Abstract: Printed Confidential memorandum, headed 'Printed for the use of the Foreign Office', and signed by Alfred S Green, Foreign Office.The memorandum charts the history of the issue of the appointment of British officers to organise the Persian Army from the Treaty of Tilsit in 1807 to the year 1870, and cites relevant Foreign Office and India Office correspondence (with references recorded as marginal notes). The memorandum states that there had been no correspondence between the two departments since 1870. It concludes by stating that the British Government had recognised the expediency of granting the Shah of Persia's request (for the appointment of officers); that a difficulty arose from the question of whether the cost of paying the officers should be borne by the India Office, the Foreign Office, or the Shah's own Government; and that questions had arisen concerning the effect of such a measure on the political relations between Persia and Russia.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation for this description commences at f 118 and terminates at f 123, 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 between ff 5-137; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.
Abstract: The file consists of a printed précis of correspondence taken from India Office records, issued by the India Office. The précis relates to the following two subjects:question of employing British officers in drilling, etc. the Shah's Army in Persia, consisting of extracts from printed works and other sources dated 1832-63, and extracts of correspondence with the Foreign Office, dated 1863-72 (folios 104-110);proposal to supply the Shah with ships to be commanded by British officers, largely consisting of extracts from correspondence with the Foreign Office, dated 1868-70 (folios 111-113).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation for this description commences at f 103 and terminates at f 117, 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 between ff 5-137; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 16 and 30 November 1916. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: letters, telegrams, notes, reports, tables, and memoranda.A summary of the contents of this volume can be found at the start of IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3264. The volume concerns:Appreciations [reports] and intelligence summaries from the Directorate of Military OperationsInformation on Turkish [Ottoman] artilleryMovements and provision of river craftReinforcements and new labour requirementsTreatment of prisoners of war held by TurkeyThe arrival of a Chinese Theatre companyMovements of the Turkish armyTransport arrangementsRecommendations for grass farmsThe health of Force DThe protection of oil fieldsThe state of railway construction and provision of railway personnelRecruitment and training processes of the Turkish armyFood suppliesA plan to intercept a caravan on its way to supply MedinaThe appointment of Colonel Younghusband to command the Karun frontReported attempts to set up communication between Baghdad and East Africa.The following tables appear:Distribution of Turkish Forces on folios 12-14, 49-50, 101-102The ration strength of Force D on folios 16-18Distribution of Medical Units on 29 October 1916 on folios 37-39The state of supplies on 18 November 1916 on folios 51-52; and on 25 November 1916 on folios 88-89The sanitary organisation of Force D on folios 67-69Distribution of Force D on folios 104-106Lines of Communication on folios 107-110Composition of Force D on folios 111-118Units captured at Kut-al-Amarah [al-Kut] on folio 119List of General Officers and Brigade Commanders with Force D on folio 120.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 122; 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 3-120; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
Abstract: The papers in this volume relate to the following: the British diplomatic and military personnel serving in Persia; the East India Company scheme for reopening the Indus River to navigation; and political and military developments in the Sikh Empire of the Punjab, the Talpur Amirates of Hyderabad, Mirpur and Khairpur in Sindh, and the Barakza’i Amirate of Kabul in Afghanistan.The correspondence in this volume is primarily between the following: the British Government in India; the Governor General of India; the Political Agent in Sindh; the Political Agent in Ludhiana; the Royal Indian Navy; the Lieutenant Governor of the North-Western Provinces; and the British Envoy and Resident Minister to the Court of Persia.Physical description: The foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 209; 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. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: This file contains correspondence regarding the education of two members of the Al Khalifa ruling family of Bahrain; Shaikh Khalifa bin Mohamed bin Isa Al Khalifa [Khalīfah bin Muḥammad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah] and Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa [‘Abdullāh bin Ḥamad Āl Khalīfah].The correspondence regarding Shaikh Khalifa - which forms the majority of the file - concerns his police and military training with the Bombay Police Force and Royal Bombay Sappers and Miners respectively. It is primarily between Charles Belgrave, Adviser to the Government of Bahrain; Hugh Weightman, Political Agent in Bahrain; and officials in the Bombay Police Force. The file also contains a letter in English from Shaikh Khalifa to Hugh Weightman (ff 180-182).The correspondence regarding Shaikh Abdullah concerns him being sent to Oxford to study and live at a private institution operated there by Colonel Gordon Browne. This correspondence is between Charles Belgrave and Hugh Weightman.The file also contains more general correspondence about suitable educational destinations for young members of the Al Khalifa family, Mayo College in India and Aden are both discussed as possible destinations. The file contains an illustrated Mayo College prospectus from 1936 (ff 27-47) and a British Government report regarding the establishment of an educational college in Aden (ff 15-21).Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence 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 49-219; 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: This file relates to family members of the Sultan of Muscat and Oman [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Sa‘īd]. It contains correspondence regarding the Sultan's younger half-brothers, Saiyid Tarik bin Taimur [Tāriq bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd] and Saiyid Fahr bin Taimur [Fahr bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd]. The correspondence mainly concerns the brothers' education and their respective allowances.Related matters of discussion include the following: the payment of Tarik bin Taimur's allowance, following a change of address; requests from Tarik bin Taimur's mother, Kamile Ilgiray, for news about her son (now residing in Muscat) and for an increase in the allowance that she has been receiving from the Muscat State; the Political Agent's proposal that Tarik bin Taimur be enlisted in the Muscat Levy Corps; arrangements for Fahr bin Taimur to be admitted to Mayo College, Ajmer, on a Government of India scholarship; arrangements for Tarik bin Taimur to undergo a course of training at the Police Training School at Vellore, in Madras; plans for Tarik bin Taimur to join the Zhob militia, in Baluchistan, following the completion of his course at Vellore; the possibility of Tarik bin Taimur also undergoing training in civil administration, in preparation for the role of Minister for External Affairs.Notable correspondents include the following: the Political Agent and Consul, Muscat; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the British Embassy in Ankara, Turkey; the Sultan of Muscat and Oman; the Minister for External Affairs, Muscat; the Government of Muscat and Oman's Treasury Officer; the Principal and other representatives of Mayo College; the Inspector-General of Police, Madras; officials of the India Office and the Government of India.The Arabic language material consists of correspondence between the Political Agent and representatives of the Sultan (English translations are included). The Turkish material consists of a letter from Tarik bin Taimur's mother to the British Consul General in Istanbul (an English translation is included).There is no material in the file covering the period 1937-1939.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 269; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: This file relates to Saiyid Faher bin Taimur [Fahr bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd], younger half-brother of the Sultan of Muscat and Oman [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd]. The file concerns training received by Saiyid Faher with the Baluch Regiment, Pakistan, after having recently completed a course at the Pakistan Military Academy. The correspondence, which mainly discusses Saiyid Faher's pay and allowance, features the following correspondents: the Political Agent and Consul, Muscat; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Sultan of Muscat and Oman; the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion of the Baluch Regiment, Pakistan.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 11; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: This file relates to Saiyid Tariq bin Taimur [Tāriq bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd] and Saiyid Fahr bin Taimur [Fahr bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd], both younger half-brothers of the Sultan of Muscat and Oman [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd]. The correspondence covers the following: training undertaken by Saiyid Tariq bin Taimur with the Zhob militia in Baluchistan, as well as his training in administrative and revenue work in Chagai, Sibi, and Quetta; requests from Tariq bin Taimur's mother, Kamile Ilgiray, for financial assistance and a meeting with her son; discussion regarding Tariq bin Taimur's employment following his return to Muscat; arrangements for Saiyid Fahr bin Taimur to undergo military training at an Indian Military Academy after leaving Mayo College.Notable correspondents include the following: the Political Agent and Consul, Muscat; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Sultan of Muscat and Oman; officials of the Government of India's External Affairs Department and the British Embassy in Ankara, Turkey.The Arabic language material consists of correspondence received by the Political Agent from the Sultan and his representatives.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 96; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: This volume consists of papers relating to the Arab and Kurdish Levies in Mesopotamia [Iraq].The papers include correspondence from the Acting Civil Commissioner in Mesopotamia at Baghdad (also spelled Bagdad in this volume), Lieutenant-Colonel Arnold Talbot Wilson, to the India Office, mostly forwarding copies of memoranda, reports and other papers concerning the levies, for information. The papers forwarded by Wilson include: notes on the training of the Arab and Kurdish Levies and Gendarmerie; a memorandum regarding the reconstitution of the Arab Levies in the Hillah, Diwaniyah and Najaf Divisions (which includes an annexed specimen enrolment form in both English and Arabic); a copy of the Arab and Kurdish Levy and Gendarmerie Proclamation, 1920; a report on the 2nd Euphrates Levies and District Police in the Hillah, Diwaniyah, and Shamiyah Divisions by Brigadier-General Arthur Grenfell Wauchope, and a supplementary report dealing with the two squadrons at Diwaniyah.The papers also include:Copies of telegrams and draft telegrams between the India Office and Wilson, and (after 4 October 1920) between the India Office and the High Commissioner in Mesopotamia, Sir Percy Zachariah CoxIndia Office Political and Secret Department minute papers and internal notesParliamentary Notices of questions to be asked of the Secretary of State for War and the Secretary of State for India in the House of Commons, with draft replies, and extracts from
Hansardof the relevant proceedings in the House of CommonsCorrespondence between the India Office and the following two MPs in relation to questions they asked of the Secretary of State for India in the House of Commons: the Earl of Winterton, concerning reparation for the widows and dependents of members of the levies; and Colonel Charles Edward Yate regarding his question about whether efforts are being made to recruit levies from ‘the Chaldeans and Syrians’, leading to the Secretary of State for India suggesting to the High Commissioner in Mesopotamia that levies might be recruited from Assyrian refugeesCopies of telegrams between the General Officer Commanding Mesopotamia and the War OfficeDraft letters from the India Office to the War Office: forwarding a memorandum regarding the Arab and Kurdish Levies in Mesopotamia of 12 August 1919; and forwarding copies of telegrams from the High Commissioner in Mesopotamia of 1 and 5 February 1921, regarding the difficulty of obtaining suitable British Officers for the levies without the prospect of their permanent employment.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 177; 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.
