Abstract: The file comprises correspondence, memoranda, maps, and other papers relating to questions over the position of Saudi Arabia’s south-eastern frontier adjoining Qatar and the Trucial Coast shaikhdoms, notably Abu Dhabi. Negotiations over the frontier had long been deferred by British Government officials, as a result of the Ruler of Saudi Arabia ‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd’s [Ibn Saud] firm stance in negotiations before the Second World War. However, the need for a resolution became increasingly apparent as a result of ongoing oil exploration in Saudi Arabia by the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco), and exploration in Qatar and Abu Dhabi by Petroleum Concessions Limited (PCL). The principal correspondents in the file include: representatives of the India Office, Foreign Office, Ministry of Fuel and Power; the British Legation at Jedda; the Political Agent at Bahrain; and the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf.The file includes:correspondence, dating from 1944 and 1945, between British Government officials in the Persian Gulf, India Office and Foreign Office, discussing the previous difficulties encountered in negotiating Saudi Arabia’s south-eastern frontiers with Ibn Saud, and the agreement that further negotiations be left until after the event of Ibn Saud’s death (ff 2-29);correspondence from late 1945 through 1947, between Government officials on the possible establishment of a neutral zone between Aramco’s concession area in Saudi Arabia, and PCL’s concession area in Qatar. Also, there is some discussion of Aramco’s proposals to begin seabed exploration off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia (ff 36-59);PCL’s request for permission to conduct seismic surveys at the southernmost limit of their concession area in Qatar (ff 76-95);reports of Aramco survey parties making incursions into PCL’s concession areas in Qatar and Abu Dhabi (ff 104-127);Government criticism of PCL’s delay in exploiting its concession areas in Qatar and Abu Dhabi (f 133);preparations in August 1949 for the reopening of frontier negotiations with the Saudi Government in Jedda. Papers include: a copy of a confidential memorandum with map, dated 2 February 1948, on the south-eastern frontier of Saudi Arabia, prepared by J E Cable of the Eastern Department of the Foreign Office (ff 164-169; copy also at ff 87-91); three further confidential memoranda with maps, prepared by the Eastern Department in 1940, outlining past and present negotiations on the position of the south-eastern frontiers of Saudi Arabia (ff 170-180, ff 181-185, ff 186-188); proposals to send representatives from Qatar and Abu Dhabi to the Jedda negotiations (ff 190-203).Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) 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. This file has the following foliation anomaly: 111A. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 4-203; these numbers are also written in pencil, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence, but they are not circled. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence cited in, or enclosed with, a letter from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] to the East India Company Court of Directors, 10 June 1845, which provides an update on previous instructions received from the Court.The previous instructions were that Captain Atkins Hamerton, HM Consul and the Company’s Agent in the Dominions of His Highness the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat, should request protection from the Imaum for the agents of the Church Missionary Society. The agents, represented by Reverend Dr Krapf (also written Kraff), wished to obtain free passage into the interior of Africa through the Imaum’s territories on the East Coast of Africa. Hamerton was warned by the Court to proceed delicately with his request. An update from Hamerton is enclosed.The correspondents are: the Court of Directors; the Government of Bombay; and Hamerton.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 5061, Draft 29/46, Coll[ection]: 24’, ‘Collection No. 1 of No. 63’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 607, and terminates at f 613, 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.
