Abstract: This file contains detailed information regarding Bahrain's finances between 1924 and 1931.The file contains annual financial reports that include budget, revenue and expenditure details for the Government of Bahrain in this period. Education, the pearling industry and other economic issues are also discussed in the correspondence.A selection of translations of Arabic-language press articles (from 1930) related to Bahrain are contained in the file on ff. 291 - 293.The file also contains a number of photographic images:f. 195 - Image of Jaffariah School.f. 196 - Two images of Manamah-Muharrak Bridge under construction.f. 207 - Image of a new road built on the seafront in Muharrak.f. 281 - Two images of newly-built quarantine camp in Muharrak.An architectural blueprint of the quarantine camp is also included (on f.282).Physical description: Formerly a bound correspondence volume, the file's sheets have been unbound and are now loose.Foliation is circled in the top right corner of each folio. It begins on the first folio after the front cover, on number 1, and runs through to 316, ending on the inside of the back cover.Anomalies: f.1A-D; f.80A; f.96A; f.106A; f.111A; f.154A; f.251A.No ff.255-256.
Abstract: This file contains detailed correspondence regarding Bahrain's finances from 1931 and 1932 including revenue and expenditure figures. The correspondence also discusses the levy of the zakat religious tax, customs/tariff matters, budget estimates, auditing details and other financial issues.On folios 83 - 165 is an annual report (completed by Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's adviser, Charles Belgrave) for the hijri calender year 1350 (1931/2 CE). The report contains a detailed assessment of Bahrain's finances, services and other related issues including the pearl diving industry, the police force and agriculture.Physical description: A bound correspondence volume. The foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Included in the sequence are: 1A, 1B and 1C; 2A; 2B and 2C; 82A and 82B; 165A and 165B; 186A and 186B; 239a and 239B.
Abstract: This file contains detailed correspondence regarding Bahrain's finances from between 1932 and 1934 including revenue and expenditure figures. The correspondence also discusses state control of artesian wells, customs/tariff matters, budget estimates, auditing details, counterfeit coins and other financial issues.On folios 80-155 and folios 246-320 are two annual reports (completed by Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's adviser, Charles Belgrave) for the hijri calender years 1351 (1932/3 CE) and 1352 (1933/4 CE) respectively. The reports contain a detailed assesment of Bahrain's finances, services and other related issues including the pearl diving industry, the police force and agriculture.Physical description: Formerly a bound correspondence volume, the file's sheets have been unbound and are now loose.There appear to be three incomplete foliation sequences and one complete foliation sequence. The first three sequences appear to reflect sequences assigned to files within the volume. The complete foliation sequence begins on the first folio with the number 1A. This is followed by 1B and then by two blank folios, which do not have numbers. The sequence resumes on 1C and continues through to 205, after which number the sequence jumps to number 214. This may be a foliating error, although another possibility is that folios with confidential information have been removed. The sequence continues from 214 through to 341 - the number given to the spine, which has been removed and placed in melinex. Letters are used elsewhere in the sequence: 3A and 3B; 141A and 141B; and 166A, 166B, 166C, which are housed in an envelope (166D) that is attached to folio 166D.The complete foliation sequence is written in pencil, in the top right corner of each folio.
Abstract: This file contains detailed records of Bahraini government budgets, revenues and expenditures for the years 1934 to 1937. The file also contains a number of reports compiled by Charles Belgrave (Shaikh Hamad's advisor). These reports cover the pearling trade and diving industry, the police force and public security, education, agriculture, the judiciary, the Shia Waqf department, land ownership, the island's electric supply and matters related to the municipalities of Muharraq and Manamah. The file also contains documents concerning customs and oil revenue data.The file contains three photographic images (two of the police station in the town of Hidd and one of the barrack room at the fort in Manama) on folio 73c.Physical description: A single bound volume. Foliation starts with the first folio and the numbering runs from 1 to 203. The folios are numbered in pencil in the top right hand corner. Folio 1 is split into three parts (folios 1A, 1B and 1C), folio 26 into two parts (folios 26A and 26B) and folio 73 into three parts (73A, 73B and 73C). Folio 73C is a melinex insert containing three photographic prints.
Abstract: The file contains correspondence between the Political Agent at Bahrain, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf and the Adviser to the Government of Bahrain regarding the use of pearling banks within areas of oil interest near Ras Tanura.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the 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. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 3-8; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence.
