Abstract: The volume comprises correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf , the Political Agent at Muscat, the Political Agent at Bahrain, the India Office (Roland Tennyson Peel, John Percival Gibson, Francis Anthony Kitchener Harrison) , the Secretary to the Government of India (Sir Aubrey Metcalfe), the Sultan of Muscat and Oman (Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd) and Petroleum Development (Oman and Dhofar) Limited (Ernest Vincent Packer, John Skliros, H H Wheatley) regarding the oil concession agreements concluded with the Sultan of Muscat for Dhofar [Zufār] and Muscat territory. Copies of the two concessions can be found at folios 17-47.Included in the volume is correspondence relating to the political agreement between His Majesty’s Government and Petroleum Development (Oman and Dhofar) Limited including its presentation to the Sultan of Muscat; the Sultan’s concerns about the document and negotiation with the India Office in order to agree a suitably amended version that satisfied all parties, including the decision by the India Office to have a separate pre-emption agreement. Copies of the Political Agreement and Pre-Emption Clause agreement can be found at folios 93-98 and 132-135.Also discussed is the decision by Petroleum Development (Oman and Dhofar) Limited to take up in 1942 the option of an extension on their exploration agreement for two years owing to wartime conditions and further discussion regarding possible methods of extending the exploration agreement to the end of the war and a period beyond. The conclusion of the discussion being the decision by the Company to take up their concession rather than attempt to negotiate any further extension. Also discussed are concerns by the Sultan of Muscat that the Company did not really intend to explore and develop a concession in his territory and were only really interested in preventing other companies operating there. The concession with the Shaikh of Ajman [‘Ajmān] (Rāshid Bin Ḥumaid Al-Nu`aimī) is also discussed in this context as the exploration of that territory had also not commenced on the outbreak of World War II and extensions to the exploration agreement were therefore also required.Further correspondence relates to the Oil Undertaking made in 1923 by Sultan Taimur bin Faisal [Sayyid Taymūr bin Fayṣal bin Turkī Āl Bū Sa‘īd], formerly Sultan of Muscat and father of Sayyid Said bin Taimur. The correspondence centres around the assertion made by Sultan Said bin Taimur that the undertaking was not binding on him as his father had written a letter to the political authorities in 1923 stating that any such undertaking would not be binding on his successors unless specifically stated in the contractual agreement. Further correspondence concludes that the letter written by Sayyid Taimur bin Faisal in 1923 was received by the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf but was never responded to by him or forwarded on to the India Office or Government of India and that they were therefore unaware of any such opinion or response and that as a result were prepared to consider a re-negotiation of the Sultan’s treaties and undertakings.Also of interest within the volume are:discussions about the Muscat Arms Subsidy which was originally granted to Sayyid Faisal bin Turki [Fayṣal bin Turkī Āl Bū Sa‘īd] including the conditions under which it was granted and the lack of clarity in the terms and conditions of the subsidy’s contract;discussions regarding the Oman hinterland which the Company were interested in exploring but which was under the authority of the Imam of Muscat and the decision to wait until the following year to raise the question again as the Imam’s authority in that area was considered to be dwindling and the Sultan hoped then to be able to make arrangements with either the Imam of the tribes living there;a memorandum prepared in the Petroleum Department, June 1938, looking at areas where petroleum concessions were mostly likely to be, or had been already been obtained, on the Arabian Peninsula (Koweit [Kuwait], Koweit Neutral Zone, Bahrein [Bahrain], Qatar, Trucial Sheikhdom’s, Aden Protectorate, Saudi Arabia, The Yemen, Muscat, and Oman) and looking at Petroleum Concessions Limited's refinery agreement and pre-emption clause.The agreements and correspondence with the Sultan of Muscat are in Arabic and English.A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 264-276.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with folio 1 and terminates at the back cover with folio 280; 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 between ff 2-267; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. These are located in the same position as the main sequence, except for some instances which are located on the verso. Pagination: a short pagination sequence is present at the back of the volume between ff 264-276; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top outermost corners of each page.
