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61. Letter from William Digges Latouche to the Secret Committee
- Description:
- Abstract: Part of a letter from William Digges Latouche, Resident at Bussora [Basra], to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors for Affairs of the United Company of Merchants of England trading to the East Indies [East India Company], dated 18 June 1783. Subjects covered include:Arrangements for the transport to India of Major Geils and M Froment and the dispatches they are carrying, including preliminary peace articles with France, Spain, and America [American Revolutionary War, 1775-1783]The difficulties in communicating with Muscat due to a blockade of the River [Shatt al-Arab] by Grain [Kuwait] following an attack on Zebara [Al Zubara] by Sheik Nassir [Shaikh Nāṣir Āl Mazkūr] of Bushire [Bushehr]Latouche’s complaints against David Hays, Proconsul in Aleppo, regarding the latter’s management of correspondence.The continuation of the letter can be found in IOR/L/PS/9/76/34. The full letter can be found in IOR/L/PS/9/76/33.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
62. Letters from William Digges Latouche to the Secret Committee
- Description:
- Abstract: Two letters from William Digges Latouche, Resident at Bussora [Basra], to the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors for Affairs of the United Company of Merchants of England trading to the East Indies [East India Company].The first letter, dated 26 May 1783, covers the transit of overland mail via Aleppo, in particular the clash of authority between Mrs Marianna Abbott, the widow of the late Consul John Abbott, and David Hays, Proconsul, over the management of correspondence in Aleppo.The second letter, dated 18 June 1783, covers subjects including:Arrangements for the travel of Major Geils and M Froment to India and the transit of the important despatches they are carrying, including preliminary peace articles with France, Spain, and America [American Revolutionary War, 1775-1783]The difficulties in communicating with Muscat due to a blockade by Grain [Kuwait] following an attack on Zebara [Al Zubara] by Sheik Nassir [Shaikh Nāṣir Khān Āl Mazkūr] of Bushire [Bushehr]Latouche’s complaints against David Hays regarding his management of correspondence in AleppoThe murder of Shaik Baracat [Shaikh Barakāt] by his brother Guthman [Ghazbān] and the latter’s assumption of the leadership of the Chaub Arabs [Banū Ka‘b].Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
63. PZ 3790/33 'Iraq: arrest of Captain Macleod, Harbour Master at Abadan Reach, by Persian Naval Authorities in the entrance of the Shatt-el-Arab.'
- Description:
- Abstract: The file comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, relating to the arrest of a British harbour-master by the Persian naval authorities, who sought a sum of money for his release.The discussion in the file relates to the communication by British officials with the Government of Iraq to support diplomacy leading to the harbour-master's release. Also discussed are the Basra port regulations in place, and movement of shipping in the Shatt al-Arab waterway. Further correspondence is concerned with diplomacy between Britain, Iraq and Iran concerning naval movements as well as other Iraq-Iran frontier-related tensions (folio 121).The principal correspondents in the file are: the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs; the Under-Secretary of State for India; HM Ambassador to Iraq; HM Consul, Khuzistan; the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iraq; and the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 113, and terminates at the inside back cover with 179, 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. Two additional foliation sequences are present in parallel between ff 113-176 and ff 140-161; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
64. PZ 7769/1934 'Supply of maps to the political resident in the Persian Gulf'
- Description:
- Abstract: The file contains correspondence, notes, supply notes, and an air consignment note, relating to the supply of maps to the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf.It includes correspondence between Trenchard Craven William Fowle, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, and John Gilbert Laithwaite, India Office, and between Laithwaite and Arthur Robert Hinks and others at the Royal Geographical Society, regarding Fowle’s requests to be sent copies of the map in Bertram Thomas’s ‘Arabia Felix’, and the map in Philby’s ‘Rub al Khali’. It also includes correspondence between Fowle and M J Clauson, India Office, and between Clauson and Hinks, concerning Fowle’s request for three additional copies of Bertram Thomas’s map to be sent to himself at the Residency, Bushire, and to the Political Agents at Bahrain and Muscat. This correspondence is dated 27 November 1934 to 28 December 1936.Correspondence and other papers dated 27 May 1940 to 9 May 1946, relate to the supply of a complete set of the charts of the Persian Gulf, up to and including the Shatt al Arab, and copies of replacements of charts which may be issued from time to time, to Charles Geoffrey Prior, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf. These papers include a telegram from Prior to the Secretary of State for India, and correspondence between J P Gibson, India Office, and the Superintendent of the Admiralty Charts Supplies Division.The file does not contain any papers for the period between 29 December 1936 to 26 May 1940.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 38; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
65. PZ 5840/35 'Mohammerah Port Regulations'
- Description:
