Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, consultations, memoranda, and minutes, cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay. The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; Major Henry Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia [Ottoman Iraq]; Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant Chief Engineer George Jervis; Captain Sir Robert Oliver, Superintendent of the Indian Navy; Captain Henry Blosse Lynch; and the Government of India.The item concerns the surveys of the Euphrates, Tigris, and Kuran [Karun] rivers, and the process of Captain Felix Jones creating a new chart from the results of Lynch’s survey expeditions. The item includes details of the employment of draughtsmen, the creation of copies, and lists of surveys, but it does not contain copies of the maps or surveys themselves.The item contains a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Draft no 689/48’, ‘Coll[ection]: 19’, ‘Collection No 1 of No 51’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 352, and terminates at f 382 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: Distinctive Features:Map of the Tigris-Euphrates Delta produced to illustrate the geology of Mesopotamia and surrounding region based on Jacques de Morgan’s research. Shows the advance of delta over the time with the Persian Gulf’s coast in time of Sennacherib B.C. by pecked line; the coastline in fourth century indicated by red line.Bottom left-hand corner below neat line: ‘Admiralty War Staff I.D.’.Physical description: Dimensions:193 x 257 mm
Abstract: Imprint:Ordnance Survey, 1921.Distinctive Features:View from Fort Snipe at the Tigris River bend near Qurna drawn from plan prepared by G.S. India; landmarks labelled for reference with position and number of Turkish forces reported.Physical description: Dimensions:120 x 204 mm, on sheet 152 x 245 mm
Abstract: The file provides an account of the navigation of the rivers of Mesopotamia from 1640, with a series of extracts from despatches, letters, reports, a diary, a treaty, and an order. It details agreements between England and Turkey; the movements of British steamers within the region; the question of the payment of dues and navigation rights; the maintenance costs of steamers; and highlights disturbances hindering navigation.It was written by F De Lesseps, Foreign Department, India Office.The file includes three extracts in French.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 28, and terminates at f 31, 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 28-31; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This item consists mostly of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. It is the first of two items on the subject of the Euphrates expedition of 1835-37 (the other item is IOR/F/4/1701/68746).The item concerns the latter stages of the Euphrates expedition and the decision of the Government of Bombay to continue the expedition beyond its originally-assigned duration. It mostly consists of reports and letters prepared by Colonel Francis Rawdon Chesney, the leader of the expedition. The topics covered are:The ascent and descent of the Tigris river as far as Bagdad [Baghdad] by the
Euphratessteamer, from September to October 1836The ascent and descent of the Euphrates river by the
Euphratessteamer, from October to November 1836, including the damage suffered to one of the engines and the arrangements made for the mail being carried by the steamer to be conveyed onwards to BritainLocal reactions to the expeditionThe activities of the
Euphratesfollowing the departure of Colonel Francis Rawdon Chesney, the leader of the expedition, including the ascent and descent of the Karoon [Karun] river, and the return to BagdadThe assessments of Chesney and other members of the expedition of their achievements, and their recommendations for maintaining steamers on the Euphrates.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 86 and terminates at f 148, 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 volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: Created by the War Office. Covers a twenty-five mile length of the River Tigris, to a width of approximately ten miles, from Kut [Al-Kut] to Wadi [Nahr Wadi] in present-day eastern Iraq. Created to support the Allied relief of Kut against Turkish forces. Portrays hydrology, roads and tracks, railways, river crossings, settlements, ruins, place names, military installations and British and Turkish positions. The margin bears the series designation 'G[eographical].S[ection].,G[eneral].S[taff]. No. 2811a.'Map overprinted on to base map of 'G[eographical].S[ection].,G[eneral].S[taff]. No. 2811' dated '1.3.16' and still bearing the title 'Sketch Map showing Enemy's Position Wadi to Kut' (filed at Mss Eur F112/555, f 4).Verso bears the annotation 'Kut'.Physical description: Materials: Printed in colourDimensions: 300 x 420mm, on sheet 381 x 555mm