Abstract: The bundle consists of a English translation of a paper produced by the Persian Government. The paper outlines Persian complaints against the conduct and line of policy adopted by HM Minister to Persia, Charles Augustus Murray, and his predecessors: Colonel Justin Sheil, Colonel Francis Farrant, and William Taylour Thomson. It also explains the Government of Persia's position on Herat.The paper was enclosed in a letter from Murray – Number 15 of 1856.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay.The item is concerned with the assassination of Ali Pasha, Governor of Bagdad [Baghdad], and the interference of Samuel Manesty, Resident at Bussorah [Basra], in the nomination of the new Governor by the Ottoman Court. In particular, the item relates to:The Government of Bombay's criticism of Manesty for abandoning a neutral position by promising his support for the nomination of Soliman Bacha [Sulayman] as the new Governor of BagdadReports on the circumstances of the assassination of Ali PashaManesty's accounts of his conversations with the Mussaleem [Mussallim] of Bagdad regarding the Mussaleem's plans for becoming the Governor of Bagdad in the event of Soliman Bacha's deathThe Government of Bombay's strong protests to Manesty's proposals to travel to Constantinople [Istanbul] in order to address the Ottoman Ministry against the permanent installation of Eusuf Bacha [Yusuf Ziyaeddin Pasha], the temporary Governor of BagdadManesty's opinions that the placement of a 'Contstantinople Turk' in the role of Governor of Bagdad would be disastrous for the East India Company's interests in the area and that the French are supporting the nomination of Eusuf Bacha in order to easily pass through the region into Persia [Iran] and then IndiaManesty's proposals that, in the event of Eusuf Bacha being permanently installed as Governor of Bagdad and this being a result of French influence, he will barricade the river at Bussorah to prevent the entry or exit of any French vesselsConfirmation from the Acting Resident at Bagdad that Soliman Bacha has succeeded Ali Pasha as the new Governor of Bagdad due to Eusuf Bacha declining the offer from the Porte [Government of the Ottoman Empire].The correspondence is mainly between the Government of Bombay and the Resident at Bussorah. The other correspondents included are: John Hine, Acting Resident at Bagdad; Francis Warden, Secretary to Government, Bombay; Neil Benjamin Edmonstone, Secretary to the Supreme Government at Fort William.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Political No. 18, Season 1814/15, Draft 20, Para 73' and 'Examiner's Office November & December 1808'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 59 and terminates at f 98, 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.
Abstract: A paper written in continuation of a previous memorandum regarding the Italian Occupation of Assab Bay [IOR/L/PS/18/B22], which brings the story up to date.The first section describes the course of events at and around Assab from May 1880 to September 1881, including protests made by the Egyptian Government to the Italian Government at their purchase of the whole coastline around Assab Bay and the islands nearby, and an enquiry that followed the massacre of an Italian exploring party. This section concludes with two reports suggesting that, although the Italians had not made much progress at Assab Bay, they had shown their intention to get a foothold on the African continent.The second section reproduces correspondence between the British, Italian and Egyptian governments, and between the India Office and the Foreign Office from May 1880 to September 1881. The correspondence relates to the purchase of land at Assab Bay by the Rubattino Company; Italian Government denials that the territory would be used for military purposes; attempts made by the Italian Government to legitimise their occupation of the place by encouraging the British Government to accredit a British Agent there, both for commercial purposes and for the purpose of co-operation in the suppression of the slave trade; and a British Government proposal that the Italian Government enter into a formal convention about the matter with the Egyptian Government.The final section reproduces correspondence connected with a proposed disembarkation of Egyptian troops at Raheita to the south of Assab Bay; Egyptian appeals for a British warship to be sent to the area; Italian protestations that disembarkation at Raheita would constitute a provocation; and the British Government's re-affirmation that the sovereignty of the coastline at Raheita and Assab Bay belongs to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and the Khedive of Egypt.The paper is written by Arthur William Moore.