1. 'B 299. Mesopotamia. Note on Demobilisation by Civil Commissioner, Baghdad.'

Description:

Abstract: Note on demobilisation by Arnold Talbot Wilson, Civil Commissioner, Baghdad (enclosed in letter to the India Office, No 20517, dated 28 September 1918).The note gives details on the two areas that demobilisation would need to cover, namely the repatriation of the fighting force and the transference to Civil Government of those parts of the military administration that could be used for national benefit.The note is broken down into a number of sub-headings:Strategical and Political Considerations: Including the proposal of the need for a mobile military force, comprised wholly of British troops, that could react to any instability or disturbances caused by the previous decade of war, and which could protect India and support reforms in other countries.Maintenance in Baghdad of Troops and War Material: outlining proposals for the use of horses, mules, skilled individuals within British units, and mechanical transport for the civil administration of the country.Directorate of Telegraphs: regarding the question of whether or not to amalgamate it with the Indo-European Telegraph Department.Inland Water Transport: regarding the current usage of water transport for military purposes and the likelihood that once railways have been established it would only be required for fuel supplies and building materials.Medical Services: The need to evacuate the medical building established during war-time; the ongoing need for some of the temporary services during demobilisation; and those buildings that might be of use to the civil administration including sanitary and water installations and hospitals.Works Department: Effect of the department's work on the civil population, including electric lighting and water installations and the need for it to be taken over by the civil department.Remounts; Veterinary Services; Irrigation and Agriculture; Surveys; Stationary Department; Graves RegistrationRoyal Air Force: The need to maintain a wing of the Air Force in Baghdad; and regarding the other supplementary activities that could be developed including surveys and postal services.Royal Navy: That there would be no need for a naval detachment after the warRepatriation of Prisoners of War now interned in India: 25,000 turkish prisoners of war in India, with about 5,000 being inhabitants of Iraq, and a further 5,000 expected to wish to be repatriated to Iraq. The likelihood of many working for the labour corps, and arrangements with the civil administration for security of those who cannot be realised without guarantees.Indian Immigration: Need for a definite policy regarding the question as there may be a number of requests to remain in Iraq as cultivators.The Appendix (folio 4) lists includes summaries of a number of related documents to be consulted:Memorandum by the Civil Commissioner Baghdad (Arnold Talbot Wilson) to the Chief of General Staff, General Headquarters, Mesopotamia, No. 18791, 8 September 1918Memorandum No. A/2120/31, 26 September 1918, from the Deputy Adjutant-General, General Headquarters to the Civil Commissioner, BaghdadObservations by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (undated)Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the first folio and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The copy of the note marked '46' is the one which has been foliated.Pagination: The booklet also contains an original typed pagination sequence.

2. 'XXII/8 Baghdad Railway'

Description:

Abstract: The volume comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, notes, and press cuttings relating to the construction of the Baghdad railway. Topics discussed include:the visit of engineers to survey German alignment;Baghdad Railway (1911) Command Paper 5635 (ff 10-48);the draft Anglo-Turkish Convention on railways in Asia Minor, 1911.The principal correspondents in the volume are: the Political Agent at Kuwait, Stuart George Knox; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Percy Zachariah Cox; the First Assistant Resident to the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, J H Bill; the Civil Commissioner, Baghdad.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 99; 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 4-98; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.

3. ‘Dispatches received from the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia’

Description:

Abstract: Enclosures nos. 2-6 to a dispatch from the Secret Department, Bombay [Mumbai] Castle, dated 23 April 1845. The enclosures are dated 27 November 1844-2 February 1845.The enclosures consist of copies of dispatches from the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia describing the state of relations between Persia [Iran] and the Ottoman Empire, particularly relating to a dispute over the border region of Zohab. Enclosure no. 3 contains a detailed report by the Political Agent describing the geography (ff 406-419) and history (ff 420-441) of Zohab, as well as his own observations on the current circumstances (ff 442-448).The other primary topic is the imprisonment and trial in Bagdad [Baghdad] of a Persian priest accused of making blasphemous alterations to a copy of the Koran [Quran], and its effects on relations between the Soonee [Sunni] and Sheeah [Shia] populations of Bagdad.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 403, and terminates at f 469, 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.

