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37. 'Mesopotamia: boundaries and disturbances: Pt 2'
- Description:
- Abstract: Correspondence consists of telegrams and memoranda relating to boundaries and disturbance in Mesopotamia. Specific topics discussed include: military units deployed; actions of insurgents such as telegraph wires cut and telegraph poles removed; contacts with besieged garrisons.Correspondence also discusses use of aeroplanes to target insurgents in, for example, Samawah [As-Samāwah] and retaliation of tribes on two pilots forced to land (folio 56); also covered are experimental designs for a tank suitable for desert conditions (folio 119).The file includes two printed reports:'Mesopotamia: Preliminary Report on Causes of Unrest. Report No. II' (ff 41-45), prepared by Major Bray, Special Intelligence Officer, Mesopotamia'Mesopotamia: Causes of Unrest. Report No. II' (ff 12-20), prepared by Major Bray, Special Intelligence Officer, Mesopotamia.Correspondents include GHQ Mesopotamia; the War Office, London; the High Commissioner for Iraq; and the Special Intelligence Officer, Mesopotamia.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 224; 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 between ff 3-223; these numbers are written in coloured crayon.
38. Papers of Brigadier-General John Jacob (East India Company) Mainly Relating to the Anglo-Persian War (1856-1857), and the Aftermath
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume comprises correspondence, memoranda and other papers relating to the Anglo-Persian War (1856-57), and events following the Armistice signed in Paris, 4 March 1857, notably intelligence, military, administrative, diplomatic and financial matters. A large proportion of the letters are originals, but the volume also includes copy letters and copy Persian letters.There is no overall index; however, there are five internal ‘indexes’, or contents lists, which cover the majority of the volume. The titles of groups of papers are transcribed directly from the indexes, in single inverted commas.The papers are bound as follows:Folio 9: ‘Intelligence index’ comprising a list of items numbered 1-2Folios 10-45 (including title page for index item No. 1): ‘Intelligence received from Major H Ballard’, Intelligence Department, 25 February 1856-28 June 1857. Includes ink and watercolour plan of Persian positions near the ‘Haft Moolla Pass’ (folio 15) and Memorandum of Intelligence from Captain Lewis Pelly, Intelligence Department, June 1857 (folios 39-42)Folios 46-133 (including title page for index item No. 2): ‘General Intelligence’. Notably:Memorandum by Major John Hill, Commanding Engineer, Persian Field Force, to Assistant Quartermaster-General, Persian Field Force, Camp Bushire, 8 January 1857, containing estimate of force required for the expedition against Shuster [Shushtar] on the Karoon [Karun] River (folios 47-51)Intelligence received and forwarded to Brigadier-General John Jacob, Commander of the Persian Expeditionary Field Force in Bushire, by Captain Felix Jones, Political Agent and Resident in the Persian Gulf, and correspondence between Jones and Jacob, including translated intelligence from local chiefs, Mahomed Hassan Khan [Muhammad Husayn Khan?], British Agent in Shiraz [also spelt Sheeraz in the volume], and Meerza Hassan Ali Khan [Mirza Hasan ‘Ali Khan], British Agent at Shiraz now at Bushire, March-August 1857, and purport of extract from Tehran Gazette, 12 March 1857 (folios 52-73, 95-97, 116-117, 122, 126-133)Cutting from The Sindian Extra, 20 May 1857, on the ‘horrible massacre [of the English] at Delhi’ (folio 74)Letters from J Scott in Kurachee [Karachi], to Jacob, 23 May and 7 June 1857, on loyalty of the troops at Moultan [Multan], calm situation in the Punjab and Scott’s general comments on the 'mutiny' in India (folios 75, 114-115)Intelligence from J Gibb in Kurachee, to Jacob, 22 May-7 June 1857, notably on the 'mutiny' at Merrut [Meerut] and Delhi and reporting on troops and native population in Lahore (folios 76-77, 102-105, 112-113)Manuscript copy of telegraphic message from Agra for Lieutenant-General Sir James Outram, Commander-in-Chief, Persian Expeditionary Force: ‘Lady Outram and her son are quite safe. They were not at Delhi’ [May 1857] (folio 78)Three intelligence reports, two translated by James McAdam Hyslop, Assistant Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, containing news on the state of Persia, February and March 1857, and copy letter from Stratford de Redcliffe, British Ambassador at Constantinople, to Earl of Clarendon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, 30 March 1857. All papers forwarded for the attention of Outram (folios 79-91)Letters from Commander James Rennie, Senior Naval Officer, Commanding Persian Gulf Squadron, to Jacob, June-July 1857, mostly forwarding intelligence from Lieutenant James Tronson, Senior Naval Officer at Mahumura [Mohammerah, now Khorramshahr], commanding the Falkland(folios 92-94, 98-99, 119-120, 123-125)Extract of letter from Lord Elphinstone, Governor of Bombay, to Henry Bartle Frere, Commissioner of Sinde [Sindh], 30 May 1857, forwarding instructions for the recall of Outram and Jacob and a large part of the force at Bushire, to India (folios 100-101)Letter from Commander D W Macleod in Lahore, to Commissioner in Sind [Sindh], 15 May 1857, reporting, for the Court of Directors of the East India Company, on the state of affairs in India following the outbreak of the 'mutiny' (folios 106-109)Letter from H Ebden to Colonel Sir R Shakespear, 31 May 1857, on the spread of the 'mutiny' (folios 110-111)Manuscript copy of telegraphic message from 'The Resident' (at Bushire) to Jacob, stating that the agent at Shiraz is permitted to proceed and resume his post, 28 June 1857 (folio 118)Letter from [W?] Gardiner, Commanding the Clifton, notifying Jacob of the transport ship’s arrival at Kurachee, 2 July 1857 (folio 121) Folios 134-135: ‘Index Miscellaneous’ comprising a list of items numbered 1-18, as follows:Folios 136-138 (including title page for index item No. 1): ‘Correspondence touching the progress of the war in Persia, etc.’ Letter from Thomas A Collier, Bushire, to Jacob, 24 December 1856Folios 139-141 (including title page for index item No. 2): ‘Trial experiment of the “Jacob Rifle”’, Letter from Charles Hay to Jacob, 14 November 1856Folios 142-203 (including title page for index item No. 3): ‘Applications for appointments under Brigadier-General John Jacob [to the Persian Field Force], recommendatory letters for, etc.’ Authors based in various locations, notably Bombay, Kurachee and London, December 1856-February 1857 (in this order): Henry Munro; J Outram; Lieutenant G S Morris; Lieutenant C M Ducat; Major Edward Green; G Nicholetts; Lieutenant W A Battine, Bengal Army; Captain [G?] E Ashburner; Captain James Young, 4th Regiment Bengal North India; E King; J Thatcher; H Young; Hugh Elliott, [T H Rantely?]; W G Mainwaring; R H Irvine; Captain Stuart Beatson, First Regiment [Light?] Cavalry; Lieutenant W R Alexander; George Montgomery; Lieutenant Quintin Battye, 56th Regiment Bengal Infantry; J W [Reviler?]; W W Davidson; [G Durrill?]; [C?] Stewart; W F Johnson; J Rennie; Hastings Fraser, 4th Cavalry; C Constable; Ensign John G Watts; Colonel P MelvillFolios 204-209 (including title page for index item No. 4): ‘Correspondence of congratulation’, from J Scott to Jacob, 14 January 1857; P H Le Geyt to Outram, 4 January 1857; and J Stirling to Jacob, 30 April 1857 (thanks for commendation of his regiment)Folios 210-244 (including title page for index item No. 5): ‘Correspondence relative to supply of provisions, tonnage and capacity of shipping, transports, munitions of war, etc.’ Correspondents mainly Rennie, Durrill, [Reviler?], W T Johnson and Captain Lewis Pelly, Political Secretary and Persian Interpreter, 25 January to 24 July 1857Folios 245-247 (including title page for index item No. 6): ‘Regarding the appointment of Lieutenant-Colonel Jacob with the rank of Brigadier-General Persian Expeditionary Field Force’, 12 January 1857. Copy letter and General Orders, forwarded by R E H Birch, Secretary to the Governor of India, Military DepartmentFolios 248-256 (including title page for index item No. 7): ‘Correspondence regarding the state of the troops in Persia and other Bazar and Police arrangements’ [in Bushire]. Between Lord Elphinstone, Jacob, Jones and Pelly, 1 April-1 August 1857. Includes Persian letter from Sultan Mahomed Najjaff Meerza [Sultan Muhammad Najaf Mirza Hindi], Jahanabad [Jehanabad], to Jacob (folio 255) with Jacob’s replyPapers described in the index as numbers 8-17 are not bound in this volumeFolios 257-259: Title pages only to index items No. 16 ‘Relative to the employment of individuals in the Quartermaster and Adjutant Generals Department’, and No. 17 ‘Regarding Prisoners’Folios 259-297 (including title page for index item No. 18): ‘Miscellaneous Correspondence’. Between Jacob, Henry Scott, Walker, Macdonald, Colonel J S Ramsay and Pelly, 1 December 1856-26 December 1857. Includes news from Pelly on Mohammura [Mohammerah, i.e. Khorramshahr], Sir James Outram and views on the Peace Treaty (folios 284-297), and extracts from the Bombay Government Gazette, 15 and 29 January and 30 June 1857 (folios 268-271)Folio 298: Map of a section of Abyssinia [Ethiopia] (no indication why this map has been bound in this volume apart from separating two indexes)Folios 299-300: ‘Index of Compilation’ comprising a list of items numbered 1-13Folios 301-359 (including title page for index item No. 1): ‘Correspondence regarding employment of General Jacob in Persia. Observations on the state of the troops and the coast of Persia, of the appointment of General Sir J Outram, political views on the nature of Britain’s relations with Persia and Russia’. Documents dated 18 November 1856-25 January 1857, chiefly Outram’s letters to Robert Vernon Smith MP, Sir George Clerk, Colonel Sykes, J H Edmonstone, Secretary to the Governor of India, Foreign Department, Lord Dalhousie and Jacob; Malcolm Green’s letters to Jacob; and copy of a telegraphic message from the Governor-General to Outram regarding JacobFolios 360-410 (including title page for index item No. 2): ‘Correspondence regarding the appointment of different officers, the distribution of the Brigades, etc., their several requirements in the event of their occupying named localities towards the furtherance of schemes determined on’. Documents dated 28 December 1856-28 December 1858, chiefly correspondence between Outram and Jacob, letters from Malcolm Green and from Lord Elphinstone, to Jacob, and a 'Plan of Operations' (in Persia) by Outram (folios 365-367)Folios 411-451 (including title page for index item No. 3): ‘Regarding the probable demands for munitions of war. Provisions and other necessaries, etc., required by the Troops in Persia’. Documents dated 18 March-12 May 1857, chiefly letters to Jacob from Outram, A M Boileau, Brevet Major Commanding ‘B’ Company of Madras Sappers and Miners, Rennie and JonesFolios 452-503 (including title page for index item No. 4): ‘Correspondence regarding the Expedition against Mohamreh [Mohammerah, i.e. Khorramshahr] and its capture, and of arrangements for raising and organising “Arab Levies” and other proposed arrangements regarding the dispersal of the troops subsequent to the above action’. Documents dated 13 March-9 May 1857, chiefly letters to Jacob from Outram (written from Mohammerah) and Colonel Edward Lugard, Chief of StaffFolio 504-509 (including title page for index item No. 5): ‘Information of movements of the Expeditionary detachment to Ahwaz [Ahvaz] and other correspondence following the fall of Mohamreh and the action at Ahwaz’. Letters from Arnold Burrowes Kemball, Political Agent in Ismailiyah [Ismailia], to Outram, and from Outram to the Earl of Clarendon, 30 March-5 April 1857 Folio 510 (title page for index item No. 6): ‘Reflections on the policy of the action at Mohamreh which was originally intended to facilitate the progress of the British forces into the interior of Persia’ (no papers present)(Title page and papers for index item No. 7 not present)Folios 511-518 (including title page for index item No. 8): ‘Regarding proposed modifications and other important arrangements for the permanent defence of the frontiers of Sind’. Two documents, both addressed to ‘My Lord’, authors not identifiedFolios 519-525 (including title page for index item No. 9): ‘General correspondence from Lord Elphinstone’. Letters to Outram, notably mentioning coals for English steam ships, cholera between Madras and Bangalore, and rifle ammunition, 3 and 4 April 1857Folios 526-531 (including title page for index item No. 10): ‘Refutation of assertions regarding the “panic” supposed to have occurred subsequent to the action at Burazgoon [Borazjan]’. Letter from Outram to Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Somerset, Commander-in-Chief, Bombay Army, 11 April 1857, including extracts from intelligence reports dated 18 and 25 February 1857 regarding enemy casualtiesAlso after index item No. 10 (not covered by the index):Folios 532-535: copy of letter of congratulation on Persian victories from Vernon Smith to Outram, with forwarding letter by Hyslop, Political Agent, Bagdad [Baghdad], April 1857Folios 536-538 (including title page for index item No. 11): ‘Correspondence of congratulation, offer of presents, to the Native Troops by the Nawab of Oude from Bagdad’. Summary translation of undated letter from the Nawab Ikbal-ood-Dowlek to Captain Kemball, congratulating the British Indian troops in action at Bushire and BorazgoonFolios 539-558 (including title page for index item No. 12): 'Correspondence regarding the Sirkisheekchee [Sarkisheekchee] Bashee, etc’, (Mirza Mahomed Khan, Persian Commander-in-Chief and Plenipotentiary). Chiefly letters from Outram to Jacob, 12 April-15 June 1857 Folios 559-597 (including title page for index item No. 13): ‘Relative to the state of affairs in India and the measures which it would be advisable to adopt for the maintenance of British influence in the Bombay Presidency, etc.’ Chiefly letters from Lugard, Outram and Vernon Smith to Jacob; Lugard to Outram; and Outram to the Governor-General of India, the Earl of Clarendon and Vernon Smith, 28 June-15 July 1857Folios 598-689 (including title page for index item No. 2): ‘Relating to the Deputation of Ahmed Beg from Persian Camp and further correspondence regarding Meerza Agha’ (Persian Secretary to Charles A Murray, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to His Majesty the King of Persia, at Bagdad). Chiefly original and copy letters, including Persian letters from Meerza Agha [Mirza Agha] (folios 602, 614, 626), relating to his dismissal by Jacob who accuses the former of unprecedented ‘insolence’ contained in a letter to Captain Felix Jones regarding the Deputation of Ahmed Beg. Correspondence is largely between Jacob, Outram, Jones, Murray and Meerza Agha. Murray, who strongly defends Meerza Agha, an employee of the British for over eighteen years, believes there is a campaign to smear his secretary’s character. Murray also dismisses Mahomed Hassan Khan, the Agent at Shiraz, who accuses Meerza Agha of threatening him. Covering dates c 25 April-31 August 1857Folios 690-691: ‘Index Sirkasheekchee Bashee’, comprising a list of items numbered 1-11Folios 692-733 (including title page for index item No. 1): 'Regarding the Treaty Armistice etc., Convention proposed to be entered into – line demarcation proposed and explained etc.' Documents dated c 22 April-7 May 1857, chiefly correspondence between Outram, Meerza Mahomed Khan, Sarkisheekchee Bashee, Persian Commander-in-Chief and Plenipotentiary [Mirza Muhammad Khan Davallu, Kishikchi Bashi], and Jacob, regarding news of the armistice reached between Britain and Persia in Paris, 4 March 1857, and terms of the truce concluded between Outram and Meerza Mahomed Khan (to extend to 4 June 1857). Includes original, copy, Persian (folios 695-697, 717-723 and 729-731) and translated letters from all correspondentsFolio 734: Note stating items ‘No. 2 and 3 transferred to Separate Compilations. No. 2 Regarding Meerza Agha [see folios 598-689]. No. 3 Regarding the Persian spy or Engineer officer [see IOR/H/550]’Folios 735-736 (including title page for index item No. 4): ‘Regarding the procuring of corn provisions, etc.’ Letter from Jones to Jacob, 13 May 1857Folios 737-741 (including title page for index item No. 5): ‘Correspondence regarding Nawab Mahomed Ali Khan’. Letter from Jones to Jacob, copy letters in Persian from Jones and from Shuja ul Mulk [also spelt Shooja ool Moolk], April 1857Folios 742-743 (title page for index item No. 6): ‘Correspondence from and with the Khan of Khelat [Kalat]’. Letter from Jones to Jacob, 5 June 1857(Index item No. 7 is filed out of order, on folios 775-814)Folios 743-746 (including title page for index item No. 8): ‘Regarding the return of Mohamed Hussan Khan [Shiraz Agent] to Shiraz’. Letter from Jones to giving instructions to the former, 29 June 1857Folios 747-748 (including title page for index item No. 9): ‘Regarding permission to persons of British camp to purchase horses from Persian camp at Borazjoon [Borazjan]’. Request from Jacob to the representative commanding the Persian forces, 8 July 1857Folios 749-752 (including title page for index item No. 10): ‘Request for restoration of certain baggage animals captured in the action at Borazjoon.’ Correspondence between Jones, Jacob and Mihr Ali Khan, Shooja ool Moolk, 5-9 July 1857Folios 753-755 (including title page for index item No. 11): ‘Regarding the escape of certain persons who attempted to murder a woman on purpose to rob her.’ Letter from Jones to Meerza Mohammed Khan, Sirkisheekchee Bashee, with his reply, 10 and 17 July 1857(Folios 756-774 do not appear to be covered by the index)Folios 756-774: Correspondence and papers relating to general matters in Bushire. Documents dated 23 June-22 August 1857, including intelligence from Mahomed Hassan Khan, Shiraz Agent, his letters to Jones, August 1857, and notice of termination of his employment and the temporary appointment of Hajee Mahomed Khuleel [Ḥāji Muḥammad Khalīl]; correspondence of Jones and Jacob with Mihr Ali Khan, Shooja ool Moolk; Meerza Mahomed Alee Khan [Mirza Muhammed Ali Khan], Nawabi Hindee [Hindi]; and Sheikh Noshin Khan, Sirhauz of the First Order [Shaikh Nushin Khan, Sarbaz (soldier) of the First Order], Persian Force, notably regarding garrisoning of Bushire by different Persian regiment and permission for conclusion of commercial transactions with the locals by soldiers of previous Persian regiment. Persian letter from Alee Khan to Jacob (folio 766)Folios 775-814 (including title page for index item No. 7): ‘Regarding the deputation of Haji Sheikh Noshin Khan, Sirhauz of the First Order, from Persian Camp and of Brigadier Trevelyan, Commandant of the Artillery, from British Camp, and other proceedings touching the mission to the Persian Camp’, to re-establish friendly relations following the transfer of supreme power at Bushire from Outram to Jacob. Correspondence, dated 15 June-10 July 1857, chiefly between Jacob, Jones and Meerza Mahomed Khan, including Persian letters (folios 777-779, 793, 805-806 and 810) and translationsFolio 815: ‘Index’ comprising a list of items numbered 1-3. No. 2 and 3 are filed before No. 1. They are all preceded by the correspondence on folios 816-832Folios 816-832: Mainly formal correspondence, dated 20 July-28 August 1857, regarding dispersal of treasury no longer needed at Bushire, including shipment of ten lacs of rupees on the steamer Chusanfrom Bushire to Kurachee (for Bombay), a portion to Sinde [Sindh] and one lac to the Baghdad treasury. Correspondence is between Jacob; H L Anderson, Secretary to the Government, Bombay; E E Elliot, Accountant General; B E Frere, Commissioner in Scinde [Sindh]; Captain Annesley, Paymaster, Persian Field Force, Bushire; Jones; and PellyFolios 833-841 (including title page for index item No. 2): ‘Miscellaneous demi official correspondence’. Letters from Jones to Jacob on various matters in Bushire, including ill-treatment of animals that went to the Persia Camp and attempted robbery of a “Bagdad lady of easy virtue”, 9-13 July 1857Folios 842-849 (including title page for index item No. 3): ‘Miscellaneous correspondence regarding the Pioneerand Feroze.’ Concerning delay in delivery of Kurachee mails on the Pioneerand allocation of Ferozeto go to Bombay, 11 July-2 AugustFolios 850-886 (including title page for index item No. 1): ‘Audits on abstracts by the Paymaster Persian Field Force.’ Correspondence relating to recouping salary allowances erroneously paid to Jacob during the Persian Campaign, chiefly correspondence between Jacob; Annesley; Major H J Barr, late Field Paymaster, Persian Expeditionary Force; the Military Department in Bombay; and Colonel Melvill, Secretary to the Government, c June 1857-April 1858Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 889; 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 original pagination sequence dating from the 1920s is also present in parallel; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. This sequence correlates to the description found in Samuel Charles Hill's Catalogue of the Home Miscellaneous Series of the India Office Records(London: HMSO, for the India Office, 1927).
