Abstract: This file is a continuation from IOR/R/15/5/152. It contains correspondence, memoranda and legal papers regarding lawsuits brought against the Shaikh of Kuwait [Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ] by the heirs of the former owners of the Al Faddaghiyeh, Al Bashiyah and Al Fao properties, and efforts on behalf of the Shaikh to reclaim the properties. The papers discuss the progress of the various cases, appeals and hearings regarding the Faddaghiyah (eventually found in favour of the Shaikh), the Bashiyah (eventually found against the Shaikh) and the Fao (still ongoing by the closure of the file) properties.The papers also discuss: the provision of legal advice for the Shaikh, following the appointment of the Advocate Nasarat al-Farisi as Iraqi Ambassador to Turkey; technical difficulties with Powers of Attorney granted to and by the Shaikh; the occupation of the Fao fish and meat markets by agents of the Fao Municipality; the rebellion of the Shaikh's
fellaheenon the Fao estate, and their refusal to pay rents or gather the date harvest; the prohibition against the export of dates from Iraq to countries other than Kuwait without the prior agreement of the Date Board; and the potential compensation claim should the Shaikh lose ownership of any of the properties.The file primarily consists of correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, the Foreign Office, the India Office Political Department, the Political Agent at Kuwait, and HM Ambassador to Iraq. It also contains copies of correspondence between the Shaikh of Kuwait (Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ), the Shaikh's son and acting representative in Basra (Shaikh Muḥammad Āl Ṣabāḥ), the Shaikh's secretary (Abdulla Mulla Saleh) and the Shaikh's lawyers (Sulaiman Faidhi, Nasrat al-Faresi, and Iskandar Mansur), as well as copies of outgoing letters to them.The file contains the following legal documents (English translations unless otherwise stated):Copy of the pleading submitted by Nasrat al-Faresi to the President of the First Court of Appeal of the Land Settlement Board, ff 59-76.Document listing the various postponements to the Faddaghiyah case, providing dates and grounds for postponement, f 82.Copy of the final decision of the Second Court for Land Settlement, Iraq, for the Faddaghiyah Estate, ff 101-102.Power of Attorney documents, ff 108-109, 184-185.Précis on all the diplomatic and legal proceedings regarding the Shaikh of Kuwait's date gardens since 1927, with index, ff 130-145.Memorandum submitted by Nasrat al-Faresi to the Iraqi Court of Cassation regarding the Faddaghiyah Estate, ff 186-188.Memorandum submitted by Iskandar Mansur to the Court of Cassation regarding the Faddaghiyah Estate, ff 191-192.Various memoranda and documents of security submitted to the Iraqi Courts, ff 197-205.Final decision of the Court of Cassation regarding the Faddaghiyah Estate, ff 290-291.The correspondence is continued under reference IOR/R/15/5/154.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 312; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Three additional foliation sequences are also present in parallel between ff 1-311, ff 21-103, and ff 182-295; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: This file is a continuation from IOR/R/15/5/153. It contains correspondence, memoranda and legal papers regarding lawsuits brought against the Shaikh of Kuwait [Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ] by the heirs of the former owners of the Al Faddaghiyeh, Al Bashiyah and Al Fao properties, and efforts on behalf of the Shaikh to reclaim the properties or seek compensation for their loss. The majority of the file concerns the Fao estate, discussing: the progress of a number of appeals and counter appeals regarding ownership; dealings with the Fao municipality and the Mudir of Fao regarding their occupation of the gardens; the refusal of the Shaikh's tenants to gather the date crop; the passing of legislation giving the tenants the right to reclaim river land adjacent to the Shaikh's property; and negotiations with the Basra Port Directorate for the lease of land within the Fao property. The papers also discuss: the Shaikh's court appeal seeking return of the purchase money for Bashiyah property, and later attempts to bid for the land at auction; and changes in the Shaikh's legal representation at Basra.The file primarily consists of correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, the Foreign Office, the India Office, and the Political Agent at Kuwait. It also contains copies of correspondence between the Shaikh of Kuwait (Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ), the