4. ‘Assassination of Ali Pasha of Bagdad – temporary succession to the Pashalick, of Soleeman his nephew and Chief Minister – Conduct of Mr Manesty in resolving, without authority, to support Soleeman against Eusuph Pasha, in the probable event of the latter being nominated to the Pashalick by the Ottoman Government’

Description:

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.

5. ‘Turkish Arabia – Cholera – prevalence of – on the banks of the River “Tigris” – Vol: 1’

Description:

Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. The correspondents are the Government of Bombay and Major Henry Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia [Ottoman Iraq]. It is the first in a series of two items on cholera at Bagdad [Baghdad] (the other is IOR/F/4/2180/106054).The item concerns the outbreak of cholera in Bagdad and the surrounding area, where it is estimated that 30,000 people died during October 1846.The item contains a contents page, and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Draft 282/47, P.C. [Previous Communication] 5573, Coll[ection]: 9, Collection No 1 of No 136’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 862, and terminates at f 867, 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.

6. ‘Turkish Arabia. Leave of absence granted by the Governor General to the Political Agent in-.’

Description:

Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 3 July 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 tenth in a series of fifty-nine items on events in the Persian Gulf.The item relates to proposed arrangements for Lieutenant Arnold Burrowes, Assistant Resident in the Persian Gulf, to replace both Major Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, and Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, during their respective absences. The item also contains discussions between Hennell and the Government of Bombay as to whether a replacement should be appointed for Kemball whilst he is standing in for Rawlinson.In addition to the above, the item's correspondents also include the Government of India.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘Draft No. 345/48’, ‘Collection No. 2 of No. 87, Vol: 10.’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 308, and terminates at f 317, 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.

7. ‘Turkish Arabia. Lieutenant Kemball to conduct temporarily the duties of the Political Agent in-’

Description:

Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and notifications cited in, or enclosed with, a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 31 January 1848. A copy of this Political Letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2238/112322, alongside details of further enclosures. The item is the fifty-second in a series of fifty-nine items on events in the Persian Gulf.The item relates to the return of Dr Arnold Burrowes Kemball to Bushire [Bushehr], following his temporary stay at Bagdad [Baghdad] where he filled in as Political Agent in Turkish Arabia [Ottoman Iraq] for Major Henry Creswicke Rawlinson. Rawlinson’s praise for Kemball is reported to the governments of Bombay and India. The item also contains praise given to Doctor Campbell, Civil Surgeon, by Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf. Campbell had filled in for Kemball as Assistant Resident during his time in Bagdad.Correspondents include: Rawlinson; Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf; and the governments of Bombay and India.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘Draft No. 345/48, Coll: 2, Vol: 52’, ‘Collection No. 8 of No. 21’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 569, and terminates at f 576, 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.

8. ‘Turkish Arabia. Application from the Political Agent at Bagdad for the services of an apothecary to assist the Civil Surgeon attached to the agency in the performance of his medical duties.’

Description:

Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, a political letter from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai].The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; the Government of India, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Taylor, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia; John Ross, Civil Surgeon, Bagdad [Baghdad]; James Burnes, Secretary, Bombay Medical Board; and Major Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia (Taylor's successor).The item concerns the applications made by Ross for an apothecary to be attached to the Bagdad Residency, and the deliberations of the Government of Bombay, the Bombay Medical Board, and the Government of India. It includes copies of testimonials of Assistant Apothecary Anderson, in support of a request for this proposed post to be filled by him.The item contains a table of contents (ff 841-843), and the title page (f 840) contains the following references: ‘P C [Previous Communication] 5108’, ‘D/t 77/46’, ‘Collection No. 20 of No. 109’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 840 and terminates at f 856, 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.

9. ‘Bussorah. Euphrates Flotilla. Claims advanced for rent for premises for buildings appropriated to the use of.’

Description:

Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, an extract Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, dated 30 November 1847.The item relates to two separate claims by Colonel Robert Taylor, former Political Agent, Turkish Arabia. The first claim concerns a deduction of his allowances for the month of November 1843, which he argues should be cancelled as he remained in post as Political Agent until the beginning of December 1843. The second claim, presented by Remington & Co on Taylor’s behalf, concerns rent owed to him by the Government of Bombay due to properties that he owned at Bussorah [Basra] and Baghdad being used as depots for the Euphrates Flotilla between 1839-42. In particular, the claim focuses on Taylor’s properties at Margheil [Al Ma‘qil, also rendered in text as Maghill and Margheel].The item contains the responses of the governments of Bombay and India to these claims. In particular, a minute by the Governor of Bombay (folios 911-915) provides an outline of the history of the second claim and his recommendations for a response.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘Draft N. 152/48’, ‘Collection No. 6 of No. 150’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 899, and terminates at f 921, 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.