Abstract: The file is concerned with a 'pre-emption' agreement between the British Government and Petroleum Development (Oman and Dhofar) Limited, which relates to the commercial agreement obtained by the petroleum company for drilling for oil in the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman and the district of Dhofar, and to the political agreement the company later made with the British Government (see IOR/L/PS/18/B470 for further details). This particular agreement is relevant in the event of a state of national emergency or war; it states that His Majesty's Government should have the right of pre-emption of all oil produced in the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman, excluding Gwadur. The full terms and conditions of this statement are fully outlined in the document.It is signed by Leonard Day Wakely, Deputy Under-Secretary of State for India, on behalf of the Government and witnessed by Sir Alexander Colin Burlington Symon, the Assistant Principal for the Political Department in the India Office. It is also sealed by the petroleum company.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 2; 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 file is concerned with an agreement between His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and Petroleum Development (Oman and Dhofar) Limited, which relates to the oil concession agreed between the company and the Sultan of Muscat and Oman, Sa‘īd ibn Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd, in respect of the district of Dhofar. The agreement outlines the terms and conditions, laid down by the British Government, regulating the operation of the company in Dhofar.The agreement is signed by Leonard Day Wakely, Deputy Under-Secretary of State for India, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, in the presence of Sir Alexander Colin Burlington Symon, the Assistant Principal for the Political Department in the India Office. It is also sealed by the petroleum company.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 2; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: Correspondence concerning an attack on Dhofar by the Kathiri tribe. The attack was sparked off by the imprisonment of a tribesman for evading the Sultan's tax on frankincense. Letters discuss the dispatch of an armed force from Muscat to Salalah in dhows, led by Sayyid Saif bin Hamad bin Salim to retake the fort. Captain James Hayes, Political Agent at Muscat, Sadler arrived to effect a settlement between the Chiefs of Dhofar and Sultan Faisal [Fayṣal bin Turkī]. The Chiefs of the Shaikhs of the Al Kathir refused to meet the Political Agent on board the man-of-war
Briskbut offered to meet on shore or in the town.Correspondents include Major James Hayes Sadler, Political Agent Muscat, and the Political Resident Persian Gulf. Includes translations of letters from (the original Arabic letters are not included in this file) Faisal bin Turki, Sultan of Muscat; Sayyid Abdul Jalil; Sayyid Saif bin Hamad bin Salim; Mousallim bin Badawi; the Chief Shaikhs of the Al Kathir.Physical description: Foliation: the system of foliation in use is the sequence of numbers appearing in a circle in the top right hand corner of each folio. In addition some numbers bear page numbers written in blue.Condition: The edges of some pages are broken off with some words missing.
Abstract: The file contains two items. The first is 'A note on the Dhufar Province, Southern Arabia' by Gordon Noel Jackson dated 23rd June, 1943, Kuwait. This typed note is 8 pages and has sections on topography; climate; people; economy and finance; agriculture; administration; airport; security; of scientific interest; sport.The file also includes a 78 page printed report on 'The geology and mineral resources of Dhofar province, Muscat and Oman' by Sir Cyril S Fox. This report includes introductory remarks; physical geography; details of tour; geological considerations; economic minerals; industrial possibilities. The printed report includes a sketch map of Dhofar.Physical description: Foliation starts on first page of volume and continues to last page. Foliation in pencil in encircled numbers in top right corner of recto. Alternative foliation system starts with 34 on f.1 and continues to f.8. ff.9-54 are a booklet; f.55 is the envelope for the booklet. Additional foliation on 4 slips pasted into the booklet (18A, 20A, 21A, 26A).
Abstract: The volume comprises correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard Craven Fowle, Olaf Caroe), the Political Agent at Muscat (Ralph Ponsonby Watts), the India Office (Maurice Clauson, John Charles Walton), the Secretary of State for India (Lawrence Dundas, 2nd Marquess of Zetland), Petroleum Concessions Limited (Frank Holmes, Stephen Hemsley Lonrgigg, Frederick Lewisohn) and the Sultan of Muscat (Said bin Taimur Al Bu Said) regarding negotiations for the granting of two oil concessions for Dhofar and Muscat territory, which were concluded by Basil Henry Lermitte of Petroleum Concessions Limited, with the concession agreements being signed on 24 June 1937.Also discussed in the volume are arrangements for a meeting between Stephen Hemsley Longrigg of Petroleum Concessions Limited and the Sultan of Muscat, which was to take place in India, in order to discuss how they might go about exploring the South East Muscat Coast and also how to gain access to the hinterland under the control of the Imam of Muscat. Also included is a request by the Sultan of Muscat for the Political Agent at Muscat, Ralph Ponsonby Watts, to be present not only at the meeting with Longrigg but also at later meetings in Delhi where the British treaty with Muscat was likely to be discussed.Further discussion relating to exploration is included between the India Office and Petroleum Concessions Limited regarding the Company’s interest in exploring the South East Coast of Muscat and parts of the interior controlled by the Imam of Muscat and the difficulties they would be likely to encounter in attempting to do so; along with the area west of the Oman Mountain Range which Petroleum Concessions Limited were interested in ascertaining any known boundaries for, and otherwise how best to approach exploration there.Another matter of discussion within the volume is Count Byron de Prorok and his wife who had travelled to Muscat to undertake archaeological exploration, but had been refused permission to explore the interior of the country by the Sultan of Muscat. The correspondence goes on to discuss allegations made by a number of individuals and organisations that the he was not entitled to hold the rank of Count; that he had been discredited in the scientific community and could not be considered to be an archaeologist; and that a number of institutions he claimed to have the support and backing of for his explorations had issued statements refuting any involvement with him. Later correspondence discusses an application made by him for permission to travel into the Rub-el-Khali in an attempt to discover an ancient city believed to be there and the India Office’s intention of declining the request. Also included with this correspondence is discussion of a visit made by an Italian, Tullio Pastori, to Muscat and Bandar Abbas and giving Mr Pastori’s background and intentions in visiting the region to recruit labourers to construct roads in Eritrea.Other matters of interest in the volume include:discussion surrounding ongoing communication between the Sultan of Muscat and the California Arabian Standard Oil Company, who wished to undertake examinations in Muscat territory for the potential development of Petroleum resources there, and regarding such correspondence being in opposition to conditions imposed in the Sultan’s treaty with the British Government.correspondence regarding proposed amendments to the Political Agreement to be signed by Petroleum Concessions Limited and the India Office in relation to the Muscat concession.the proposed itinerary for a tour to be undertaken by the Sultan of Muscat in 1937 to India, Singapore, Japan, USA, Britain, France and Italy.A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 175-184.