- Abstract: The file comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, relating to the establishment of a Port Office at Mohammerah [Khorramshahr] and accompanying port regulations.The discussion in the volume relates to the following regulations:Accidents relating to water transport on the Karun, and Shatt al-Arab and in the Persian GulfAnchorage for ships entering the mouth of the KarunThe establishment of a Mohammerah Port OfficeCustoms and taxes levied on water craftThe exemption of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC) from taxes based on its concession agreementA report on an accident involving an Anglo-Persian Oil Company tanker (folio 146)Discussion of the political significance of the regulations issued concerning the Shatt al Arab waterway.The principal correspondents in the volume are: Mohammerah Port Officer (Lieutenant F von Kreuze); Commandant, Southern Naval Force; HBM Consul for Khuzistan (A E Watkinson); HM Ambassador to Iran (Sir Hughe Montgomery Knatchbull-Hugessen); Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Sir John Simon).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 141, and terminates at f 170, 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. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 141-170; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
66. Letter book of official letters from Lewis Pelly chiefly to the Political Department, Bombay
- Description:
- Abstract: The correspondence contained in the letter book relates primarily to affairs in Muscat from 1866 to 1868 during which time the Sultan of Muscat, Thuwaini bin Said died, allegedly killed by his son Salim II bin Thuwaini who subsequently seized power in Muscat before being overthrown in 1868 by his uncle Turki bin Said.Also covered in the correspondence are affairs relating to piracy in Bahrain 1867 to 1868 and the maritime peace treaties signed with various rulers in settling matters, including the treaty signed with Mohammed bin Thani, Chief of the Qatar tribes.Physical description: Foliation: The volume has been foliated in the top right hand corner of the recto of each folio with a pencil number enclosed in a circle.Pagination: The volume also contains original pagination in the first half of the volume which consists of an ink number in the top right hand corner of the recto and the top left hand corner of the verso of each folio. The numbers start on the first page of writing with 1 and runs to 177, located on the recto of folio 96.
67. Letter book of copy letters from Pelly to colleagues in Bombay and the Gulf.
- Description:
- Abstract: The letterbook contains copies of letters from Lewis Pelly to colleagues in the Persian Gulf, India and England, on a number of subjects relating to the role and responsibilities of the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf including the Residency's relations with Persia, its role in keeping the maritime peace and arbitration of disputes, and the growth of trade in the region, as well as British interest in local trades such as pearling.The main correspondence is with the Government of Bombay, including letters to both Sir Bartle Frere and Sir William Robert Seymour Vesey Fitzgerald, the consecutive Governors of Bombay during the period the letterbook covers. This correspondence relates primarily to matters in Muscat, where successive changes in rulership have led to instability, and Bahrain and Qatar where the actions of the tribes in attacking ports and British subjects result in naval action being taken against them by the British authorities.The residency's relationship with the Persian authorities is also discussed both in correspondence with the Government, and with Charles Alison, the British representative in Tehran as there are a number of decisions by the Persian authorities during this period which restrict both trade through the Persian ports and the residency's ability to communicate with Persian authorities along the Persian coast.Other matters discussed in the volume include the day to day operations of the residency, with correspondence to James Charles Edwards, the uncovenented assistant resident, as well as with arrival new staff, recently appointed to the Residency to work alongside Pelly including Edward Charles Ross and George Andrew Atkinson at Muscat, Abraham Nickson Hojel at Bushire, Henry W Warner at Gwadar and Alfred Cotton Way as the political agent for the southern Gulf.Other correspondence of interest includes a number of letters to the commanders of marine vessels in the Gulf, correspondence with individuals involved in the development of telegraph and steamer communications throughout the Gulf, and correspondence with Sir Clement Markham and Sir Roderick Murchison discussing the acquisition of samples of shells, pearls, oysters and rocks both for geological interest and to assist in attempts to refresh the pearl beds in Ceylon (Sri Lanka).The reverse of the volume, which has been turned over, so the writing appears upside down in relation to the folio numbers, contains correspondence relating to Pelly's finances in relation to the collapse of the Bank of Bombay, the liquidation of the Commercial Bank and the establishment of the new Bank of Bombay. The majority of this correspondence is with Messrs Remington & Co and Narayn Wussadeojee, who handled his affairs in Bombay; and Messrs Smith, Elder & Co who handled his affairs in England.Also included in the volume, on folio 193v, is the address of G Lejean, a Paris restaurateur.Physical description: Foliation: The volume has been foliated in the top right corner of the recto of each folio using a pencil number enclosed in a circle. Some renumbering has taken place and the folio numbers which are no longer in use have been crossed through.