Shaikh's son and acting representative in Basra (Shaikh Muḥammad Āl Ṣabāḥ), the Shaikh's secretary (Abdulla Mulla Saleh) and the Shaikh's lawyers (Sulaiman Faidhi, Iskandar Mansur, and Hasan Abdul Rahman), as well as copies of outgoing letters to them.The file contains the following legal documents and case notes (English translations unless otherwise stated):Court of Appeal decision regarding the Bashiyah, f 65.English and Arabic copies of a court document regarding the Fao properties, ff 90-91.Estimates of the present and pre-war values of the Shaikh's land at Bashiyah, ff 120-121.English and Arabic copies of inheritance documents issued by the Sharia Court of Kuwait, plus Power of Attorney documents, ff 124-132, 136-139, 140-142, 152-155, 192-205, and 325-331.An updated précis of the date garden lawsuits and their status at the time, ff 262-264.A précis of proceedings and Government correspondence regarding the date gardens, ff 276-278, and 333.The correspondence is continued under reference IOR/R/15/5/155.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 366; 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 also present in parallel between ff 15-157; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: This file is a continuation from IOR/R/15/5/154. It contains correspondence, memoranda and legal papers regarding lawsuits brought against the Shaikh of Kuwait [Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ] by the heirs of the former owners of the Al Faddaghiyeh, Al Bashiyah and Al Fao properties, and efforts on behalf of the Shaikh to reclaim the properties or seek compensation for their loss.The papers primarily discuss the appeals and counter appeals regarding the ownership of the Fao property, lodged at the Basra Court of Appeal as part of the Land Settlement Procedure. Topics discussed include: attempts by the Government of Iraq and the lawyer of the plaintiffs, (advocate Sulaiman Shawwaf) to delay the hearings; the transfer of appeal cases from the Baghdad courts to the Basra courts; the selection by the court of experts to assess the extent of cultivated and non-cultivated land and the age of date trees in the gardens; and the steps taken to prevent the Shaikh from disposing of his date crop.The papers also document the Shaikh's attempts to re-purchase the Bashiyah estates at auction, and the reimbursement of this payment by HMG. The file also contains several documents regarding proposals for HMG to be released from their 1914 pledge to support the Shaikh in the matter of the date gardens, in return for a lump sum payment.The file primarily consists of correspondence between the Foreign Office, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, the Political Agent at Kuwait, and HM Consul-General at Iraq. It also contains copies of correspondence between the Shaikh of Kuwait (Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ), the Shaikh's son and acting representative in Basra (Shaikh Muḥammad Āl Ṣabāḥ), the Shaikh's secretary (Abdulla Mulla Saleh) and the Shaikh's lawyer (Hasan Abdul Rahman), as well as copies of outgoing letters to them.The file contains the following legal documents and case notes (English translations unless otherwise stated):Report detailing the area of the Al-Sabah's property at Fao, ff 128-133.Aide-memoire summaries of actions taken in the Fao dispute for the years 1938-1949, ff 139-142, 155-159, and 175-177.Draft of the document discharging HMG from their pledge to the Shaikh, f 168 and 295.Arabic copy of the judgement given by the President of the Court of Appeal at Basra on 12 July 1949, ff 237-261, with an English translation at ff 279-283.Arabic and English copies of the decree by the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeal for Land Settlement regarding the Fao case, dated 14 July 1949, ff 302-327.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 336; 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 also present in parallel between ff 6-329, and ff 31-149; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: This volume is a continuation from IOR/R/15/5/148. It contains correspondence, memoranda and legal papers regarding law suits brought against the Shaikh of Kuwait [Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ] by the heirs of the former owners of the Al Faddaghiyeh, Al Bashiyah and Al Fao properties. The papers discuss the provision of legal assistance for the Shaikh of Kuwait, the progress of the various lawsuits, the felling of date trees on the Fao land, and attempts by the Shaikh's representatives to have the ownership of the garden properties settled under the Iraqi Land Settlement Law. The papers also concern the question of compensation to be paid to the shaikhs of Kuwait in respect of a) property potentially lost through litigation, and b) income lost through the imposition of
