Abstract: Genre/Subject Matter:View, looking south, of a mountainous landscape through the Main Pass at Aden, the main route into Crater, towards a hill riddled with caves, one of which is likely to be the cave reputed to hold the tomb of Abel.A steep slope or series of steps leads towards the pass at centre. Two figures look away from the viewer in the foreground. At left several camels are being led away from the pass. Several houses are evident at left, as well as fortifications at right.Temporal context:This drawing was likely made during Henry Yule’s return journey to India with his new wife, Anna Maria White, in 1844.Inscriptions:Recto:Lower left, pen and ink: ‘The Main Paſs at Aden Jany 1844’Upper right, ink stamp: ‘20’Verso:Centre, ink stamp: ‘India Office Library 12 Dec 1919’Upper right, pencil: ‘34’Physical description: Dimensions:346 x 247 mmMaterials:Pen, ink and wash on watercolour paperCondition:Thick surface dirt throughout, especially at left and on recto with staining originating from adhesive on left edge. Upper right corner is lost.
Abstract: The file consists of a memorandum by Edmund Neel, Assistant Secretary Political and Secret Department, India Office, it describes proposals made to the French Government for restricting the trade in arms on the Red Sea and on the Somali Coast, and subsequent arrangements to effect them between the Political Resident and the French Consul at Aden.The file includes a series of extracts from letters by the Political Resident at Aden, discussing draft regulations prohibiting the export of arms into Obokh and adjoining French territory for recommendation to the French Government, and deals with the confusion as to whether to restrict or suppress the arms trade entirely. It includes a 'Draft Convention' and 'Draft Order in Council' from 1887.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 78, and terminates at f 81, 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 present in parallel between ff 78-81; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: The file contains letters received by Major Samuel Hennell, British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, from Arthur Malet, Secretary (later Chief Secretary) to the Government of Bombay in the Political Department, Bombay Castle and written between January and December 1847.Arthur Malet’s letters contain information, guidance and instructions from the Governor in Council of Bombay to the Resident. Several of his letters are followed by enclosures, some of which are dated 1845 and 1846.The majority of the correspondence relates to the suppression of the maritime slave trade between the East Coast of Africa and the Persian Gulf and includes:English version of the Treaty between Great Britain and the Imam of Muscat, dated 2 October 1845 and signed at Zanzibar by Saeed Saeed bin Sultan [Sa`id bin Sultan Al Sa‘id], Sultan of Muscat (the Imam of Muscat) and Captain Atkins Hamerton (British Consul and East India Company Agent in the dominions of the Imam of Muscat);Letter dated 1846 from Lord Palmerston, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, London to Henry Wellesley (1st Earl Cowley) and Colonel Justin Sheil, both British representatives at Tehran and Constantinople respectively, asking them to persuade the courts of Persia and Turkey to issue firmans (royal decrees) prohibiting the slave trade in Persian and Turkish ports of the Persian Gulf;Instructions (an undated copy) from the Lords of the Admiralty to the Commanders of Her Majesty’s ships about the seizure of slave vessels under the terms of the new treaty with the Imam of Muscat, also letters of instruction dated 1847, from the Bombay Government to the Superintendent of the Indian Navy and the British Political Agent, Aden about issuing similar instructions for their own warships, also the procedure to be followed with regard to seized vessels and slaves sent to Aden;English translation of an Arabic letter of congratulations dated 22 November 1847, from George Russell Clerk, Governor of Bombay to the Imam of Muscat, about the seizure of eleven Muscat slave ships at sea, made by Captain Lowe, Senior Naval Officer in the Persian Gulf, under the terms of the Treaty between Great Britain and the Imam of Muscat dated 2 October 1845.Physical description: Foliation: the contents are numbered 1B, 2-40, from the front to the back of the file. The numbering is written in pencil on the recto, in the top right corner and encircled. The front cover of the file is numbered 1A. The inside of the back cover is numbered 41. There is an unnumbered folio between folios 13 and 14.Pagination: the contents are also irregularly numbered 31-33, 59, 74-106, 111, 217-224, 234, 295-297, 310, 365-368, 391-395, 411, 426-427, 433-434. The numbering is written in ink, usually on both the recto and verso; in the top right and left corner respectively. All blank pages and the majority of pages containing brief details such as the name of the sender or the date the letter was sent, are unnumbered.Condition: holes and tears in the margins and along the outer edges of many folios have caused a slight loss of the text of documents.