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. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 3-174; these numbers are also written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: This file contains correspondence relating to the region of Dhofar and the authority of the Sultan of Muscat over it. The letters are primarily exchanges between the British government in Bombay, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, as well as copies of less frequent letters from Sultan Turki bin Said, Omar bin Saleh, the Naqeeb of Mukalla, and Sayyid Fadhl, the Amir of Dhofar. The subject of the letters concerns the authority of the Sultan in Dhofar, and specifically, British views on how to secure it.Most of the Arabic letters are copies transcribed and signed by Darwish Ahmed working on behalf of the British government. Translations of the Arabic letters are all included in folios immediately preceding or after the letters themselves.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 213; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: This document relates to the Dhofar oil concession agreed between the Sultan Saiyid Said bin Taimur [Sa‘īd ibn Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd], Sultan of the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman, and Petroleum Concessions Limited.The agreement was signed by the Sultan; Ralph Ponsonby Watts, Political Agent and HBM's Consul at Muscat; and Basil Henry Lermitte on behalf of Petroleum Concessions Limited; on the 24 June 1937. Two sets of amendments are included on the last two folios of the document.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 12; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: This volume is a summary of events and information about Muscat and Dhofar [Oman] affairs, compiled by J A Saldanha, and printed in Simla in March 1906.The volume is marked as secret and divided into two parts: Part I 1892-98, mainly on the 1894-95 rebellion at Muscat, and the British proposal to create a Protectorate in reaction to it, and on the 1895-97 rebellion at Dhofar; and Part II 1899-1905 regarding French and British influences over the Sultan of Muscat, sanitary matters, and establishments and buildings belonging to the British Agency at Muscat.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. The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This file contains correspondence regarding a number of trips made in Oman, primarily by Percy Zachariah Cox the Political Agent in Muscat. It includes correspondence with the Survey of India Department, the Government of India and the Political Residency in Bushire. In addition to this correspondence, the file contains the following documents:A detailed account of payments made to shaikhs and their retinues by Cox during a trip from Abu Dhabi to Muscat in 1902 (folios 20-21)'Notes to Accompany Sketch Map of Route Taken by Major P. Z. Cox, on a Journey from Abu Thabi [Dhabi] to Muscat Overland, May & June 1902' (folios 29-34)Account of trip to the district of Dhufar written by Major W G Grey, Political Agent in Muscat, that was related to the possibility of coal deposits being located there (folios 45-50)Report by Captain H W Dowding of trip made in the vicinity of Soor [Sur] and Karyat [al-Quraiyat] in 1901 (folios 63-85).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 92; 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 volume comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, relating to oil concessions in Muscat territory.The discussion in the volume relates to the following issues:Petroleum Concession Limited's exploration in Trucial hinterland and Muscat territoryThe negotiations relating to the conclusion of agreements for exploration in Muscat and Oman, and a separate agreement for DhofarNegotiations and administration concerning the extension of option periods for the Muscat and Oman and Dhofar Agreements.The volume includes a telegram (folio 241) from the Foreign Office to Washington on the topic 'SPECIAL (OIL POLICY)'.The principal correspondents in the volume include the Political Agent, Muscat (Ralph Ingham Hallows); the Under-Secretary of State, India Office; the Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for India (M J Clauson); the Sultan of Muscat and Oman [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr]; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; Manager of Petroleum Concessions Ltd (Stephen Hemsley Longrigg); and the Political Agent, Bahrain.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 291; 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 and 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. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.
Abstract: The file comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, relating to prospecting for coal and other minerals in Dhofar. Issues discussed include terms of a concession, technical mining issues and assessments of commercial viability of mining the coal seams and ore.The file contains correspondence with representatives of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company on desired terms for a concession and a draft agreement (ff 6-8) relating to coal. Also discussed in the file are the unsuitable conditions for prospecting, such as the hostile reaction of tribesmen in the Qara mountains.Included in the file is a handwritten letter (folio 35) in Arabic (with English translation on folio 36) from the Sultan of Muscat and Oman [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr] to the Political Agent, Muscat, concerning a possible concession for mining coal. Correspondence (folio 30) from a representative of the Government of Muscat and Oman also discusses the significance of the discoveries by Harry St John Bridger Philby and Bertram Sidney Thomas in Dhofar and their possible connection to the 'gold mines of Ophir'.The file features the following principal correspondents: the Political Agent, Muscat (Trenchard Craven William Fowle); the British Consul, Basrah (Francis Edward Crow); the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Percy Zachariah Cox); the Secretary of State for the Colonies; and the Financial Adviser to the Sultan of Muscat (Reginald George Evelin William Alban).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) 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. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.