1. 'File No. 40/5. ABU DHABI RED OXIDE.'

Description:

Abstract: The file discusses possible concessions for red oxide on Dalmah [Dalmā] and Sir Beni Yas [Şīr Banī Yās] Islands, which were under the jurisdiction of the Shaikh of Abu Dhabi (Shaikh Shakhbūt bin Sulṭān bin Zāyid Āl Nahyān).Included in the file is correspondence between the India Office and the Golden Valley Ochre and Oxide Company, which already holds red oxide concessions in the Persian Gulf, regarding its continued interest in expanding its concessions in the region, and making arrangements for its mining engineer at Bu Musa [Abū Mūsā] island, Eric Innes Pocock, to visit the islands and assess their potential.A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 18-19.Physical description: The main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminated at the inside back cover with 20; 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 1-19; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence.

2. Coll 5/36 ‘Persian Gulf Air Route: Air facilities at Yas Island and at Abu Dhabi’

Description:

Abstract: The file contains correspondence concerning negotiations with Shaikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, for air facilities at Yas Island [Sir Bani Yas] and Abu Dhabi. The required air facilities include emergency landing grounds, moorings for flying boats, and petrol storage facilities. A copy of the agreement reached (in both Arabic and English) can be found on folios 83-84.Following the conclusion of the agreement, the file documents the Shaikh's subsequent refusal to permit the construction of a fuel storage tank near Abu Dhabi and his ‘discourtesy’ towards the Commander of HMS Fowey. This includes measures taken by British authorities to ensure the Shaikh's compliance with the agreement and to obtain an apology for the aforementioned commander.The main correspondents are as follows: the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard Craven William Fowle), the Political Agent at Bahrain (Percy Gordon Loch), and the Commander in Chief of the East Indies Squadron. It also contains correspondence with the following British Government departments: the Admiralty, Air Ministry, the Foreign Office, and 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 commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 117; 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.