Abstract: This part of the volume consists of a copy of an enclosure to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 61 of 1850, dated 2 November 1850. The enclosure is numbered 3 and is dated 14 September 1850.The papers relate to affairs in the vicinity of Persia [Iran] including:Observations by HM Minister at Tehran on the discourtesy shown by the Persian authorities in Tabreez [Tabriz ] to the Representative of the Ottoman Porte and correspondence expressing this to the Ameer-i Nizam [Amīr-i-Niẓām]The opinions of HM Minister at Tehran on the establishment of a railway line through Persia and the attendant topographical, political, military, and financial considerationsEvents and actions of Kurdish tribes in the strategy of the Pasha of Erzeroom [Pāshā of Erzurum] relating to the demarcation of the Ottoman-Persia borderAdvice to the Chief of Bahrain [Shaikh Muḥammed bin Khalīfah Āl Khalīfah] regarding how to respond to a letter from Mirza Jaffa Khan [Mīrzā Ja‘far Khān], Commissioner of Frontier Demarcation, addressing him as subject to the Government of Persia and enjoining him to meet a representative of the Shah [Shāh]The execution of the Bab [Sayyid ʿAlī Muḥammad Shirāzi] in TabreezThe possibility of training for the Persian Army officers from officers of a German state.The principal correspondents are HM Minister at Tehran and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, London.Physical description: 1 item (66 folios)
Abstract: The volume contains papers relating to the South Persia Rifles, including its organisation, costs, control, role and status.The principal correspondents are: the India Office; the Foreign Office; the Viceroy (Government of India), Foreign Department, Finance Department, and Army Department; the Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign and Political Department; Brigadier-General Sir Percy Sykes, Inspector-General (later General Officer Commanding), South Persia Rifles; Sir Charles Murray Marling, HM Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary at the Court of Persia [Iran], Tehran [also spelled Teheran in this file]; the War Office; and Treasury Chambers.The papers notably cover and include (roughly in the order they appear in the volume):The provision of barrack accommodation in Shiraz and KermanApportionment of the costs of the South Persia Rifles between the Government of India and HM (Imperial) GovernmentEstimated expenditure on the force 1916-17, 1917-18 and 1918-19The frustration of government departments in London with the high level of Sykes’s expenditure and his lack of detailed estimates (ff 336-338)Arrangements for a proposed School for Persian OfficersThe appointment of a financial adviser from the Indian Finance Department to Persia to assist Sykes (ff 330-334)Discussions regarding options for the control and supervision of the force with regard to organisation, distribution and handling, and the role of the Government of India Army Department, HM Government and HM Minister in TehranThe position and function of the Inspector-General (Sykes) regarding political matters, including Marling’s letter to Sykes, June 1917, cautioning him not to interfere in the work of HM Consul at Shiraz and ‘impressing on [Sykes] the necessity of abstaining from overtly assuming a political role’ (ff 253-256)Printed copy of Sir Percy Sykes’s provisional scheme of organisation for the South Persia Rifles, forwarded to Marling, dated 26 May 1917 (ff 234-249)The future role of the South Persia Rifles in British policy in Persia, particularly in the context of the current Persian Government and Persian public opinion in October 1917 (ff 221-222, 226-227)Printed copy of Sir Percy Sykes ‘final scheme’ of organisation for the South Persia Rifles, forwarded to Marling, dated 17 August 1917, (ff 156-204)The supply of guns and equipment for the unit and the question of the method of paymentPrinted copy of Sir Percy Sykes’s budget estimate for the South Persia Rifles for 1917-18, forwarded to the Chief of the General Staff, Delhi, dated 17 October 1917 (ff 30-99).The papers comprise a mixture of printed, typescript and manuscript documents and mostly consist of: India Office minute papers with manuscript notes; India Office draft letters and draft telegrams; India Office Secret and Political Department registry covering papers including the subject and notes by department officials; covering letters of the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the Under-Secretary of State for India, with related enclosures; and copies of letters and telegrams.At the front of the volume is a Political and Secret Department divider which gives the subject number and part number, the year the subject file was opened, the subject heading, and a list of correspondence references contained in that part by year.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 404; 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 foliation/pagination sequences are also present.
Abstract: This file contains papers relating to the presence and operations of Swedish officers for the purposes of training the Persian Gendarmerie during the First World War. The majority of the papers is comprised of correspondence between the Foreign Office in London, the Government of India, and various British authorities and military intelligence officers operating in Persia during 1914-1918.The papers specifically discuss British unease about the presence of Swedish officers and military personnel due to the possibility of them having pro-German sympathies. The British authorities' exploration of ways to eject the Swedish officers occurs in the context of Anglo-Russian occupation of Persia and diplomatic tensions surrounding their mutual interests in the country.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 224; these numbers are written in pencil, are uncircled, 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.