Abstract: The file contains a printed report published by the 'Admiralty, Intelligence Department (No. 694). September 1903.', providing a compilation of available information of naval, military and political value about various locations in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Places described include Muscat, Mussandam Promontory, Khor Kawi [Khawr al Quway‘], Elphinstone Inlet [Khawr ash Shamm], Khasab, Pirate Coast [Arabian Coast], Bahrain, Kuwait, Fao [Al Fāw], Basra, Mohammerah [Khorramshahr], Bushire, Lingah and Bundar Abbas [Bandar Abbas].Much of the information was extracted from the Persian Gulf Pilot, 1898. The report also includes an 'Official statement of British Policy with regard to (1) the proposed Baghdad Railway; and (2) Persia and the Persian Gulf generally' given in the House of Lords, 5 May 1903; and advice on collecting information on defences such as defended areas, minefields, ordnance and under-water defences.Two hand-stamps appear on the front cover and on folio 3, which read, 'War Office Library 27 Nov 1903', and, 'Mobilization and Intelligence Dept. 27 Nov 1903'.The volume contains seven maps.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 57; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: an original printed pagination sequence is present in parallel throughout.
Abstract: This volume consists of an intelligence document issued by the Government of India, Intelligence Branch, Quarter Master General's Department, which provides comprehensive descriptions of French possessions on the African coast of the Gulf of Aden, including the towns of Obok [Obock] and Jibouti [Djibouti]. The volume contains two maps held in a map pocket, and is divided into nine sections.The volume was compiled by Eric John Eagles Swayne, 16th Bengal Infantry. The printing statement reads, 'Simla: Printed at the Government Central Printing Office. 1895.'Two hand stamps appear on the front cover and on folio 5, which read, 'War Office Library 15 Jan 96' and 'Intelligence Division 15 Jan 1896'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 36; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The memorandum is a report authored by Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Edward Stewart, Bengal Staff Corps, dated 4 July 1881. Its purpose being to convey the results of his intelligence gathering mission to the North-Eastern Frontier of Persia.The report largely consists of a narrative detailing Stewart's journey from Tehran to the frontier, which he undertook under the guise of an Armenian horse dealer from Calcutta. The narrative details events that unfolded during the course of his journey, but also includes detailed observations on the landscape and settlements he passes through. This includes general observations on the local economy, fauna, geology, history, and politics. Military matters are also a consideration, and it therefore includes details on Persian armaments, fortifications, garrisons, and how easy an army could be transported through the region.Much discussion is given to raids undertaken against Persia — primarily by the Biluchis and the Turkoman — and efforts by Persian authorities to defend against them. Some attention is therefore given to slave trading in the region, and how recent Russian activities have curbed the opportunities to profit from the practice. It also concerns itself with Russian expansion in the region and the extent that the Persians are willing to assist them.On folio 106 is an extract from the Times (August 1880) concerning the Indian Prince Ram Chunder; Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart claims to have met him during the course of his mission.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at f 105, and terminates at f 129, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Pagination: the memorandum also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: The memorandum consists of a report of Walter Baring's journey from Ispahan [Eşfahān] to Shuster [Shūshtar], Dizful [Dezfūl], Behbehan [Behbehān], and Shiraz; he was accompanied on this journey by Captain H Wells, Royal Engineers, and the Assistant Superintendent of the Indian Government Telegraph. This journey took place between 27 October and 16 December 1881.The report includes observations on local cultivation, the local economy, geography, water quality, and wild life. From time to time it also includes information on local history, political intrigues, and local tribes (especially the Bakhtyari [Bakhtiari] tribe). It also reports on the daily weather conditions and the quality of the roads being traversed.The appendix which can be found on folios 152-153 contains the following:a tabular statement of the revenue of Fars (f 152);a list of the altitudes of principal points mentioned in the report (f 152);a list of the distances of the various stages between Ahwaz and Shiraz (f 152v);a memorandum concerning Mr Baring's observations on opium cultivation during the course of his journey (f 153).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at f 140 and terminates at f 153, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Pagination: the item also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This volume consists of a report on Fars (a province of Persia) was written by Captain Arnold Talbot Wilson, Deputy Civil Commissioner in the Indian Political Department (General Staff Branch), and was published in Simla at the Government Monotype Press. The volume is divided into subject sections.Within the report, there are genealogical trees for some tribes and families, including: the Kashkuli Khans (folio 41), the Qashqai Ilkhanis (folio 42) and the Hashimieh family of Shiraz (folio 51).Following the main report, there are two appendices: one relating to the approximate population of Fars and one relating to the mineral resources of Fars. The volume ends with an alphabetical index for the entire report and a map showing 'Routes in Persia'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at a map, at the inside back cover, with 196; 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.