Abstract: The volume contains printed monthly memoranda of information received by the Government of India 'regarding external affairs other than those relating to the North-West Frontier, Afghanistan, and Persia' for the months of January to March 1905 inclusive (folios 4-17); memoranda of information received 'regarding external affairs relating to Arabia' for the months of April to December 1905 inclusive (folios 18-54); and memoranda of information received 'regarding external affairs relating to the North-East Frontier, Burma, Siam, and China', for the months of April to December 1905 inclusive (folios 55-108). A note accompanying each memorandum states that they are 'based upon reports, the accuracy of which it is not always possible to guarantee'.The combined 'other external affairs' reports (folios 4-17) relate to Arabia (Aden), Turkish Arabia, the Persian Gulf, China, Tibet, and Bhutan; the Arabia memoranda (folios 18-54) relate to Aden, Turkish Arabia, and the Persian Gulf; and the North-East Frontier etc. memoranda (folios 55-108) relate to Tibet, Bhutan, China, Siam [Thailand], Nepal, Burma, and Assam.Memoranda covering the Persian Gulf include intelligence reports concerning Maskat [Muscat], Koweit [Kuwait], Nejd [Najd], Bahrein [Bahrain], Katif [Al-Qatif], El Katr/Katar [Qatar], the Arab Coast, Musandim [Musandam], and the Pirate Coast.The memoranda relating to Arabia include references to the following subjects: political intelligence, tribal affairs, relations with the Ottoman Government, frontier settlement, pearl fisheries, quarantine, and slavery.The memoranda regarding affairs on and beyond the North-East Frontier of India cover a similar broad range of political and economic intelligence.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 112; 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 printed memorandum, compiled on 1 November 1887 by E Neel at the Secret and Political Department of the India Office, contains excerpts of correspondence sent and received by the Government of India between 14 February 1873 and 19 August 1887.The main subject is the extension of the British Protectorate scheme to tribes on the Hadramaut [Hadramawt] Coast, between Muscat and Aden.On folio 139 there is a reference to 'Map of Arabian Coast from Shaikh Said to Oman (Muscat)' which says: 'See IOR: Maps W/LPS/18/B.47 (i)'.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at f 136, and terminates at f 139, 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 between ff 5-149; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same poistion as the main sequence.
Abstract: This memorandum was written by Sir Frederic Arthur Hirtzel in January 1917. Its purpose is to explain 'why the exclusion of Italy from Western and Southern Arabia and the Red Sea littoral is important in British interests'. It notes the importance of Arabia lying as it does along two of the main approaches to India from Europe. Hirtzel's memorandum also notes the absence of an effective state in Arabia, and the concomitant influence of tribes and their chiefs.It reviews the strategic importance of Aden and its protectorate along with the significance of the Aden-Yemen frontier in the context of British relations with the Imam of Sanaa and Turkey (paragraphs 4-5). It notes that the Italian ambitions are mainly focused on the Yemen and that the Italo-Turkish war made Italy the most unpopular 'Christian power' in the Muslim world. It analyses the implications of any British consent to an Italian occupation of the Yemen.It concludes that the 'present war has shown the use that may be made against us of Islam' and contends that the success of H M Government in the Middle East 'depends to a large extent on the transfer of the Caliphate from Turkey to Arabia. This in turn depends on the possibility of making the ruler of the Hejaz sufficiently strong to be able to pose as an independent sovereign. This again depends upon keeping the Christian powers at a sufficient distance.' The memorandum finishes by noting that it was for these reasons Britain took the precaution of inserting in the Anglo-French convention [Sykes-Picot agreement] that the British and French Governments agree that they will not themselves acquire and will not consent to a third Power acquiring territorial possessions in the Arabian peninsula with a sphere of influence being seen as equivalent to territorial possession.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. Pagination: The booklet also has an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: A historical memorandum relating to Egyptian claims to sovereignty over the Somali coast, written by A W Moore, Assistant Secretary to the India Office, in two parts, submitted 26 February 1876 and 11 October 1879.The first part of the memorandum provides a historical narrative of events leading from the discovery in June 1870 of an Egyptian warship at Berbera on the Somali coast, with consequent suspicions that the Egyptian Government wished to occupy that place, up to the production of a draft Somali Coast Convention in 1876. The memorandum reproduces correspondence between the Resident at Aden, the Secretary of State for India, and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in which the authors consider the impact of Egyptian and Turkish influence at Berbera on British trade interests at Aden; on the independence of local Somali tribes; and on British efforts to suppress the slave trade. The memorandum also includes the terms by which HM Government agree to recognise Egyptian sovereignty.Appendices to the first part of the memorandum reproduce several 'Treaty Relations with Tribes on the African Coast' and 'Geographical Notes'.The second part of the memorandum opens with an account of events which preceded the signing in 1877 of the Somali Coast Convention by the British Government and by the Egyptian Khedive, describing the Khedive's attempts to extend the limit of proposed Egyptian sovereignty as far south as the Juba River, and subsequent British threats to enter into agreements with Somali chiefs independently of the Khedive.The memorandum goes on to describe renewed discussions in connection with the procedure in Constantinople necessary to give validity to the Convention after it was signed by the Khedive, and reproduces a note issued by the Ottoman Porte, which asserts Turkish sovereignty over the territory covered by the Convention, but falls short of providing assurances against ceding any of that territory to other foreign powers.The memorandum closes with the reproduction of correspondence discussing the text of a proposed firman, to be issued by the Ottoman Porte, which would give validity to the Convention signed by the Khedive.Appendices to