now be considered as ‘missing’, as only the rectos are counted. These ‘missing’ folios are 24, 33, 38. The following further foliation anomalies occur: 1a, 1b, 2a, 18a, 37a.

3. 'Arabian Sea: S. S. "Ranchi"'

Description:

Abstract: Genre/Subject Matter:View on board the S. S. Ranchifrom the portside deck back towards the stern, somewhere in the Arabian Sea. The two funnels of the steamship are at the centre of the image; a row of lifeboats recede into the background at right.Inscriptions:Lower left, below image, in pen: ‘Arabian Sea’Upper left, above image, in pencil, crossed-out: ‘a’Lower right, alongside image, in pencil: ‘15’Lower right, below image, in pen: ‘S.S. “Ranchi”‘(Nov. 1916)’Physical description: Dimensions:70 x 96 mmCondition:The image is in good condition.Foliation:'a'; '15'Process:Silver gelatin print

4. ‘Baghdad Railway.’

Description:

Abstract: Printed confidential memorandum (B 160), written by Major Lindsay Sherwood Newmarch, Political Resident in Turkish Arabia, dated 18 December 1906. The memorandum addresses the associated risks and benefits to be incurred and gained from not being involved in the construction of the Baghdad railway. Newmarch refers to: imperial competition over the line and the region more broadly, chiefly from Russia, France and Germany; the alternative prospect of gaining a monopoly on river traffic south of Baghdad (on the Tigris and Euphrates) if the railway were extended to Baghdad; the prospect of negotiating a concession for a steam ship monopoly south of Baghdad with the Turks, and German competition for any such concession; the difficulties that would be faced in attempting to construct a railway line south of Baghdad, to the Persian Gulf, and the easier prospects for a line from Baghdad to Urfa [Şanlıurfa; al-Ruhā] or Mosul; economic advantages to other branches of the line, in terms of transporting pilgrims, goods; his own recommendations for British involvement and control of railway construction and steam ship routes, and his conclusion that Britain should ‘secure the waterways’ south of Baghdad, at the cost of involvement in construction of the railway line to the north.Physical description: Foliation: The file comprises two separated folded sheets, foliated from 1 to 4. The memorandum also has its own original pagination, running 2 to 7 from ff 2v-4.

5. 'Aden: S.S. "Ranchi"'

Description:

Abstract: Genre/Subject Matter:View of the SS Ranchifrom Aden. The steamship is anchored in the centre background. Behind it rocky hills rise from left to right. In the distant background on the right two large two-storeyed buildings sit along the shoreline. In the foreground two small boats carry two and three men respectively. The boat at left bears the name Blanche.Inscriptions:Lower left, below image, in pen: ‘Aden.’Upper left, above image, in pencil, crossed-out: ‘a’Lower right, alongside image, in pencil: ‘17’Lower right, below image, in pen: ‘S.S. "Ranchi"’,‘(Dec. 1926)’Physical description: Dimensions:70 x 96 mmCondition:The image is in good condition.Foliation:'a'; '17'Process:Silver gelatin print

6. 'Aden: S.S. "Mantua"'

Description:

Abstract: Genre/Subject Matter:View of the SS Mantuaat Aden. The steamship is in the centre of the photograph with a tug boat alongside the stern. Two further large boats are visible behind and alongside the steamer at right. Immediately right of centre a small boat is visible in the distant middle-ground. A bird flies across the scene at left.Inscriptions:Lower left, below image, in pen: ‘Aden.’Upper left, above image, in pencil, crossed-out: ‘b’Lower right, alongside image, in pencil: ‘17’Lower right, below image, in pen: ‘S.S. "Mantua"’,‘(Dec. 1926)’Physical description: Dimensions:70 x 96 mmCondition:The image is in good condition.Foliation:'b'; '18'Process:Silver gelatin print

7. 'Notes on Memo. Submitted on Iron Steam Vessels'.

Description:

Abstract: Copy of a memorandum regarding the unsuitability of iron steam vessels for use on the Euphrates and Indus rivers. (With a note in pencil, by unknown author, criticizing the tone of the memorandum and asking for another opinion).Physical description: 1 item (3 folios)

8. ‘File 12/1 Casaulties – Rules for Boats approaching steamers etc.’

Description:

Abstract: The file comprises correspondence relating to incidents and accidents involving steamers at Bahrain, including:boats approaching steamers before they have anchored (ff 4-5);an accident leading to the death of a sailor on board SS Bandra(ff 6-7);instances of steamers running aground on sand banks around Bahrain (f 8, ff 11-12, ff 18-20);other accidents involving steamers, including fires (f 10, f 13);a night-time collision between a steamer and a jollyboat (ff 14-15);the capsizing of a joliboat (jollyboat) (f 17);reports of casualties in which crew members were drowned or washed overboard during storms (f 21).The file’s principal correspondents are: the Political Agent at Bahrain (Captain Charles Geoffrey Prior; Lieutenant-Colonel Percy Gordon Loch); the Director of Customs at Bahrain (Claud Cranbrook Lewis deGrenier); the Deputy Manager of the Mesopotamia Persian Corporation Limited (J Russell).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 22; 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 4-17; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence.

9. ‘File 12/2 Accident between S.S. “Bandra” and a Dhow on the 12th August 1929, in the Bahrain Harbour.’

