Abstract: Map published by the Royal Geographical Society. From the Geographical Journal, September 1931.The map depicts Bertram Thomas's 1930-31 route, and earlier routes, in red. The map indicates settlements, hydrology, and also provides some indication of relief. Also included is a table of reference for symbols used on the map.The map includes two additional lines: a line in black ink marked 'blue line' (a boundary line that formed part of the non-ratified Anglo-Ottoman Convention of 1913, and was redefined and adopted in the Anglo-Ottoman Convention of the following year), and a line in pencil outlining the suggested limits of a 'desert zone', which was considered by the British as a possible territorial concession to Saudi Arabia.Another edition of this map can be found at IOR/R/15/2/159, f 246.Physical description: Materials: Printed in colour on paper, with manuscript additions in black ink and pencil.Dimensions: 440 x 540mm, on sheet 458 x 722mm.
Abstract: The file contains correspondence relating to the oil concession in Muscat, Oman, and Dhofar. The principal correspondents are: the Political Resident at Bushire (later Bahrain) [Persian Gulf Political Residency]; the Political Agent at Bahrain; the Political Agent at Kuwait; the Political Agent at Muscat; the India Office; the Foreign Office, Sultan Said bin Taimur [Sa‘īd ibn Taymūr Āl Sa‘īd], the ruler of Muscat and Oman; and representatives of Petroleum Concessions Limited and its subsidiary, Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) Limited.Matters covered by the file include:
the ambition of Petroleum Development Concessions for the concession over Rub al-Khali, the desert region that spans the territories of Oman and Saudi Arabia;Standard Oil's interest in the Muscat concession;Lermitte's visit to Muscat in the summer of 1937 to discuss the agreement with the Sultan;the suspension of oil operations during the Second World War;the company's attempts to extend the period within which they have the option to drill by 2-5 years;company plans to begin exploration in Oman during the winter of 1947/48;and Richard Bird's dealings with the Al Bu Shamis tribe in Buraimi in March 1948.Folios 3-7 is a memorandum produced by the Petroleum Department (of the British Government) giving an overview of the current situation regarding oil concessions in Arabia and the Persian Gulf.Folios 9-19 is the record of a meeting between representatives from the Colonial Office, Foreign Office, India Office, Admiralty, Petroleum Department, and Indian Political Service, held at the Colonial Office on 3 May 1933. The meeting covers similar topics to that of the memorandum above.Folios 107-111 are internal office notes.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover and terminates at the 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 2-91; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not 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: The file comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, relating to the monitoring by British officials of the activities of Count Byron Khun de Prorok and his expeditions in Yemen and the Persian Gulf. This included attempts to search for the ancient lost city of Ubar in the Rubʻ al Khālī and the fabled capital city of the Queen of Sheba.The discussion in the file relates to the correspondence with scientific institutes (Royal Geographical Society; Royal Anthropological Institute) concerning de Prorok's scientific credentials, nationality, name and title. Also discussed is the refusal of the Sultan of Muscat to allow an expedition to proceed from Muscat and the British refusal to allow a start from Sharjah. Also discussed are British concerns about motivations for the expedition and connections with Italian oil interests.Included in the file is a handwritten letter from Prorok to the India Office (folio 32) and an advertisement for an evening lecture at the Pump House, Bath (folio 10).The file contains correspondence between: the Passport Control Department, Foreign Office, London; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; and the India Office, London.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 7, and terminates at f 68, 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.