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at folio 25, and terminates at folio 40, as it is part of a larger 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 present in parallel; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: This item consist of letters, extracts of letters, and a copy of dispatches between, principally, the Court of Directors of the East India Company and the Secret Committee of the Government of Bombay regarding the proceedings in consequence of the death of the Persian Ambassador, Haji Khali Khan [Ḥājjī Khalīl Khān], in Bombay on 20 July 1802.The item contains discussion of the details of the death of the Ambassador of Persia in Bombay and its aftermath, including the following: the causes of death; the assignation of Sir John Malcolm as a diplomatic contact for the Shah of Persia, to preserve good communications between Persia and Britain after the incident; and reports from John Malcolm. In addition to correspondence, the item includes a statement of the pension for the son of the Persian Ambassador (f 251).Notable correspondents include the following: the Secretary to the Governor General; the Governor of Bombay, Jonathan Duncan; the Court of Directors of the East India Company; the Secret Committee of the Government of Bombay; the Governor General of Bengal, Richard Wellesley; Samuel Manesty; and Sir John Malcolm.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 217, and terminates at f 254, 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 file comprises correspondence from two distinct periods. Correspondence at the beginning and end of the file is dated 1909 to 1913 (ff 2-16, ff 52-87), and discusses the British protection of Bahrainis in Ottoman Turkey, in response to Ottoman Government representatives in Constantinople [Istanbul] questioning Britain’s claim of Bahrain being under its protection, and the registration and status of the increasing numbers of Bahrainis residing in the port of Mohammerah [Khorramshahr], thanks to that port’s relative stability and affluence. Some of this correspondence deals with a specific incident occurring in March 1911 in which three Bahrainis were detained by the Basra authorities, with the latter refusing to recognise that the men were under British protection (ff 56-63). The principal correspondents in these parts of the file are: the British Ambassador at Constantinople [Istanbul] (Sir Gerard Augustus Lowther); the British Consul at Bussorah [Basra] (Francis Edward Crow); the Acting British Consul for Arabistan (Arnold Talbot Wilson).The middle portion of the file (ff 17-50) comprises copies of correspondence from the Basrah [Basra] archives, dated 1873-1878, sent to the Political Agent at Bahrain (Major Stuart George Knox) by Wilson in December 1910 (covering letter, f 16):letters dated 1878 from the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Charles Ross), reporting of the destruction of Zobara [Zubarah] by the Shaikh of el Bidaa [Al Bidda] with ‘two or three thousand followers’, under a Turkish flag (ff 20-21);letters dated 1873-1874, chiefly between the British Consul at Baghdad (Colonel Charles Herbert) and the British Ambassador at Constantinople (Sir Henry George Elliot), discussing a disagreement between British and Turkish Government officials over the Turkish Government’s intention to conscript Bahrainis residing in Turkish-administered Iraq into the Ottoman army, including a copy and translation of a memorial from the ‘Bahrainees of Kerbulla [Karbalā']’ (ff 22-50).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 88; 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 mixed foliation/pagination sequence is also present in parallel between ff 2-87; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.Condition: There is considerable insect damage on some pages in the file, in the form of small holes in the paper. However the damage is not sufficient to impair the legibility of any text.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and resolutions, cited in, or enclosed with, a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 28 April 1854. It is the first in a series of thirteen items on the Persian Gulf. The Political Letter sets out which enclosures comprise the next twelve items (see IOR/F/4/2575/152544 through IOR/F/4/2575/152555).The item relates to instructions provided to Commodore George Robinson, Commanding Indian Naval Squadron [in the] Persian Gulf, from Captain Arnold Burrowes Kemball, Resident in the Persian Gulf, to cruise around the Arabian coast of the Gulf with the Company ship,
Clive. This is in response to reports of occurrences which Kemball fears may 'disturb' relations amongst the maritime tribes. These are:Recent disputes involving: subjects of Sheikh Sultan ben Suggur, 'Chief' of Rusul Khymah and of the Joasmees [Shaikh Sulṭān I bin Ṣaqr al-Qāsimī, Ruler of Ra’s al-Khaymah and the Qawāsim]; inhabitants of Debaie [Dubai]; inhabitants of Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi]; and inhabitants of Shargah [Sharjah, also rendered in text as Sharja]Accusations of misappropriating money, made against Hajee Yacoob [Ḥājjī Ya‘qūb], British Agent at Shargah, by Sheikh Sultan ben SuggurDispute between Hajee Yacoob and Abdul Rahman boo Sheit [‘Abd al-Raḥmān Bū Shu‘ayṭ, also rendered in text as Abdul Rahman Boo Boosheit]Incident involving a Beloochee [Balochi] man fleeing with a woman to DebaieTwo 'slaves' [enslaved people] escaping from AboothabeeQuarrel between two tribes from Shargah.Kemball forwards copies of his letters to the Government of Bombay, enclosing relevant correspondence from Hajee Yacoob, Sheikh Sultan ben Suggur, and Robinson. Resolutions of the Government of Bombay are also included in the item.