68. Coll 17/15(1) 'Perso-Iraq Relations: Persia-Iraq frontier; Persia's claim in the Shatt-el-Arab'
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains papers regarding relations between Persia [Iran] and Iraq. It primarily concerns the frontier delineated by the 1913-1914 Boundary Commission, in particular Persian claims over areas of the Shatt el-Arab, and rights to oilfields in the Naft Khana [Naft Khāna] or Khaniqin [Khāniqīn]area. The papers document renewed negotiations over the border, and include discussion of the following topics: Iraqi concerns over Persian military activities conducted in Iraq; Persia's refusal to recognise the validity of the 1914 Frontier Delimitation Protocol; attempts to redraw the frontier at the Shatt el-Arab along the thalweg[valley way], as opposed to the medium filum aquae; proposals to revive the Shatt el-Arab Conservancy Board Scheme; and proposals for an agreement to regulate the exploitation of the oilfields in the transferred territories on the frontier near Khanqin, including the proposed creation of a special zone. These papers primarily consist of correspondence between the following: HM Ambassadors at Baghdad, Teheran and Italy; the India Office Political Department; the Foreign Office (principally Sir John Simon, and J C Sterndale-Bennet); the Iraqi Minister for Foreign Affairs; and the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs.In 1935 the Iraqi Government formally raised the question of the frontier with the Council of the League of Nations, and sought a Court ruling as to the validity of the 1914 Boundary Protocol. The Italian delegate to the League (Baron Pompeo Aloisi) was designated Rapporteur to the negotiations, and the volume contains correspondence between the Foreign Office and HM Ambassador in Rome, regarding a proposed Italo-Iraqi Treaty of Friendship, proposals regarding the frontier made by Aloisi, and general Italian influence over Iran and Iraq. The volume also includes copies of memoranda and minutes circulated by the League, in addition to correspondence regarding the negotiations in Geneva and Italy, and documents from the Committee of Imperial Defence Standing Official Sub-Committee for Questions Concerning the Middle East.The volume includes a divider giving a list of correspondence references found in the volume by year. This is placed at the end of the correspondence (folio 1).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the first folio with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 472; these numbers are written in pencil and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The front and back covers, along with the two leading and two ending flyleaves, have not been foliated.
69. Coll 17/15(2) 'Relations with Persia: Persia-Iraq frontier; Persia's claim in the Shatt-el-Arab'
- Description:
- Abstract: This volume is a continuation of Collection 17/5, and contains papers regarding negotiations between Persia [Iran] and Iraq at the League of Nations in 1935, mediated by Italian delegate Baron Pompeo Aloisi. The papers primarily consist of communications regarding the negotiations submitted to the Foreign Office by HM Ambassadors at Rome, Teheran and Baghdad, as well as comments by the India Office Political Department, the Admiralty, and representatives of the Governments of Persia, Iraq, and Italy.The negotiations concerned the frontier line along the Shatt el-Arab, the possibility of granting a Persian anchorage at Abadan [Ābādān], the rights of Persian and British warships to traverse and refuel on the river, and the proposed establishment of a Conservancy Board. Following negotiations in Geneva, Rome and Tehran, the Persian and Iraqi Governments had practically agreed on three instruments: a pact of non-aggression, to be signed by Iraq, Persia and Turkey; a treaty for the peaceful settlement of international disputes between Persia and Iraq; and a treaty of friendship, which would settle the frontier question and establish the Conservancy Board.In addition to the correspondence, the volume contains: documents circulated by the Council of the League of Nations; Reports on the Sessions of the Council submitted to the Foreign Office by C J Edmonds, Second Adviser to the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs; multiple drafts of the treaty of friendship and non-aggression treaties; and copies of notes exchanged by the Iraqi and Persian Ministers at the League of Nations. A number of these documents are written in French.The volume includes a divider which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the volume by year. This is placed at the end of the correspondence (folio 1).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 498; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 1-498; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
70. Coll 17/18(1) 'Smuggling between Kuwait and Iraq'