39. Papers of Brigadier-General John Jacob (East India Company) Mainly Relating to the Anglo-Persian War (1856-1857), and the Aftermath
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume comprises correspondence, reports, memoranda, petitions, registers and other papers relating chiefly to events following the Anglo-Persian War (1856-1857) Armistice, signed in Paris 4 March 1857, notably the military withdrawal, diplomatic, political, logistical and security-related matters. A large proportion of the letters are originals, but the volume also includes copy letters and copy Persian letters.There is no overall index, however the content of the volume is partially covered by four internal ‘indexes’, or contents lists. Where covered by an index, the titles of groups of papers are transcribed directly from the index, in single inverted commas.Note: there is a certain amount of internal duplication of subject and copy documents, and between this volume and IOR/H/549.The papers are bound as follows:Folio 9: list of commended ship officers, including name of ship, surname of individual and remarksFolios 1-110: Correspondence and papers principally relating to: fulfilling the peace treaty terms with regard to withdrawal of Persians from Herat and Afghanistan and British from Mohammerah [now Khorramshahr, variously spelt in this volume Mohammera, Mohamera, Mohamra and Mohamrah] and Bushire; British relations with the Persian authorities; Turkish claims on Mohammerah vis-a-vis the latter sending a vessel of war to the port prior to British withdrawal. Also covered are arrangements for packet (mail) couriers; strained relations between Brigadier-General John Jacob, Commanding the Persian Field Force, Bushire, and Charles A Murray, British Envoy to the Court of the Shah of Persia (near) Tehran, over timing and manner of British withdrawal, notably Jacob’s scathing doubt of Murray’s warning of a Persian plot to attack embarking British troops (folios 63-64); arrangements for Persian prisoners of war; intelligence, via Bombay, relating to uprisings against the British in India and their suppression; and use of remount agents for purchase of horses for the cavalry and artillery. The principal correspondents are Murray, Jacob, Captain Arnold Burrowes Kemball, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia (Baghdad), and Commander James Rennie, Senior Naval Officer, Commanding Persian Gulf Squadron. Additional correspondents are Captain Felix Jones, Political Agent with the Persian Field Force and Resident in the Persian Gulf; J G Taylor, Agent in Bassorah [Basra]; Malcolm Green, Military Secretary (then in Baghdad); and Sir Henry Rawlinson (then a crown director of the East India Company). Also included are translated extracts from the Tehran Gazetteand a letter from the 'Sudr Azim' [ṣadr-e aʿẓam, head of the Persian Government], to Murray, 1 August 1857, regarding precise fulfilment of the treaty termsFolio 111: ‘Victoria Cross Index’ comprising list of items numbered 1-2Folios 112-167 (including title page for index item No. 1 and No. 2): ‘Miscellaneous correspondence regarding the valor of individuals at different actions in Persia [Iran] and having therefore recommended for the “Victoria Cross” decoration’ and ‘Reports on the merits of officers and men of the Field Force at Bushire 14 June 1857’. Chiefly original correspondence and printed official extracts of letters, reports and commendation lists, dated May-June 1857, by Lieutenant-General Sir James Outram, late Commander Persian Expeditionary Force; Viscount Canning, Governor-General of India; Earl of Clarendon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs; Robert Vernon Smith, MP, President of the Board of Control; Ross Donelly Mangles, Chairman of the Court of Directors, East India Company; Edward Lugard, Chief of the Staff, Persian Expeditionary Force; and Jacob. Includes report on Poona Irregular Horse in the action at Kooshab [Battle of Khushab, February 1857], by Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Tapp, Commanding Poona Irregular Horse and 1st Cavalry Brigade at Kooshab, with names of those commended and reason; list of those recommended for the Victoria Cross for conduct at Kooshab under command of Outram, with names and detailed accounts of actions; further recommendations by Lieutenant-Colonel H W Trevelyan, Commanding Artillery Brigade, Persian Field Force; list of officers of meritorious conduct whilst under the command of Jacob in Bushire, post-conflict (for Jacob’s original handwritten recommendations see folios 150-163); notice of official thanks by George Frederick Edmonstone, Secretary to the Government of India, to officers presiding over the Bushire evacuation; printed specification of the award of the Victoria Cross issued 29 January 1856 (folios 130-131). There is some duplication of documents in this group of papers. (See also IOR/H/552, folios 148-156)Folios 168-169: ‘Secretary to Government Index’ comprising list of items numbered 1-7 (before the first item is a page entitled ‘Secret Department’)Folios 170-179 (including title page for index item No. 1): ‘Correspondence regarding Steamers and Tonnage, etc.’ Letters, dated 17 May-17 Jun 1857, by Jacob, H L Anderson, Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Captain H R James, Officiating Secretary to the Chief Commissioner, Punjab, and Rennie, on the expediency of moving as many vessels as possible to the Indus (river) for “the more pressing requirements of the Indian Empire” (folio 172)Folios 180-187 (including title page for index item No. 2): ‘Regarding the Turkish question in respect of Mahomera and the state in general of Persia’. Letters covering the neutrality of Turkey during the conflict and its claims on the port, February-April 1857, including a memorandum by Murray (at Basra), for the Earl of ClarendonFolios 188-206 (including title page for index item No. 3): ‘Relating to the views of the Russian cabinet in respect of the ratification of the Treaty. Release of Persian prisoners on the ratification of the Treaty. Russian troops on frontiers of Persia’. Chiefly copies of letters forwarded by Anderson to Outram. Also includes a report for the Earl of Clarendon, written by John Wodehouse, 1st Earl of Kimberley, British Envoy-Extraordinary to Russia in St Petersburg, concerning his dealings with Prince Gortchakoff [Prince Alexander Gorchakov], Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire, 3 April 1857; and intelligence supplied by Colonel Materazza in Tabreez [Tabriz], on the Persian army, politicians and finances, 13 February 1857 (see also IOR/H/552 folios 112-115)Folios 207-210 (including title page for index item No. 4): ‘Appointment of General Katenine as Governor of Orenburg’, following the resignation of General Peroffsky [Vasily Perovsky] on