Description:

Abstract: The file comprises correspondence, statements and other papers related to a collision which took place on 12 August 1929, twelve miles off the coast of Bahrain, between a steamer, the SS Bandra, operated by the British India Steam Navigation Company (BISN), and a dhow, working on the pearl banks in the area.The first portion of the file contains witness statements made by various individuals at the Political Agency in Bahrain, including those by Commander Arthur Danbrook, in charge of the SS Bandra, and Hassan bin Muhammad bu Ali, the nakhuda on the pearling dhow (ff 5-22).The second portion of the file contains correspondence relating to Hassan bin Muhammad bu Ali’s claim against the SS Bandraand the BISN, chiefly concerned with the value of pearls lost when his dhow sank. Correspondence includes: discussion between British political officials over the best means of formal inquiry into the incident, in consequence of the nearest marine court being located in Bombay; suspension of Captain Danbrook by the BISN; repeated petitions made by Hassan bin Muhammad bu Ali for financial redress; the Government of India’s decision not to convene a marine court (f 61), and the recommendation by the Political Resident that Hassan bin Muhammad bu Ali file a suit at Bahrain’s mixed court (f 60); confirmation of an out of court settlement agreed between Hassan bin Muhammad bu Ali and the BISN (f 72).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 76; 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 4-75; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence.

10. ‘File 12/6 Marine Note of Protest’

Description:

Abstract: The file comprises correspondence relating to the raising of notes of protest by various parties, in response to damage sustained to vessels at sea, or loss of cargo from vessels while at sea. The file’s principal correspondents are: the Master of the SS Begum, O G Rowland Jones; the Chief Local Representative of the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), Milton H Lipp.The file includes:correspondence dated October 1931 relating to an incident in which a lighter, attending to the SS Barpetaat Bahrain, lost some of its cargo during a squall, and subsequent arrangements for the raising of a note of protest by the nakhudas involved (ff 3-7);correspondence in Arabic relating to notes of protest, with handwritten notes by Agency staff (in English), dated March 1938 (ff 13-14) which refer to questions of whether such correspondence should be dealt with by the Vernacular or English Offices of the Political Agency, in response to the applicants for notes of protest being non-English speakers (ff 14-19);a copy of a note of protest raised by the Master of the El Segundoat Bahrain, dated 9 March 1939 (f 20);correspondence relating to the ‘touching’ of the Rennie Shoals [Mushţ Rinnī] by the SS Begumon 9 April 1939, including: numerous letters from the Master of the Begum, O G Rowland Jones; a certificate of survey completed by Lloyd’s agents at Bahrain; depth sounding measurements; a copy of deck log entries; and a chart indicating the location and circumstances of the accident (ff 21-35);correspondence relating to the loss of steel plates from the barge CASOC 101in August 1941, with correspondence and multiple copies of a note of protest, exchanged between Milton H Lipp of BAPCO, and the Political Agent (ff 36-51).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 54; 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 3-12; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence.

11. ‘File 12/8 Shipping.– Correspondence re. Arrival of ships of foreign nationalities in Bahrain and questions relating to freight and cargo brought by them.’

Description:

Abstract: The file comprises correspondence received by the Political Agency relating to the arrival and departure of foreign vessels at Bahrain. The file’s principal correspondents are: the Bahrain shipping agent Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo [Yūsuf bin Aḥmad Kānū]; representatives of the Government of Bahrain; representatives of the Mesopotamia Persia Corporation Limited.The file includes:correspondence dated 1933 relating to an enquiry from the Political Resident as to the whereabouts of the SS City of Dundee, after its departure from Bahrain in October 1932 (ff 2-5);correspondence dated 1934 relating to a dispute raised by the Bahrain importer Abdulaziz Ali Al Bassam, over landing rates for cement at Bahrain (ff 6-10);miscellaneous correspondence dated 1935-1938 relating to foreign vessels calling at Bahrain (ff 11-16);letters from Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo, dated 1946 to 1948, reporting the arrival and departure of vessels at Bahrain, and the nature of their cargo (ff 17-50).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 56; 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 ff 2-21; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence.

12. ‘File 16/50 Correspondence with Messrs Gray, Mackenzie & Co., Ltd.’

Description:

Abstract: Correspondence, timetables and other papers relating to the activities of the shipping agent Gray, Mackenzie & Company, in Bahrain, the Persian Gulf and wider Middle East region. Correspondence and papers relating to other transport operators are also included in the file: Imperial Airways (ff 18-23); Nairn Transport Company (f 13).Papers issued under a number of different company names or letterheads are stamped ‘Gray Mackenzie & Co. Ltd.’ These include: the Mesopotamia Persia Corporation Limited (dissolved in 1937 and replaced by Gray, Mackenzie & Company); Mackinnon Mackenzie & Company; and the British India Steam Navigation Company Limited (BISNC).Amongst the routine correspondence (accounts, travel and transport arrangements, changes in office personnel), the file also includes:details, including timetables, of steamer services operated in the Persian Gulf and wider region by Gray, Mackenzie & Company, BISNC, Peninsular and Oriental (P&O);a photographic postcard of the BISNC vessel Dwarka(f 57);a brochure for the new BISNC vessels Dumraand Dwarka(f 73), with photographs of the vessel’s first- and second-class facilities;baggage labels, issued in May 1948 by BISNC to employees of the Bahrain Petroleum Company (f 77-78).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 128; 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 3-61; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.