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department', 'P.C. [Previous Communication] 8964', Draft Number '908 [18]54', 'Collection No. 1 of No. 32 of 1854', 'In 13 Volumes', 'Vol: 1' and 'Examiner's Office'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 232, and terminates at f 258, 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.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay regarding numerous issues attended to by the Resident at Bushire, Captain David Wilson. The following topics are covered:An incident in which Aga Hyder Ally [Shirazi, Mirza Haydar ‘Ali, Agha] sought refuge inside the Residency at Bushire, claiming that he was not a servant of the local Governor, Sheikh Nassir [Shaikh Nāsir Āl Mazkūr II], but the carrier of a message from the Prince of Fars [Ḥosayn-ʿAlī Mīrzā]The Prince of Fars’ request for the Resident at Bushire to help secure the return of the ex-Governor of Bushire, Sheikh Abdool Rassool [Shaikh ‘Abd al-Rasūl Khān], from Muscat; the release of Sheikh Abdool Rassool by Sayyid Seid, [Sayyid Saʿīd bin Sulṭān] the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat and the desire of the former to establish firm friendship with the British GovernmentThe recent disturbances at Bushire relating to the conduct of Sheikh Haussein, uncle of Sheikh Nassir and brother of Sheikh Abdool RassoolComments from the Resident at Bushire and the Envoy in Persia, Lieutenant-Colonel McDonald, regarding the feasibility of removing the Residency or strengthening its defences due to the unsettled state of the countryA request by the East India Company's President, William Fullerton Elphinstone, to the Superintendent of Marine, Captain Thomas Buchanan, to enquire about a rock which struck the ship of Captain Grice and has been omitted in a survey of the coast between Sharga [Sharjah] and Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi]Discussions between the Resident at Bushire and the Political Agent at Bussorah [Basra], Captain Robert Taylor, regarding the consequences of either endorsing or advising against the Imaum of Muscat's proposals to aid the Chaub Arabs against the people of BussorahAn incident between Captain Betham of the Honourable Company's Cruizer Clive and Sheikh Nassir, following Captain Betham's attempts to capture a deserter from the Honourable Company's ship Amherst who he believed to be on board a bugalow in Bushire harbour belonging to the Sheikh.Several extracts of correspondence relate to establishing the best procedures to follow in future with relation to people seeking asylum in Residencies and the discovery of deserters. Many of the extracts make reference to the Company's strong desire not to interfere, or to be seen to be interfering, in disputes between local leaders or to cause foreign powers to feel threatened or alarmed by actions of the Company.Correspondents: the Government of Bombay; William Newnham, Chief Secretary of the Government of Bombay; Captain David Wilson, Resident at Bushire; the Secretary to the Supreme Government; the Honourable Company’s Broker at Muscat; William Henry Wathen, Persian Secretary to Government; the General Paymaster; Thomas Buchanan, Superintendent of Marine; Captain Betham of the Honourable Company’s cruiser Clive; Captain Walker of the Honourable Company’s ship Benares; Sayyid Seid, the Imaum of Muscat; the Senior Officer of the Marine in the Persian Gulph [Gulf]; Essai Johannes and Malcolm Arrathoon, persons put in charge of the Residency at Bushire in the Resident’s absence; Captain Robert Taylor, Political Agent at Bussorah; the Prince of Fars; Sheikh Nassir; Sheikh Abdool Rassool Khan; Muiza Mahommed Ally, Wuzeer [Mushir al-Mulk, Mirza Muhammad ‘Ali Khafraki, Vizier of Fars].The item also contains notes of a conversation between Aga Mahomed Kazim, Messenger from the Prince of Fars, and the Resident at Bushire (ff 300 verso – 304 verso).The Resident at Bushire is alternatively referred to as the Resident in the Persian Gulph [Gulf].The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘P.C. 783, Draft 477, 1829/30’, ‘Collection No. 10’ and 'Examiner's Office 1830'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 202, and terminates at f 327, 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.