account of his health, April 1857 (copy letters)Folios 211-216 (including title page for index item No. 5): ‘Grant of extra allowances to certain individuals’. Notices forwarded by Anderson to Outram of special allowances granted to Mahomed Beshir, Native Zabit of Kharrack [Kharg Island], Assistant Surgeon James MacAlister, and Captain C P Rigby (when Civil Assistant Commissioner in Bushire), June-July 1857Folios 217-218 (including title page for index item No. 6): ‘Instructions for the evacuation of Bushire and further correspondence connected therewith. Arrangements etc. proposed thereafter’. (There is a note that this has been ‘transferred to separate file’). One copy letter from Anderson to Jacob notifying him that the Governor in Bombay intends to appoint him to the Command of a movable Column for active service in the Deccan (India), 23 July 1857Folios 219-223 (including title page for index item No. 7): ‘Correspondence regarding the embarkation of captured [Persian] cannon for India’. Includes letters from Jacob, July-August 1857Folios 224-286 (including title for index item No. 8 ‒ not included in the preceding index): ‘Miscellaneous letters transmitting correspondence to Secretary to Governors of Bombay and India’. Chiefly correspondence, dated July-October 1857, between Anderson, Jacob and Jones, relating to arrangements for the evacuation of British troops from Bushire, disposal of captured enemy cannon, use of remount agencies for purchase of horses in Persia and Arabia, matter of Persian officer who allegedly attempted to open secret communications with Hajee Ahmed (see folios 287-346), stationery allowances for officers, arrival of steamer Chusanat Kurrachee [Karachi] without the mails, and other minor matters. Includes copy of instruction to Jacob, 10 October 1857, to resume his command of troops and political duties on the frontier of Sind [Sindh] on return to IndiaFolios 287-346 (including title page for an index item No. 3 – displaced from volume IOR/H/549): ‘Regarding Meerza Mahomed Ali, an Engineer Officer of the Persian camp deputed with a letter to Hajee Ahmed, Arabic Secretary to the Resident in the Persian Gulf’. Concerns Jacob’s decision to arrest and imprison Meerza Mahomed Ali Meerza Mahomed Ali [Mirza Mahomed Ali Khan] and Tachee Ghuloon Hoossein [Haji Ghulam Husayn], a representative of Tungistoon [Tangestan] Chief Bawkir Khan, who were deputed by Meerza Mahomed Khan, Sirkischikchi [Sarkischeekchee] Bashee (Persian Commander in Chief), to deliver letters to Hajee Ahmed, a Secretary to the Resident in the Persian Gulf (Captain Felix Jones), which instructed Hajee Ahmed to undertake a survey of Bushire, the vicinity, and (Jacob thinks) the British camp. The two messengers are intercepted and Jacob accuses the Persian Commander-in-Chief of underhand tactics for not sending the messengers directly to him. The Persian Commander-in-Chief denies any duplicity and Envoy Murray insists it was merely an infraction of the rules of etiquette and appeals to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Clarendon), pressing the case for the prisoners’ release. Correspondence, dated May to July 1857, is chiefly between Jones, Jacob and Meerza Mahomed Khan, with additional letters from Jacob to Lugard; translated transcripts of the original intercepted letters for Hajee Ahmed written early in May; copy of Murray’s letter to Outram declaring Jacob’s actions to be inflammatory and an 'entire misconception of the intentions' of the Commander-in-Chief (folio 340); copy of Clarendon’s letter to Outram, 11 July 1857, approving Jacob’s course of action (folio 343)Folios 347-397 (not covered by any index): Correspondence, dated July-December 1857, relating to evacuation of occupying British forces from Bushire and Mohammerah, and arrangements for long-term garrisoning of Karrack [Kharg] Island. Chiefly Jacob’s progress and situation reports, July-October 1857, to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. (Jacob reports that the last portion of the Persian Expeditionary Force under his command embarked for Bombay on 2 October). Also includes Jacob’s detailed advice to Clarendon on how the British army can purchase horses in Persia at non-inflated prices; report by Jones to Jacob on the cholera outbreak at Kazeroon [Kazerun] and Murray’s activities; Jacob’s departing instructions to the Persian Commander in Chief; Clarendon’s mediatory letter to Jacob, 9 Dec 1857, regarding the strained relations between the latter and Murray during the recent operationsFolios 398-453: ‘Index’ comprising list of items numbered 1-5 (the contents of item No. 4 are different to those described in the index, and there are no papers for item No. 5)Folios 398-414 (including title page for index item No. 1): ‘Correspondence (relative to the withdrawal of the British troops) with the Governments of India and Bombay’. Copy of withdrawal instructions from Anderson to Jacob, dated 23 July, with Jacob’s reply on logistics; copies of Field Force Orders issued by Jacob for garrisoning of Karrack and withdrawal from Bushire; memoranda between various artillery and naval commanders including Lieutenant-Colonel Trevelyan, Rennie; and ‘List of vessels in the Bushire Roads 4 August 1857’ (folios 413-414)Folios 415-425 (including title page for index item No. 2): ‘Correspondence (relative to the withdrawal of the British troops from Mohammera and Bushire) with the Persian Commander in Chief’. Includes formal letters, dated 2-8 August 1857, between Jacob and Persian Commander in Chief and copy transcripts and translations of Persian letters (folios 422 and 426)Folios 426-445 (including title page for index item No. 3): ‘Correspondence with naval authorities, etc., touching the withdrawal of the War steamer from Mohammera’. Letters, dated August-September 1857, between Rennie, Jacob, Kemball, Jones, Lieutenant James Tronson, commanding Falkland, and Khandur Khan, Sirhang [senior military officer] at Boorazjoon [Borazjan], concerning departure of the Turkish war vessel from Mohammera to Shat ool Arab [Shatt al-Arab] on 20 August, subsequent British departure from the port, and delays in arrival of Persian force taking over in BushireFolios 446-452 (including title page for index item No. 4): ‘Weekly jail and police reports from the Superintendent of Bazars, town of Bushire’, July-August 1857, forwarded by the Superintendent of Camp Police and Bazaars (Captain C P Rigby, later Captain J B Dunsterville). Prisoner reports include name, nationality, crime and sentenceFolios 453-473: ‘Register of Inward letters’, 11 May-30 September 1857 and ‘Register of Outward letters’, 18 June- 24 September 1857Folios 474-491: ‘Index. Petitions. From various individuals in the camp and town of Bushire correspondence touching prisoners’. Documents dated June-August 1857, concerning