Abstract: Copy of 'A handbook of Turkey in Europe,
prepared on behalf of the Admiralty, Admiralty War Staff, Intelligence Division, January 1917.'The volume contains thirteen photographic plates (folios 99-106) and a map (folio 171).Contents (folio 6):Section II. Boundaries and Physical Features, p 9 (f 7);II. Climate, p 27 (f 16);III. Modern History, p 34 (f 19v);IV. Ethnology and Languages, p 49 (f 27);V. Religions, p 66 (f 35v);VI. Government and Administration, p 96 (f 50v);VII. Turkish Social Life, p 114 (f 59v);VIII. Economic Geography and Finance, p 142 (f 73v);IX. Chief Towns, p 166 (f 85v);X. Money, Weights and Measures, the Calendar, p 185 (f 95).Section II. Itineraries.Roads, p 193(f 107);Railways, p 276 (f 148v).Index, p 307 (f 164).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 172; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An original pagination sequence is present in parallel between ff 7-170.
Abstract: Admiralty handbook regarding Syria (including Palestine) 'to as far north as the River Orontes and a line Antioch-Aleppo-Meskeneh. For details of the part of Syria beyond this line reference must be made to the
Handbook of Asia Minor, Vol. iv, Part 2 (C.B. 847 C).''Contents. Chapters:I. Boundaries and Physical Survey, p 9 (folio 7)II. Climate, p 24 (folio 14v)III. Minerals, Flora and Fauna, p 93 (folio 50)IV. Military History, p 109 (folio 58)V. Inhabitants, p 175 (folio 91)VI. Turkish Administration, p 236 (folio 121v)VII. Agriculture, p 252 (folio 129v)VIII. Industry and Trade, p 276 (folio 141v)IX. Currency, Weights and Measures, p 318 (folio 162v)X. Jebel Ansarīyeh, p 325 (folio 166)XI. Country East of Jebel Ansarīyeh, p 344 (folio 175v)XII. Lebanon, Anti-Lebanon, and Damascus Plain, p 357 (folio 182)XIII. River Systems of Northern Syria, p 395 (folio 201)XIV. Judea and the Southern Desert, p 427 (folio 217)XV. Samaria (including Carmel), p 472 (folio 239v)XVI. Galilee, p 515 (folio 261)XVII. Haurān and Jaulān, p 556 (folio 281v)XVIII. 'Ajlūn and Northern Belqa, p 580 (folio 293v)XIX. Southern Belqa and Ardh el-Kerak, p 612 (folio 309v)XX. El-Jibāl and Esh-Shera, p 636 (folio 321v)XXI. The Ghōr (Jordan and the Dead Sea); and Wādi 'Arabah, p 645 (folio 326)Appendix: Conventional Spellings, p 668 (folio 337v)Index, p 669 (folio 338)Plates, p 725' [missing]Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 367; 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. The volume originally contained fourteen plates showing maps, bound into the back of the volume. These are now missing; details of the plates can be found at folio 5v.
Abstract: The volume is
Handbook of Hejaz. Prepared by The Arab Bureau, Cairo, 2nd edn, 26 February 1917 (Cairo: Government Press, 1917).The handbook comprises information about Hejaz under the following headings:Area;Physical Character;Population;Districts and Towns;Tribal Notes;Political;Personalities (including Royal Family, and Others);Pilgrimage;Trade and Expenses;Communications;Routes.The prefatory note states that the handbook was originally compiled by Lieutenant Commander D G Howarth, RNVR; and although the information contained in the second edition had been greatly improved, much about Hejaz 'remains uncertain or unknown'.The volume also contains an 'Outline Map of Hejaz' (f 4) and a table of the 'Ruling Sherifial Family of Mecca' (f 38).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1 on the front cover and terminates at 100 on the inside back cover. The numbers are written in pencil, are enclosed in a circle, and appear in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio. This is the system used to make reference to the contents of the volume. Folios 4 and 38 need to be folded out to be examined.Pagination: the volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence, numbered 2-179 (ff 8-98).