Abstract: Created by the War Office. Covers a twenty-five mile length of the River Tigris, to a width of approximately ten miles, from Kut [Al-Kut] to Wadi [Nahr Wadi] in present-day eastern Iraq. Created to support the Allied relief of Kut against Turkish forces. Portrays hydrology, roads and tracks, railways, river crossings, settlements, ruins, place names, military installations and British and Turkish positions. The margin bears the series designation 'G[eographical].S[ection].,G[eneral].S[taff]. No. 2811a.'Map overprinted on to base map of 'G[eographical].S[ection].,G[eneral].S[taff]. No. 2811' dated '1.3.16' and still bearing the title 'Sketch Map showing Enemy's Position Wadi to Kut' (filed at Mss Eur F112/555, f 4).Another copy is filed at 48505.(6.).Physical description: Materials: Printed in colourDimensions: 300 x 420mm, on sheet 381 x 555mm
Abstract: Created by the War Office. Covers a one-mile length of the River Tigris in the vicinity of Suwaicha Marsh, six miles east of Kut [Al-Kut] in present-day eastern Iraq. Shows detail on the left bank only, to a distance of approximately half a mile. Created to support the Allied relief of Kut and against Turkish forces. Portrays hydrology and the position of Turkish and Allied defences. The margin bears the series designation 'G[eographical].S[ection].,G[eneral].S[taff]. No. 2812' and date '1.3.16'. The map face bears the printed note 'General Staff, I[ndian]. E[xpeditionary].F[orce]."D." 26.1.16. Map Serial No. 108'.Verso bears the annotation 'Kut al Amara'.Another copy is filed at 48505.(6.).Physical description: Materials: Printed in colourDimensions: 385 x 557mm, on sheet 460 x 632mm
Abstract: Created by the War Office. Covers a twenty-five mile length of the River Tigris, to a width of approximately ten miles, from Kut [Al-Kut] to Wadi [Nahr Wadi] in present-day eastern Iraq. Created to support the Allied relief of Kut and associated Battle of Dujailah against Turkish forces. Portrays hydrology, roads and tracks, river crossings, settlements, ruins, place names, military installations and British and Turkish positions. The margin bears the series designation 'G[eographical].S[ection].,G[eneral].S[taff]. No. 2811' and date '1.3.16'. The map face bears the printed note 'General Staff, I[ndian]. E[xpeditionary].F[orce]."D." 1.2.16. Map Serial No. 107'.Verso bears the annotation 'Kut'.Other copies are filed at 48080.(7.) and 48505.(7.).Physical description: Materials: Printed in colourDimensions: 300 x 420mm, on sheet 371 x 528mm
Abstract: The item consists of a concession for navigation on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which sets out terms and conditions.It was signed by the Grand Vizier of Ottoman Empire (Ibrahim Hakki Pasha) and Baron Inchcape (James Lyle Mackay) – on behalf of the Secretary of State for India, on 12 December 1913.The main body of the document is in French.Physical description: 1 item (7 folios)
Abstract: Memorandum, written by Richard William Brant and Edward Parkes of the Foreign Office, Apr 1913 regarding navigation on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The memorandum is divided into four parts:Historical Memorandum respecting the navigation of the Mesopotamian rivers. The memorandum describes the history of British relations with Turkish Arabia and the progress of their relations in order to determine the rights that Great Britain possesses which allow it to participate in the trade and navigation of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The memorandum covers both the period where rights were acquired by the East India Company (1579-1859) and from 1860s onwards where rights and special privileges were acquired and maintained on behalf of the Tigris and Euphrates Steam Navigation Company (folios 8-66);British rights by treaty with regard to the navigation of the Tigris and Euphrates, which looks at the rights accrued by Great Britain through treaties with the Ottoman Government and through the Ottoman Empire's treaties with other nations (folios 67-70);Conclusions, which summarises the conclusions that can be drawn from the information provided in both the historical memorandum and the treaties sections (folios 71-74);Chronological Table covering the period 1759 to 1912, with annual entries from 1873 onwards (folios 75-119) ;Annex: Instances where the employment of British steamers in the navigation of the Tigris and Euphrates has been asserted or admitted to be limited by the Firmans of 1834 and 1841;Appendices: 34 items which are listed on folio 122, and include extracts and copies of Treaties, Firmans, Memorandum, Circulars and other relevant documents covering the period 1718 to 1912.Physical description: Foliation: The main foliation sequence commences at the inside 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 (except for the front cover where the folio number is on the verso). An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between folios 4-139; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.Pagination: The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This file is a Foreign Office memorandum regarding the right of the Euphrates and Tigris Steam-ship Company to sail their barges on those rivers, written by Foreign Office Librarian, Edward Hertslet.The file contains a summary of negotiations between the British and Ottoman Governments and as such, also contains extracts from Ottoman Government documents in French.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at f 97, and terminates at f 104, 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; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.