10. ‘Advance to Baghdad – Political Considerations. Note by Political Department, India Office.’

Description:

Abstract: Note written by John Evelyn Shuckburgh, Assistant Secretary of the Political Department, India Office, on the political and strategic importance that would be associated with British forces taking Baghdad, and the likely political and strategic injury that the British would incur should they fail to take Baghdad. Following Shuckburgh’s note is a reply, written by the Secretary of the Political Department, Sir (Frederic) Arthur Hirtzel, dated 6 October 1915, concurring with Shuckburgh’s assessment, and commenting on the chances of withdrawal from Kut-el-Amara [Kut al Amara] should sufficient Turco-German troops be fielded in the region.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at f 119, and terminates at f 119, 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; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and won't be found in the same position as the main sequence.

11. ‘Disputes between Sir Harford Jones and Mr Manesty – and insubordinate conduct of the latter.’

Description:

Abstract: The item consists mostly of copies of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Governments of Bombay and Bengal.The primary subjects are:• The concerns of the governments of Bengal and Bombay about the behaviour of Samuel Manesty, Resident at Bussora [Basra, also occasionally referred to as Bussorah], in particular his apparent disregard of their authority, and his interference in the affairs of the Bagdad [Baghdad] Residency• An overview of Sir Harford Jones’s time as Resident at Bagdad, focussing on his disputes with Manesty, his relationships with Soliman Pasha [Sulayman bin Omar Gurgi; also known as Buyuk Sulayman Pasha], Pasha of Baghdad, and Ali Pasha [Ali bin Omar Gurgi], Pasha of Baghdad, and the events leading to his departure from Bagdad• Manesty’s belief that more assertive action should be taken to protect British interests in Bagdad and Bussora, and his plan to travel to Bagdad to meet Ali Pasha• Manesty’s intention to resign his position and return to Britain.Subjects also covered are:• The role of the Bussora Residency in the transmission of East India Company mail between Europe and India. It includes a ‘Register of Packets received from the Presidency for transmission to Europe’ (f 147 verso)• The futures of the Bagdad and Bussora residencies• The financial affairs of Manesty, and his request for an increase in his allowance• Manesty’s proposal that a new duty be imposed on goods imported into Bussora on British vessels, and the question of whether private British merchants should be allowed to operate in Bussora• Concerns about the growing French influence in Iraq and Persia• The case of John Raymond, a British military adviser posted to Bagdad, who has been accused of deserting.The primary correspondents are: Government of Bengal; Government of Bombay; Samuel Manesty, Resident at Bussora; Sir Harford Jones, Resident at Bagdad; John Hine, Acting Resident at Bagdad.The title page (f 5) of the item contains the following references: ‘Political No. 10, Season 1808/09, Draft 178, Para. 28’; and ‘Examiner’s Office, July 1808’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at 5, and terminates at 220, 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.

12. ‘Salary and allowances to Mr Rich as Resident at Bussorah and Bagdad.’

Description:

Abstract: This item consists mostly of copies of correspondence, memoranda and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the Governments of Bengal and Bombay. It concerns the salary and allowances to be paid to Claudius James Rich, the Resident at Baghdad.The main subjects are:The plan to consolidate the residencies at Bagdad [Baghdad] and Bussora [Basra, sometimes referred to as Bussorah], and the implications of this for future expenditureThe salary and allowances received by Rich’s predecessor, Sir Harford JonesThe question of whether the current situation in Bagdad demands higher levels of expenditure than previouslyCalculations of the salary and allowance payments to be paid to Rich in arrears and in the future.The primary correspondents are: Claudius James Rich, Resident at Baghdad; and John Elphinstone, Civil Auditor and Accountant General, Government of Bombay.The title page (f 5) of the item contains the following references: ‘Political No. 31, Season 1814/15, Draft 20’; and ‘Examiner’s Office, November 1812’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at 5, and terminates at 54, 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.Folio 5a contains fragments of seals that have become detached from folio 5.Pagination: the volume also contains an original pagination sequence.