Istihlaktax.The volume primarily consists of correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, the Foreign Office, the India Office Political Department, the Treasury, the Political Agent at Kuwait, and HM Ambassador to Iraq. It also contains letters received from the Shaikh of Kuwait (Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ), the Shaikh's son and acting representative in Basra (Shaikh Muḥammad Āl Ṣabāḥ), and the Shaikh's lawyers, Ahmed Rushidi Bey [Aḥmad Rashīdī Bey] and Abdul Jalil Partu, as well as copies of outgoing letters to them.The volume contains the following case notes and legal documents:Translation of a reply to the Plaintiff's Counsel's Note, submitted by Ahmed Rushidi Bey to the Basra Court of Instance, ff 28-39.Minutes of a meeting held at the Foreign Office on 21 April 1938 regarding the date garden properties of the Shaikhs of Kuwait and Mohammerah, ff 71-90.Print of the Land Settlement Law No. 29 of 1938, taken from the Iraqi Government Gazette, ff 150-154.English and Arabic copies of the Judgement of the Basra Court of Instance in suit No. 373/1932, ff 198-206.English translation of the Judgement of the Court of Cassation, in its capacity as a Court of Appeal, regarding five Aranas situated in the Tel Kaif village, ff 216-218.The file continues under reference IOR/R/15/5/150.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 294; 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 6-289; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: This file contains correspondence relating to the supply of water to Kuwait from the Shatt-al-Arab estuary which lies within the territory of Iraq. The papers contain incidents relating to the payment of customs duties, the customary drawing of water from populations surrounding the estuary, and the boring of water wells within Kuwait as an alternative. The majority of the correspondence is between the Political Agency in Kuwait, the Political Residency at Bushire, and a variety of experts and Kuwait Oil Company employees with expertise to bear on the matter of obtaining fresh water supplies for Kuwait.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 234; 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. Two irregular additional foliation sequences are present in parallel between ff 30-233; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: Genre/Subject Matter:View of the house of a ‘dragoman’ (translator) for the British Consulate at Basra on the Ashar Creek. In the foreground at right, two men crouch down outside of a gate. The two-storey house is surrounded by a fence: a man stands on a low wall between two sections of fencing at centre. The brick and plaster house features ornately carved fan lights around a series of arched windows on the first floor. Large palms and other vegetation obscure part of the building from view at left.Inscriptions:Ink, below image: 'House of dragoman of British Consulate Basra. On the Ashar Creek.'Pencil, above image to the right: ‘27’Physical description: Dimensions:154 x 187 mmCondition:The print is in good condition throughout with minor toning/fading at all edgesFoliation:‘27’
Abstract: The file contains correspondence regarding congestion at the port of Basra during the First World War, and suggestions for increasing capacity and improving efficiency.The primary correspondents are: the Commander-in-Chief, India; the General Officer Commanding, Mesopotamia; and the War Office.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 93; 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 2-92; these numbers are written in coloured crayon and pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: Distinctive Features:Relief shown by form lines at 20 feet intervals.Blueprint of a map issued by War Office in 1916 ‘Turkey in Asia: Basrah Sheet No 3N, Reg. No 1519’, enclosed with a letter no. 188-S dated 21th December 1941.Shows area south of Basrah from Zubair [Az Zubayr] to Umm Qasr with location of wells, marshy areas and routes including a foot path along the Wadi Al-Batin. Title inserted in hand along the bottom margin.Physical description: Dimensions:270 x 346 mm