cases of Jemsheed bin Ardashar, Eduljee Jumsedjee and other Parsi Merchants, and Ali bin Ismail. Also, notification to Jacob that Moonshi (secretary) Ali Akbar is being sent by Outram to assist himFolios 562-727: (Not covered by any index). Mainly original letters, April-September 1857, a portion of which relate to the preceding contents of this volume and to IOR/H/549, including a number of duplicate copy letters. Many of the letters are annotated in pencil with a number which probably refers to an index (in this or other unidentified volumes). The papers cover various matters connected to the British occupation and withdrawal from Persia after cessation of hostilities, notably administration; intelligence; condition and availability of steam transport ships; logistics of troop shipments out of Bushire; mail communications; new police establishment at Karrack under Captain Rigby; military commendations and testimonials relative to the campaign; arrangements of land transports of the armed forces (including assistance of wealthy merchant Hajee Yusuf bin Bedr of Kuwait [also spelt Yoosoof bin Budr of Koweit]); local trade and commerce in Bushire; matters relating to individual officers; activities of Murray at Tehran; salvage of wrecked ship Futteh Moobarek; apprehension of two locals who attempt to open General Foster Stalker’s grave, September 1857; and dismissal of Bushire signaller for neglect of duties. Correspondents include Jacob, Jones, Rennie, Captain Lewis Pelly (Aides-de-camp to Outram), Lugard, Anderson, Colonel P M Melvill, Secretary to the Government, Commander G G Wellesley, Tronson, Trevelyan, Lieutenant-Colonel R R Younghusband, Deputy Adjutant General, Major John Hill, Commanding Engineer, J A Ballard, Intelligence Department, Dunsterville, Commander Miller B Worsley, Major Henry Green, Assistant Adjutant General, R W Swinton, Superintendent of the Electric Telegraph, C Constable, Captain J Forbes, and Captain J C Graves, Commanding 3rd Regiment Bombay Light Cavalry.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 730; 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 original pagination sequence dating from the 1920s is also present in parallel; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. This sequence correlates to the description found in Samuel Charles Hill's Catalogue of the Home Miscellaneous Series of the India Office Records(London: HMSO, for the India Office, 1927).
40. Papers of the Mesopotamian Administration (later Middle East) Committee
- Description:
- Abstract: This file mostly consists of minutes of meetings of the War Cabinet's Mesopotamian Administration Committee (later renamed the Middle East Committee), chaired by George Curzon.The papers are chiefly concerned with current and future British policy in Mesopotamia, which during the period covered was under British military occupation. However, the minutes also discuss matters relating to the wider Middle Eastern region, as reflected in the change of name to Middle East Committee in August 1917.In addition to minutes, the file includes the following: a draft report by the committee, dated March 1917, containing recommendations regarding future British policy in Mesopotamia and the wider region (ff 1-2); a letter to George Curzon from Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Sykes, dated 2 July 1917, recommending that the committee be renamed, in order to define its scope and work (ff 24-25).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 39; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
41. The Anglo-Persian War
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 13 dated 16 January 1857. The enclosures are dated 23 December 1856-14 January 1857.The enclosures primarily are, or convey, the despatches of Major-General Foster Stalker, Commanding the Persian Expeditionary Force (with their relevant enclosures), to the Secretary to the Government, Bombay, relating to the movements of the Persian Expeditionary Force since the commencement of operations up to the British capture and occupation of Bushire [Bushehr]. They are supplemented by copies of the political diary of Commander James Felix Jones, Indian Navy, Political Agent with the Forces and Resident in the Persian Gulf (also later Civil Commissioner in Bushire), from 29 November to 22 December inclusive.The papers notably cover and include:Details of the British: capture of Karrack [Kharg Island, also known as Khark]; landing at Halileh Bay [also spelled Hallila in this item]; defeat of the forces of Baukir Khan, Chief of the Tangistoon tribe [Bāqir Khān (Tangistānī), Governor of Tangistān, also spelled Tungistoon and Tungestoon in this item]; advance on the town of Bushire [Bushehr]; and receipt of the surrender of the Governor of Bushire and the remaining Persian [Iranian] garrison. Also included are two sketches depicting the attack on Rushire (Reishahr, five miles from Bushire) and the advance on Bushire (IOR/L/PS/5/490, f 170 and f 171)The stationing of a permanent British camp outside the walls of Bushire, including details of the health and condition of the troops, the construction of camp defences, and Stalker’s request for a small reinforcement of his troops as soon as possible in case of a dramatic change of weather or large scale illnessReconnaissance organised from Bushire, notably along the road to Feroozabad [Firuzabad], and to investigate the surrounding terrain and assess the attitude of local villagers towards the BritishStalker’s assessment of possible future military movements and the need for major reinforcements in order to effect a significant advance either to Mohumra [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammerah], up the Karoon [Karun] River to Shooster [Shushtar], or to Shiraz [also spelled Sheeraz in this item]Measures undertaken to deal with the shortage of forage (grass and hay) for the cavalry and artillery horses at Bushire and the expected reinforcements from BombayIntelligence regarding Persian military manoeuvres in the interior of Persia [Iran], including reports of troops amassing at Feroozabad and Shiraz and rumours of their movements towards BushireCommunications between Felix Jones and Baukir Khan, Chief of Tungistoon, (subsequent to the recent defeat of his tribe, the deaths of immediate family members and loss of his property), relating to arrangements for his future secret co-operation with the British and the provision of intelligence of Persian military plans and operations, particularly regarding Shiraz and Borazjoon [Borazjan]Intelligence received by the British Agent at Shiraz, now at Bushire, regarding Persian troop movements from Tehran and Shiraz especially since the British capture of BushireThe despatch of a small naval force under Commodore Richard Ethersey, Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf, conveying Lieutenant Herbert Disbrowe, Assistant Resident, Persian Gulf, to the coastal villages north of Bushire up to Bunder Deylum [Bandar Deylam], in order to communicate and come to an ‘understanding’ with the ‘chiefs of the Persian ports’ that would secure supply lines, open their ports for free trade and expedite procurement of forage for the army (horses and cattle) at Bushire. Includes a translation of Felix Jones’s template letter of acceptance of terms to be signed by each ‘chief’ (ff 211-213).Physical description: 1 item (58 folios)