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, extracts from Bombay [Mumbai] Political Consultations. The papers contained in this item are partial enclosures to a Political Letter sent from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 10 June 1845. A copy of this Political Letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2122/100076, alongside details of further enclosures.The item relates to tension between the Chaab [Banū Ka‘b] tribe and the Beniyas [Banī Yās] tribe. Commodore John Croft Hawkins, Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf, informs Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, that he recently prevented Beniyas subjects from stealing a Chaab bugla [baggalah], which they said was in retaliation for the seizure of one of their ships by Shaik Faris [Shaikh Fāris bin Ghayth], Acting Governor of Chaab, in early 1845. Concerned that this dispute may develop into warfare, Hennell wishes to pass on a firman from the Shah of Persia [Iran] and letter from the Prime Minister [of Persia], both of which instruct Sooleyman Khan, the Persian Sirteep at Mohumrah [Sulaymān Khān, Sartīp at Khorramshahr], to facilitate the restitution of the Beniyas vessel. Hennell instructs Hawkins to send the Company ship,
Constance, to Bussorah [Basra] to deliver the letter and firman and, if their instructions are accepted, superintend the return of the Beniyas vessel to Bussorah. Hennell also requests Major Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, to permit Parseigh Johannes, Native Agent at Bussorah, to assist the crew of the
Constancewith this task.Correspondents: Hennell; Hawkins; the Government of Bombay; and Justin Sheil, HM Minister at the Court of Persia.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 5061, Draft 29/46, Coll[ection] 23, Vol: 2’, ‘Collection No. 1 of No. 62’ and ‘Examiner's Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 451, and terminates at f 461, 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.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence cited in, or enclosed with, a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 30 September 1847. A copy of this Political Letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2238/112322, alongside details of further enclosures. The item is the thirtieth in a series of fifty-nine items on events in the Persian Gulf.The item relates to a report from the Native Agent at Bahrein [Bahrain], to Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, dated 24 August 1847. The Native Agent reports on the outcomes of the recent negotiations at Nedjd [Najd] between Shaik Busheer bin Ramah [Shaikh Bashīr bin Raḥmah], (on behalf of Shaik Mahomed bin Khuleefa of Bahrein [Shaikh Muḥammad bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah, Shaikh of Bahrain]) and Ameer Fysul, the Wahabee ruler [Amīr Fayṣal bin Turkī bin ‘Abdullāh Āl Sa‘ūd, leader of the Wahhābī]. Hennell forwards the report on to the Government of Bombay along with his comments on the negotiations. In particular, Hennell mentions the fate of the previous Shaik of Bahrein, Shaik Abdoollah bin Ahmed [Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad Āl Khalīfah], as well as Ameer Fysul’s weakened influence in the wake of the invasion of Bin Aoon [Muḥammad bin ‘Abd al-Mu‘īn bin ‘Awn, Sharīf of Mecca] and Ameer Khalid [Amīr Khālid bin Sa‘ūd].Hennell also provides a brief update on the relations between the shaiks of: Debaye [Dubai]; Shargah [Sharjah]; Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi]; and Amulgavine [Umm al-Qaywayn].The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘Draft No. 345/48’, ‘Collection No. 2 of No. 118, Vol: 30.’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 415, and terminates at f 420, 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.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence cited in, or enclosed with, a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 30 September 1847. A copy of this Political Letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2238/112322, alongside details of further enclosures. The item is the twenty-sixth in a series of fifty-nine items on events in the Persian Gulf.The item relates to correspondence between Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, and Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Sheil, Her Majesty’s Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary at the Court of Persia [Iran], in August 1847. The correspondence relates to:The potential motives behind Sheik Syf ben Nubhan’s [Shaikh Sayf bin Nabhān al-Ma’walī’s], Governor of Bender Abbass [Bandar-e ʻAbbas], proposal to launch a blockade against Persian ports of the GulfTheir doubts about Sheik Syf ben Nubhan’s allegations against Hoossein Khan [Ḥusayn Khān], Governor of FarsThe status of Bender Abbass as a port coming under the jurisdiction of the Imam of Muscat whilst remaining within the territory of the Shah of Persia, and the potential complications of thisPotential arguments Hennell and Sheil could use for justifying British intervention to discourage or prevent Sheik Syf ben Nubhan from going through with the blockade.Bender Abbass is also rendered in the text as Bunderabass.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘Draft No. 345/48’, ‘Collection No. 2 of No. 118, Vol: 26.’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 389, and terminates at f 395, 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.