the second part of the memorandum reproduce the text of the 'Somali Coast Convention' and an 'Agreement in regard to the Island of Socotra'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 31; 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: Genre/Subject Matter:View of the ‘North Pass’, or Baab el Yemen, at Aden. This probably depicts a pass between the main British settlement at Crater and Khormakser. “Inside” may refer to the location the drawing depicts, or to the fact that it depicts the south side of the pass, i.e. within the British-controlled area.A path winds from centre foreground into a steep gulley; several barely sketched-in figures appear to walk along it. In the background at upper centre a bridge, viaduct or aqueduct is visible. At the top of the ridge at upper right a rectangular shape may indicate a man-made structure that leads down to the structure at centre.Inscriptions:Recto, in pencil, along lower edge: 'The North Pass of Aden or Baab el Yemen. “Inside”'Verso, in pencil, along upper edge: ‘WD3475’Temporal Context:This sketch was probably made between January 1939, when Stafford Bettesworth Haines seized Aden, and 1854, when he was recalled to Bombay to face embezzlement and fraud charges, during which time Haines administered Aden.Physical description: Dimensions:128 x 185 mmMaterials:Pencil on paperCondition:Light surface dirt coats the recto and verso, but otherwise the paper is in good condition. A large stain in the upper-right corner is of unknown origin.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, orders, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, political and military letters from the Government of Bombay. The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; the Court of Directors of the East India Company; the Bombay Military Board; the Government of India; and Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Waddington, Chief Engineer at Aden.The item concerns the appointment of Waddington as Chief Engineer at Aden, and his opinions on the progression of Aden’s defence works. Waddington also recommends a reduction in the establishment at Aden, and the following appointments are mentioned:Lieutenant Kennedy to become Executive Engineer at Aden, following Lieutenant Close’s temporary appointmentCaptain Kilner to succeed Kennedy as Engineer at SuratLieutenant Southey to succeed Kilner as Engineer at Ahmednugger [Ahmednagar]Lieutenant Suart to succeed Waddington as Commanding Engineer at Aden.The item contains a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 7623’, ‘Collection No 8’ and ‘Draft 67/52’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 829, and terminates at f 863, 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.
Abstract: Genre/Subject MatterThis pencil sketch on paper depicts a man reclining against a pillow on a chaise-longue while reading. It is drawn in the style of a caricature, which is in keeping with other figural sketches in this volume and, more broadly, in the related files Mss Eur F140/232 and Mss Eur F140/233, which, together with this volume, complete the trio of journals created by Jeffrey C. Amherst.The man depicted is likely Captain Chamberlain, who Amherst cites as being ‘in command’ of B & D Companies upon his arrival at Aden on 30 November 1870. He is wearing at least one brace and holding the papers he is reading above his torso.The latter part of the inscription – ‘Marshag’ – refers to Ras Marshag, a promontory to the south of the Crater, upon which a lighthouse (built in 1861 to facilitate the navigation of increasing numbers of steamers passing through) was situated as well as the quarters for a detachment of infantry.InscriptionsUpper left corner: ‘Capt C at Marshag May 22nd 71’Temporal ContextThe drawing was made during the period Amherst was based at Aden, between 30 November 1870 and 1871/1872; on 5 February 1871, Amherst notes that he was in command of D Company and that he was based at the Isthmus Position, where two companies of British and two companies of Native Infantry were regularly based according to an 1877 publication (F. M. Hunter, An Account of the British Settlement at Aden, (London: Trübner & Co., 1877)). It seems Amherst moved about frequently between Crater, Isthmus, Ras Marshag and elsewhere during his time at Aden.Physical description: Dimensions:107 x 182 mm [landscape]Materials:Pencil on paperCondition:The paper is slightly foxed, but otherwise in good condition with adhesive still sturdy.Foliation:The image has been assigned a sequential number, 4, which is written in pencil in the lower right corner of the page onto which the image is pasted.
Abstract: The main document is a note written by Lieutenant-Colonel Harold Fenton Jacob, First Assistant Resident, Aden, and outlines the current situation in Aden with a view to encouraging the British Government to take military action against the 'Turkish incursion' in Yemen. In the attached covering letter which is forwarded to the Secretary of State for India, William Crawford Walton, the Acting Political Resident for Aden, confirms his support of the points put forward by Jacob and urges for decisive action in the region before another Western power takes action and, in turn, takes responsibility for the area. The documents support the institution of a progressive plan by Britain which will involve the construction of public facilities such as roads, railways, schools and hospitals with a view to encouraging support for, and therefore protection of, the Protectorate.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 30, and terminates at f 32, 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 present in parallel; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: Enclosures no. 2-3 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Bombay [Mumbai] Castle, dated 12 April 1848. The enclosures are dated 26 January-1 April 1848. The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in and around Bagdad [Baghdad], including: a British merchant who was beaten and arrested while attempting to enter Bagdad and attempts to bring charges against the soldiers responsible; and the unauthorised boarding of a British vessel at Bussorah [Basra] and claims for restitution. The item also contains correspondence which may belong in the previous item (IOR/L/PS/5/453, ff 532-535) concerning the arrival in Aden of the East Indian Company ship
Mahiand instructions for it to proceed to Mocha, Hodeida [Al Hudaydah] and Mussowa [Massawa] to gather intelligence. The correspondents are: the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia; the Political Agent, Aden; the Government of India; and the British Embassy, Constantinople [Istanbul].Physical description: 1 item (11 folios)