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains papers regarding the alleged smuggling of goods from Kuwait to Iraq, and attempts to broker an agreement between the Shaikh of Kuwait (Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ) and the Government of Iraq with regards to importation restrictions, customs appointments and effective frontier controls. It consists of correspondence between the Foreign Office, Colonial Office, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, the Political Agent at Kuwait, HM High Commissioner (and later Ambassador) at Baghdad, as well as communications received from Al Sabah and representatives of the Government of Iraq.The file opens with correspondence concerning the activities of Kuwaiti water boats collecting drinking water at various points along the Shatt el-Arab: the Government of Iraq complained that the boats were not stopping at designated calling points, and that the boats were engaged in smuggling, while the Shaikh of Kuwait asked for the calling point requirement to be rescinded as it was causing interruptions to the water supply. The correspondence also documents instances where Iraqi customs barges had fired on Kuwaiti boats, killing and injuring merchants.The bulk of the correspondence concerns efforts by HM Ambassador at Iraq, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, and the Political Agent at Kuwait, to broker an agreement between the two parties. Several conferences were arranged with a view to discussing the Iraqi proposals, viz: that a British Customs Director be appointed at Kuwait to oversee the importation of certain commodities (principally sugar, tea, matches, coffee, tobacco, cigarettes, and cigarette papers); and that the Shaikh co-operate with Iraqi efforts to institute an effective frontier control and customs cordon.In addition to correspondence, the volume includes the following minutes and reports:Note by Colonel Dickson, Political Agent at Kuwait, 'the Contraband problem of Iraq with her neighbours, and in particular how it affects Kuwait', ff 600-610.Memo by Yasin Pasha on the customs position between Iraq and Kuwait, ff 565-567.Note by Colonel Dickson on the drinking water available in Kuwait and vicinity, including sketch map, ff 492-500.India Office memo 'Smuggling between Koweit and Iraq', ff 349-363.Foreign Office figures for goods smuggled from Kuwait to Iraq, ff 214-222.Private Foreign Office memo on smuggling in the Gulf region, ff 48-64.The volume includes dividers which give lists of correspondence references contained in the volume by year. These are placed at the end of the correspondence (folios 4-5).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 675; 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 4-672; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
71. Coll 17/30(1) ‘Iraq. Proposed additional outlet to the sea, in or near Koweit territory. Development of port at Um Qasr.’
- Description:
- Abstract: The file contains papers relating to the proposed construction of a port in Kuwait (Koweit) Bay, and the construction of a port in Um Qasr Creek.The papers mostly concern the following:The attitude of HM Government towards the proposal of the Government of Iraq for the extension of the Iraqi railway system through Kuwait territory to the coast at Koweit Bay, and the construction there of a port under Iraqi control. This proposed port would provide Iraq with an additional commercial outlet to the sea on the Persian Gulf, as an alternative to the Shatt-al-Arab.The Iraqi Government’s adoption of the alternative recommendation of Um Qasr Creek in the Khor Abdulla as the location for the port, and the Iraqi Government raising the question of territorial concessions from Kuwait in relation to the port.The decision of British military authorities in 1941 to construct a port at Um Qasr as an urgent military necessity, to remain under British military control during the Second World War, and the proposal to improve port facilities in Koweit itself in order to enable troops and stores to be disembarked there.The location of the selected site for the port in Um Qasr Creek in relation to the disputed frontier between Iraq and Kuwait.The papers largely consist of India Office minute papers and internal notes, papers of the Committee of Imperial Defence Standing Official Sub-Committee for Questions Concerning the Middle East, and correspondence and copy correspondence between the following:The India Office and the Foreign Office.The India Office and the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf.The India Office and the Government of India External Affairs Department.The Foreign Office and HM Embassy, Baghdad (Maurice Peterson, Sir Basil Cochrane Newton, Sir Kinahan Cornwallis, and W E Houston-Boswall).The Commander in Chief in the Middle East, the Commander in Chief in India, and the War Office.Other correspondents in the file include the Army Council, the Air Council, the Admiralty, the Political Agent at Kuwait (Tom Hickinbotham), and the Ruler of Kuwait (Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ).The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 535; 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 2-353; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
72. Coll 30/43 'Persian Gulf: Lighting & Buoying Service in: G/I's Contribution to the Lighting Fund etc'
- Description:
- Abstract: This file contains lists of light dues (charges levied on ships for the maintenance of lighthouses and other navigation aids) owed by Admiralty vessels for entering or leaving the Shatt al-Arab. In addition to these lists, the file contains related correspondence between British officials in Britain and India, primarily from the Admiralty, the Government of India's Department of Commerce and the Political Department of the India Office.The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 183; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.