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the Government of Bombay, the Government of Bengal and the Court of Directors of the East India Company. The item is chiefly concerned with the case of Nujeef Ally Khan [Najaf ʿAlī Khān Zand, Prince of Persia] who was charged with the murder of two sepoys in Paunvell [Panvel, India]. In particular, the item relates to:Debates between Sir John Malcolm, Governor of Bombay, and John Romer, Member of the Council in the Government of Bombay, as to whether the Prince should be tried in the Criminal Court in the Northern Concan [Konkan] or whether, in consideration of his rank, alternative measures should be adopted to avoid insulting PersiaThe decision to detain the Prince as a state prisoner in the Fort at Tannah [Thane], before removing him to Bussorah [Basra] where he may continue as a liberated individual, with the condition that if he returns to Bombay he will be tried for the charges against himDiscussions over whether the pension paid to the Prince by the East India Company should be continued in light of the charges against himConsideration of the primary investigations by the Criminal Judge at Tannah into the charges against the PrinceConsideration of the merits and limitations of applying absolute English law in India without amending it to fit in with local practicesPetitions by the mother of Nujeef Ally Khan regarding: his access to visitors whilst detained at Tannah; her request that members of his family and entourage are allowed to travel with him to Bussorah; her request that she will continue to receive an allowance once she arrives at Bussorah.The principal correspondents in the item are William Newnham, Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, and his successor, Charles Norris. Other correspondents include: Sir Thomas Bradford, Commander in Chief, Bombay; William Clerk, Acting Persian Secretary; the General Paymaster and Accountant, Bombay; Edmund Montgomerie, Acting Assistant Criminal Judge, Tannah; the Secretary to the Supreme Government [Government of Bengal]; Major Stratford Powell, Acting Adjutant General of the Army, Bombay; Lieutenant-Colonel David Leighton, Commanding Residency Division of the Army, Bombay; Captain Thomas Stokoe, Commandant at Fort Tannah; James Farish, Civil Auditor, Bombay; the Political Agent at Bussora; and Sir Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of Marine, Bombay.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'P.C. 980, Draft 38, 1832' and 'Examiner's Office 1830'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at 277, and terminates at 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.
Abstract: The diary, written by Lieutenant-Colonel Wilfrid Malleson, comprises daily entries and accounts of his travels from 3 to 29 December 1906.The diary commences on his arrival at sea off Maskat [Muscat] before recounting the journey to Basra via Bushire and Koweit [Kuwait] and on to Baghdad, Babylon, Seleucia [Minţaqat as Salūqīyat al Atharīyah] and Ctesiphon.Each entry contains descriptions of places visited and notes on trade, climate and local customs along with accounts of conversations with people; in addition, there are observations on other matters such as quarantine arrangements, pilgrimages and local shortages of labour.Printed at the Government Monotype Press, Simla 1907.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 23; 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: Wilfrid Malleson,
Diary of a Tour in the Persian Gulf and in Turkish Arabia(Simla: Government Monotype Press, 1907). This is the diary of a tour in the Persian Gulf and Turkish Arabia by Lieutenant-Colonel Wilfrid Malleson, 7th-29th December, 1906. It describes his journey up the Persian Gulf from Muscat to Basra, Muhammerah [Khorramshahr], and onto Baghdad, including periods in quarantine stations as well as the competing shipping lines, types of boats, date trade, and life in Baghdad. Includes his description of life in Muscat for the British Consul and encounters with German and Russian diplomats.Includes 53 annotated photographs (ff 23-50) of the journey including views of Baghdad, Basra, Ctesiphon, and Musandam as well as two maps (ff 51-52).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 (except for f 52, where the folio number is located on the verso). Pagination: The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The file includes three land deeds of the date gardens, all dated 12 February 1909. The first two deeds are between the Shaikh of Kuwait Mubarak al-Sabah and Abdul Wahhab al-Qirtass, on behalf of certain members of al-Zuhair family in Basra Iraq. The third deed is between Shaikh Mubarak and Shafiqa bint Hafiz Afendi (wife of the late Ali Pasha al-Zuhair). The file is entirely in Arabic.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 5; 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 2-4; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.