Abstract: The Pearl Fisheries subject file contains correspondence and other papers relating to British concerns over the admission of foreign vessels into the Persian Gulf to fish on the pearling banks. At the front of the file are a number of fold-out maps (folios, 3, 5, 11 and 13) showing the locations of pearling banks in the Gulf. A blueprint map dated 18 March 1939 (folio 11) shows the position of pearl banks on the Trucial Coast. Each of the pearl banks on the map is marked with a number. The map also has a key which lists the names of the 110 numbered pearl banks in transliterated English. There is also a map showing pearling banks off the coasts of Bahrain and Dubai (folio 13). The names of topographic features (human settlements, islands, pearl banks) are marked in Arabic. The depth of the waters in fathoms are also shown using Arabic numerals.The first item of correspondence in the file is a letter (folios 15-16) from E. A. Seal of The Admiralty, to J. P. Gibson of the India Office, dated 13 November 1937, and relates to the possible activities of Japanese trawlers in the Gulf. Extensive correspondence follows between representatives from the Foreign Office, India Office and the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Lieutenant-Colonel Trenchard Fowle) over the economic and political implications of granting foreign vessels rights to fish the pearl banks. A series of letters from the Political Agencies at Kuwait, Bahrain and Muscat to the Political Residency give details of the pearling banks off the coast of Kuwait (folios 56-57, 59-60), Bahrain (folios 62-63), the Trucial Coast (folios 64-67, whose 110 pearling banks correspond to the map on folio 11), and Muscat (folio 58).The discussion focuses towards the end of the file over British powers to permit or deny foreign vessels the right to fish the deeper pearl banks, which are beyond the reach of the traditional methods used by Arab divers. Letters from the Secretary at the British Museum and Cyril Crossland, former Director of the Egyptian Zoological Service (an expert on the Red Sea pearl fisheries), advise on the potential impacts of deep-water oyster fishing on the shallower oyster beds fished by Arab divers (folios 72-73, 74-77).Folio 5A is an explanatory note written by Penelope Tuson, dated 21 November 1994, explaining that the maps at folios 5 and 7 are missing, and that the originals have been replaced with photographic copies taken from microfilm, until the originals have been found. There is, however, a map at folio 5, suggesting that one map was found and replaced after Tuson's note was written. Maps at folio 7 and folio 9 are missing.Physical description: Foliation: The file is foliated from the front cover to the inside back cover, using circled pencil numbers in the top-right corner of each recto. There is another, earlier foliation system which uses uncircled pencil numbers in the top-right corner of recto pages. This sequence is not numerically consistent. The following foliation anomalies occur: 5A, 5B, 5C, 80A, 80B. Folios 7 and 9 are missing.The following folios are fold-out maps: 3, 5, 11, 13.
Abstract: The contents of the file relate to the British Government’s concerns over growing British and international interest in the Gulf’s pearling industry, hitherto almost exclusively exploited by the region’s indigenous inhabitants.1) The first half of the file (folios 2-13) comprises copies of Government of India correspondence published in 1904 and 1905, which discuss Britain’s historic role in the Gulf in relation to the pearling industry. Themes covered include: Britain’s duty to protect the pearl banks for the benefit of the Arab pearl divers, acknowledgement of growing national and international interest in the pearl banks, the extent of territorial waters, and the likely result of any legal challenges to Britain’s refusal to allow foreign interests the opportunity to exploit the Gulf’s pearl banks.2) Correspondence relating to an enquiry by a German businessman, concerning the pearl trade in the Gulf (folios 15-17).3) Printed copies of correspondence (folios 20-23) from the Persian Gulf Political Resident (Lieutenant-Colonel Percy Cox) and the Bahrain Political Agent (Captain Charles Mackenzie), dated 1910, concerning the increasing trade in oyster shells in the Gulf, used for the production of mother of pearl. A drop in the numbers of oysters being fished is attributed to the mother of pearl industry. A German firm based in Bahrain, Wonckhaus & Co., is identified as a key exporter of oyster shells at Bahrain.4) A letter (folio 27) intercepted by the Political Agency in Bahrain, from the Secretary of the Wolverine Motor Works, U.S.A., to Robert Wonckhaus & Co., dated 3 February 1915. The letter and accompanying leaflet (folios 28-29) relates to Wolverine Motor Works’ new combined compressor and propelling motor, designed specifically for use in the pearl fishing industry.5) A typewritten extract from the
Times of India Illustrated, dated 19 [month missing, presumed June] 1918 (folio 30) reporting on rumours that German financiers are buying up all the pearls available in Britain and France.Physical description: Foliation: The file is foliated from its front cover to inside back cover, using circled pencil numbers in the top-right corner of each recto. There is an additional pagination system running throughout the file.Folio 29 is a fold-out.There is minor insect damage to papers throughout the file.