Abstract: The volume is
Handbook of Yemen. Prepared by the Arab Bureau, Cairo, 1st edn, 15 January 1917 (Cairo: Government Press, 1917).The handbook contains information about Yemen under the following headings:Area;Physical Character (including Relief and Climate);Population;Districts and Towns;Agriculture and Industries;Trade (including Currency, and Weights and Measures);Political;Yemen Army Corps;Tribal Notes;Personalities;Communications;Routes.The prefatory note states that the handbook had been compiled by Major K Cornwallis and Lieutenant-Commander D G Hogarth, RNVR from information obtained in Cairo (especially about tribes and personalities) and from material prepared for the
Arabia Handbookissued by the Admiralty War Staff, Intelligence Division.The volume contains an 'Outline Map of Yemen' (f 6).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1 on the front cover and terminates at 93 on the inside back cover. The numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and appear in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio. This is the system used to determine the sequence of pages within the volume.Pagination: the volume also has an original printed pagination sequence numbered 2-167 (ff 7-92).
Abstract: By Montagu Gilbert Gerard, Captain and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel, 1st Central India Horse, published in Calcutta by the Quarter Master General's Department.The notes consist of diary entries for the period 15 November 1881 to 16 April 1882, documenting each stage of Captain Gerard's journey through Iraq and Persia. Each entry contains information about the towns and villages he visited, including longitude and latitude co-ordinates, geographical information about the landscape, physical descriptions of the places, political information about the ruler of both the place and its surrounding area and their allegiences, and travel advice for others intending to journey through the Kurdistan region. Also discussed in the entries are customs and quarantine dues paid en-route and bazaars visited, including the type of goods available and the countries those goods were from.The principle places travelled through include Zobeir [Az-Zubayr], Busreh [Basra], Baghdad, Hillah [Al-Ḥillah], Kifri, Kerkuk [Kirkūk], Mosul [Al-Mawṣil], Miandab [Mīāndoāb], Tabriz, Tasuj [Tasūj], Urmiah [Urmia], Bokan [Bukan], Sakuz [Saqqez], Banah [Baneh], Pengwen [Penjwen], Sulimania [Sulaymaniyah], Murivan [Marivan], Kirmanshah [Kermanshah], Kasr-i-Shirin [Qasr-e-Shirin], Khanikin [Khanaqin] and Bakuba [Baqubah].Physical description: Foliation: The file has been foliated from cover to cover using a pencil number enclosed in a circle located in the top right hand corner of the recto of each folio.
Abstract: The memorandum describes the road between Burujird [Borūjerd] and Dizfil [Dezfūl], via Khoramabad [Khorramābād]; the author is Walter Baring. The information provided is a summary of statements made by Albert Houtum-Schindler in a paper submitted to the Berlin Geographical Society.A number of lists outline the sub-divisions of the following:the Pisch-i-Koh tribes (f 154v);the Balagirive tribes (f 154v);the Silsile tribes (f 155);the Dilfan tribes (f 155).A list of the villages chiefly inhabited by the Amale (workmen) of the Pisch-i-Koh is located on folio 154v, and a summary of the distances between the following settlements is also provided:Burujird to Khoramabad (f 155v);Khoramabad to Dizful (f 156);Shahinshah [Gūsheh Ţālqānī] to Dizful (f 156).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at f 154 and terminates at f 156, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Pagination: the item also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: This volume consists of an envelope of notes and printed papers that make up some ancillary materials collected by George Curzon at the time of the publication of his book,
Persia and the Persian Question. The notes consist of official correspondence on Persia from the British Government, archaeological surveys, and more recent published material on the trade and regional affairs of Persia, particularly the ports of the Persian Gulf and its trade with India. The papers were originally kept in a large envelope, which is found at the back of the volume.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 111; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.