42. The Anglo-Persian War: Anglo-Persian Relations
- Description:
- Abstract: This item comprises one enclosure to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 15 dated 27 January 1857. The enclosure is dated 27 January 1857.The enclosure comprises despatches, dated 9-23 December 1856, of Charles A Murray, HM Envoy in Persia [Iran] (located in Baghdad at this time), for the attention of the Earl of Clarendon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. A number of Murray’s despatches enclose translated extracts of the Tehran Gazette, 6 and 27 November, which Murray summarizes and provides his opinion on in his covering letters to Clarendon.The papers notably cover the following matters:The capture and occupation of Herat by Persian forces, including the Persian Government’s claims to have been preventing Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzay] from taking the city in collusion with Colonel Esau Khan [Colonel ‘Īsá Khān, an Alakuzā'ī chief of Herat and nephew of Dost Mahomed], and proposing to give up Herat on condition that the three principalities – Candahar [Kandahar], Afghanistan and Herat - remain independent of each other and subservient to PersiaThe extensive power and ‘nepotism’ of the Persian Sedr Azim [Mīrzā Āqā Khān Nūrī, Ṣadr-i Aʿẓam, Eʿtemād al-Dawlah], including the appointment of his ‘21 or 22 years of age’ son as Persian Minister at War (ff 245-246)The lavish welcome receptions granted to the French minister Prosper Bourée at Tabreez [Tabriz], and to Count Arthur de Gobineau, French Chargé d’Affaires at TehranThe withdrawal from Persia of the British Consul in Tehran, Richard White Stevens, and Persian allegations of Stevens’s ‘duplicitous’ departure and the debts owed to Persian citizens by his brotherIntelligence forwarded by Murray from reports of unverified conversations of the Persian Consul in Baghdad, including claims that the Persian Government is sending large reinforcements to Mohamrah [Khorramshahr, formerly Mohammerah] and to Herat (to facilitate a march on Candahar), and claims that an agent of Russia is being sent to HeratA pro-Persian story published in a Belgian newspaper alleging that the Persian Government desires friendship with the British Government, and blaming the deterioration of relations between the two governments on the actions of British representatives in the region.Physical description: 1 item (26 folios)
43. File 1913/1920 'Mesopotamia and Palestine: rent of billets in occupation of military; liability of Mesopotamian state for cost of military forces'
- Description:
- Abstract: The item contains correspondence regarding the use of billets by British military forces and civil officials in Mesopotamia [Iraq] in the years following the end of the First World War. Topics discussed include:Efforts to vacate and release as many billets as possible as a way to appease anti-British feelings in MesopotamiaCriticism of the perceived inappropriate use of some billets, including those used as a bar, a cinema, a cooking school, and to house a visiting theatre companyConsideration of the methods used to determine the rent payable for property being used as billetsConsideration of the legal standing of billets, particularly after ratification of the peace treaty between the Ottoman Empire and the Allies [Treaty of Sèvres]Disagreements over whether the cost of billets in Mesopotamia should ultimately be covered by the India Office or the War Office.The primary correspondents are: the Civil Commissioner, Mesopotamia; General Headquarters, Mesopotamia; the Military Governor and Political Officer, Basrah [Basra]; the Judicial Secretary, Baghdad; the Foreign Office; the India Office; the War Office; and the High Commissioner, Palestine.The volume includes a divider which gives the subject number, the year the subject file was opened, the subject heading, and a list of correspondence references by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 126; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.
44. File 3467/1919 'MESOPOTAMIA POLICE REPORTS'
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains weekly police reports from the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Baghdad, covering events in Iraq [sometimes referred to in the volume as Mesopotamia] under British occupation in 1919-20, including during the Iraqi Revolt. The reports contain intelligence about the movements and activities of various individuals and groups known or believed to be opposed to the British occupation, and about opinions, rumours and activities among the general populace. They also contain copies of newspaper reports, pamphlets and posters covering the occupation, the Revolt and Iraqi independence.The reports are primarily focused on supporters of Iraqi independence and general anti-British feeling and activities. They also cover:Support for a united Arab state including Iraq, Syria, Palestine and Lebanon, and support for the same also including the Hejaz and YemenSupport for Iraq to return to Ottoman ruleActivities of Bolsheviks [Communists, also referred to as Bolshevists in the volume] in IraqAnti-British and pro-independence alliances between Shia and Sunni Muslims, and between Muslims, Christians and JewsReactions to the San Remo Conference, 19-26 April 1920, which determined League of Nations mandates over Iraq, Palestine and Syria.Much of the intelligence within the reports is unsubstantiated or based on rumour, and the volume also contains correspondence concerning the potential usefulness of the reports.As well as the Assistant Commissioner, the primary correspondents are: the Civil Commissioner, Mesopotamia; the Military Governor of Baghdad; the Foreign Office; and the India Office.The volume contains a single folio in Arabic, a poem by Ma’ruf al Risari [Maruf al Rusafi] (f 175).The volume includes a divider which gives the subject number, the year the subject file was opened, the subject heading, and a list of correspondence references by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 637; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Multiple intermittent additional mixed foliation/pagination sequences are also present. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.
