Abstract: A paper written in continuation of a previous memorandum regarding the Italian Occupation of Assab Bay [IOR/L/PS/18/B22], which brings the story up to date.The first section describes the course of events at and around Assab from May 1880 to September 1881, including protests made by the Egyptian Government to the Italian Government at their purchase of the whole coastline around Assab Bay and the islands nearby, and an enquiry that followed the massacre of an Italian exploring party. This section concludes with two reports suggesting that, although the Italians had not made much progress at Assab Bay, they had shown their intention to get a foothold on the African continent.The second section reproduces correspondence between the British, Italian and Egyptian governments, and between the India Office and the Foreign Office from May 1880 to September 1881. The correspondence relates to the purchase of land at Assab Bay by the Rubattino Company; Italian Government denials that the territory would be used for military purposes; attempts made by the Italian Government to legitimise their occupation of the place by encouraging the British Government to accredit a British Agent there, both for commercial purposes and for the purpose of co-operation in the suppression of the slave trade; and a British Government proposal that the Italian Government enter into a formal convention about the matter with the Egyptian Government.The final section reproduces correspondence connected with a proposed disembarkation of Egyptian troops at Raheita to the south of Assab Bay; Egyptian appeals for a British warship to be sent to the area; Italian protestations that disembarkation at Raheita would constitute a provocation; and the British Government's re-affirmation that the sovereignty of the coastline at Raheita and Assab Bay belongs to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and the Khedive of Egypt.The paper is written by Arthur William Moore.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at folio 25, and terminates at folio 40, as it is part of a larger 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: The document, written by Adolphus Warburton Moore, discusses the following: the actual course of events at Assab and in the neighbourhood since May 1880; correspondence which has passed in the same period between the British, Italian and Egyptian Governments, and between the Political and Secret Department and the Foreign Office; and the proposed disembarkation of Egyptian troops at Raheita.The situation in Assab was related to the Italian colonisation of the area during the period known as the 'Scramble for Africa'.Physical description: 16 folios
Abstract: Memoranda providing a number of opinions regarding the British position towards the Italian occupation of Assab Bay.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at folio 22, and terminates at folio 23, as it is part of a larger 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: A memorandum in which correspondence and official reports are reproduced to give an account of the events, rumours and denials surrounding Italian interest in the area of the Somali coast around the Bay of Assab and the islands lying nearby; assurances are sought and received from the Italian Government that they have no military intentions at the Bay of Assab, and that they intend only to establish a trading post there. A report written by the Assistant to the Resident at Aden is reproduced in full, noting the great potential of the Bay of Assab in time of war. The memorandum concludes by re-stating Italian denials of military intentions. The memorandum is written by Arthur William Moore.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at folio 5, and terminates at folio 21, as it is part of a larger 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: A letter about the Italian occupation of Assab Bay, in which the author, Louis Mallet, India Office, suggests that a response to the Italian Ambassador be phrased only in general terms, as historical precedents have rendered the British position ambiguous. The author goes on to suggest that the British Government should now be content to let the matter rest.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences and terminates at folio 24, as it is part of a larger 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.