45. File 3540/1916 'MESOPOTAMIA 1919 PORTION (1)'
- Description:
- Abstract: This volume consists of printed reports, typed letters and other miscellaneous correspondence by British officials relating to the British occupation of Mesopotamia [Iraq] in the period February 1916 to August 1919 covering topics such as criminal procedure regulations, proclamations and notices, and financial department circulars. The papers notably cover and include the following:Agricultural developmentReports of political officersReports on some of the tribes in Arab and Kurdish areas of Mesopotamia.Notable items include the following:‘Baghdad Criminal Procedure Regulations’, a law promulgated by William Rayne Marshall, Commanding-in-Chief, Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force (ff 692-722)‘NOTE ON LAND LAW’ by H F Forbes, President, Baghdad Civil Court, (ff 689-690)‘Civil Department Orders’ issued by the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force (ff 487-501)Guidance on the transliteration of Arabic into English (ff 475-477)Notes on kelek, a form of river transport (ff 469-474)Report on an expedition from Hamadan to Kavind [Qazvin] via Sennah [Sanandaj] by Gertrude Margaret Lowthian Bell‘Notification on the taking and reproduction of photographs, 1917-1918’, comprising rules on the restrictions relating to the taking and reproducing of photographs. Issued by Arnold Talbot Wilson, Officiating Civil Commissioner (ff 452-453)‘NOTE ON WHEAT EXPERIMENTS, MESOPOTAMIA, 1917-1918’ by Colin Campbell Garbett. Printed report on wheat experiments conducted in Mesopotamia with foreword by G Evans, Director of Agriculture, Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force (ff 419-429)A letter from the Director of the Arab Bureau, Cairo, forwarding three copies of Southern Nejd: journey to Kharj, Aflaj, Sulaiyyil, and Wadi Dawasir in 1918by Harry St John Bridger Philby (copies not included in volume) (f 328)Monthly reports of Political Officers, Baghdad Vilayet, November 1918 (ff 251-297)‘Proclamations and notices relating to the civil administration and inhabitants of the Baghdad Vilayet, 22 December 1916 to 1 July 1918’, compiled by the Office of the Civil CommissionerPolitical Office Diaries, July-August 1918 covering Badra [Badra], Hai [Al Hay], Kut [Al-Kut], Zobair [Az Zubayr], Suq esh-Sheyukh [Suq Al-Shuyukh], Nasiriyeh [Nasiriya], Shattra [Al-Shatra], Qilat Sikar [Qalat Sukkar] (ff 92-297)‘Administration Report on the Muntafik [Muntafiq] Division for 1918’ by Major Harold Richard Patrick Dickson (ff 93-244).Correspondents include: Chief of the General Staff, Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force; Office of the Civil Commissioner, Baghdad; Officiating Civil Commissioner (Arnold Talbot Wilson); Officer In Charge, Iraq Section, Arab Bureau (Gertrude Margaret Lowthian Bell); Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, London; Foreign Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Department, Delhi; Political Secretary, India Office, London.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 741; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
46. File 3540/1916 'MESOPOTAMIA 1919 PORTION (2)'
- Description:
- Abstract: This volume consists of printed reports, typed letters and other miscellaneous correspondence by British officials relating to the British occupation of Mesopotamia [Iraq, also used in this file] in the period from November 1918 to January 1920. It covers such topics as proclamations and notifications from the British occupation forces, descriptions of rivers, agriculture and land revenue, and tribes.The papers notably include the following:Monthly reports of political officers in IraqBritish occupation forces proclamations and notifications on a wide range of topicsGeneral circulars of the British occupation forces.Notable items include the following:Extracts from the German Official Handbookon Mesopotamia published in Berlin, October 1917 (ff 650-660)English translations of Turkish [Ottoman] laws (ff 594-602)Notification (in English and Arabic) of the 1919 Baghdad Penal CodeMonthly reports of political officers of the Occupied Territories, January 1919Statements in Arabic from various communities containing their views on self-determination (ff 462-485)A compilation of proclamations and notices relating to civil administration and the inhabitants of the Baghdad Wilayet [Vilayet], 22 December 1916-31 December 1918, Office of the Civil Commissioner, Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force (ff 410-460)Notes on the characters of tribes (and their shaikhs) of the Qalat Sikar [ Qalʻat Sukkar] District, 1919 (ff 388-391)Notes on Kurdish tribes (located on and beyond the borders of the Mosul Vilayet and westwards to the Euphrates) compiled in the Office of the Civil Commissioner, Baghdad, July 1919 (ff 195-228)Handbook entitled Tapu (Turkish ‘title deed’ or ‘proof of ownership’ certificate) Office Procedure in dealing with mülk (a form of Ottoman land tenure similar to freehold or private land)Western affluents of the Euphrates River and Wadi Hauran (ff 77-88).Correspondents include: Civil Commissioner, Baghdad (Captain Arnold Talbot Wilson); Under-Secretary for State for India; Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Department; General Headquarters, Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force, Baghdad; High Commissioner, Cairo; HM Minister, Tehran; Controller of War Accounts, Simla; Embarkation Commandant, Civil Administration, Mesopotamia Branch, Karachi; Embarkation Commandant, Civil Administration, Mesopotamia Branch, Bombay [Mumbai].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 663; 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, intermittent foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 3-660; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
47. File 3540/1916 'MESOPOTAMIA 1920 PORTION (2)'
- Description:
- Abstract: This volume consists of printed reports, typed letters and other miscellaneous correspondence by British officials relating to the British occupation of Mesopotamia [Iraq, also used in this volume] in the period of June-August 1920. Topics covered include political developments in specific regions and the leading figures and family relationships in tribes. The papers notably include the following:An index to the diaries of Political Officers of the Occupied TerritoriesMonthly reports of political officers in Mesopotamia. The monthly reports cover such topics as meteorological conditions, irrigation, revenue, tribes, frontier questions, law and order and municipal worksBritish occupation forces’ proclamations, notifications (some in Arabic) and administration reports on a wide range of topics including motor vehicle registration and statistics on birth and death ratesGeneral circulars issued by the Civil Administration of Mesopotamia, June-August 1920.Notable items include the following:Report of the Rowanduz [Rawandiz] District for the year 1919 (ff 5-12). This report includes a map on folio 12Index to monthly reports of Political Officers for April and June 1920 (ff 14-15)Birth and death rate statistics, June 1920 (ff 27-37)Progress report of the Political Officer, Diyalah [Diyala] division, June 1920‘The Police Proclamation, 1920’ issued by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Mesopotamia (ff 448-483)‘The Motor-Vehicle Vehicle Registration Proclamation, 1919’ by the Officiating General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Mesopotamia (ff 463-467).Correspondents include: Civil Commissioner, Baghdad (Captain Arnold Talbot Wilson); Under-Secretary for State for India; Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Department; General Headquarters, Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force, Baghdad.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 874; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Two additional foliation sequences are also present in parallel between ff 4-871 and ff 112-140; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
48. Ext 5000/41(13) 'Persian Situation: Miscellaneous Reports'
- Description:
- Abstract: This file consists of miscellaneous reports regarding internal affairs in Persia [Iran] during the occupation of the country by British and Soviet troops. Most of the correspondence is between His Majesty's Ambassador in Tehran (Sir Reader William Bullard) and officials of the Foreign Office. Other prominent correspondents include the following: His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires in Tehran (Herbert Reginald Dauphin Gybbon-Monypenny; Harold Lister Farquhar), His Majesty's Ambassador in Washington (Edward Frederick Lindley Wood, referred to in the correspondence as Earl of Halifax), His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow (Archibald Clark Kerr), and His Majesty's Ambassador in Baghdad (Hugh Stonehewer Bird).The correspondence includes discussion of the following:The reported suppression by the Persian Government of the newspapers of certain political parties and unions.Reports that the Soviet military authorities are providing assistance to the political movement for autonomy in the north Persian region of Azerbaijan.The policies of several Persian political parties, most notably the Tudeh Party and the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan (i.e. the north-west region of Persia – much of the correspondence concerns the latter party's control of Tabriz from late 1945).The formation of a Kurdish republic at Mahabad.Reports of labour unrest in Persia, including strikes by employees of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company.Political affairs in Persia, including appointments, resignations, Cabinet reshuffles and the Persian Government's postponement of parliamentary elections until the withdrawal of Allied troops.Anglo-Soviet disagreement regarding the withdrawal of their respective forces from Persia.Russo-Persian relations and the Persian Prime Minister's [Ahmad Qavām] visit to Moscow in February 1946.The file includes two dividers which give a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. These are placed at the back of the correspondence (folios 2-3).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 353; these numbers are written in pencil and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.