Abstract: The file contains correspondence in the form of letters, notes, pedigrees, news extracts and telegrams. The correspondence is mainly related to the ruling family in Kuwait. Reports were sent between the Political Agency, Kuwait and the Political Residency, Bushire regarding the following: political and social news in Kuwait; events concerning the al-Subah family (death, marriage or illness); news of Shaikh Mubarak’s coalition with Shaikh Khaz‘al against a number of tribes in the region; and reports on incidents taking place at Mohammerah, as well as news of the status of a number of Islands, such as Warba, which were claimed by the Shaikh of Kuwait.The file contains extracts from the Bahrain and Kuwait News, Residency reports about Shaikh Mubarak’s dispute with his pearl towashes (pearlers or pearl merchants), and an article (folios 219-224) on Shaikh Ahmad’s visit to London in 1919. It also contains a number of pedigrees of the al-Subah family.The file also includes correspondence related to the number of gun salutes due to chiefs in the Persian Gulf.The main correspondence is between the Political Agency, Kuwait, the Political Residency in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, the Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department, and the British Consul at Mohammerah.Due to the random arrangement of the papers in the file, the earliest paper (dated Nov 1904) is found at f 144, and the latest (dated Oct 1922) is found at f 135.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 230; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located at the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 4-227; these numbers are also written in pencil but are not circled.
Abstract: Reports, submitted by the Political Agent (Captain Charles Geoffrey Prior) or the Indian Assistant at the Political Agency in the Political Agent’s absence, detailing proceedings at Bahrain and elsewhere. The reports are organised under various headings, as follows:arrivals and departures of ships at Bahrain (with details of cargoes and their origins), and of the arrivals and departures of flying boats;the movements of British Government representatives (the Political Agent, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf);news from elsewhere in the region (Nejd, including updates of Ibn Saud’s [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd] movements; Qatar, including Shaikh Abdullah’s [‘Abdullāh bin Jāsim Āl Thānī] actions and movements; and events at Qatif [Al-Qaṭīf]);news in Bahrain, including the activities of members of the Āl Khalīfah ruling family, economic news, including reports of bankruptcies, and updates on the year’s poor pearling season, including diminished pearl yields, and pearl trading activity;meteorological reports, including details of the minimum and maximum temperatures for each fortnight, and rainfall figures;miscellaneous news, including the visits of foreigners to Bahrain, activities of the American Mission’s representatives, a visit by geologists from Eastern General & Syndicate Limited.Specific events of note include:disturbances at two Sunni schools in Bahrain, in which schoolmasters went on strike. Contributing causes to the disaffection, suggested by the Political Agent, include staff salaries, the school inspector’s preference for a schooling system ‘based on Beirut’, the rumoured curtailment of religious teaching, and an expansion of English teaching to the detriment of Arabic (ff 10-12);the opening by Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah of a new electric power station in Bahrain (f 24).Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 63; 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 1-19; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: Fortnightly reports (as opposed to weekly reports, as stated on its cover) from the Political Agency in Kuwait. The reports are signed by the Political Agent (Major James Carmichael More; Major Cyril Charles Johnson Barrett; Lieutenant-Colonel Harold Richard Patrick Dickson), or, in his absence, the Agency’s head clerk. The reports, which are broadly consistent in their content and arrangement from one fortnight to the next, contain information on:the arrival and departure of steamships and aircraft;British interests, such as the movements of the Political Agent, activities of Eastern & General Syndicate Limited in Kuwait, including the drilling of water wells, Royal Air Force (RAF) activity;foreign interests, reporting the activities and movements of foreigners at Kuwait, including doctors and other representatives of the American Mission;local interests, including the activities of the Ruler of Kuwait (Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ), activity and success of the pearling season, locust plagues (sometimes referred to as ‘dibbas’), establishment of the municipality of Kuwait, and municipal works;paper currency and rates of exchange;meteorological data (maximum temperatures during summer, rainfall during winter);rates of exchange for various commodities in the bazaars.Frequently coming under the headings of foreign interests or desert news, are reports of disturbances, raids, and clashes around Kuwait’s borders with Nejd and Iraq, between Bedouin tribes and families associated with the Ikhwan (also spelt Akhwan in the file), and those allied to the King of Nejd [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd, referred to throughout the file as Ibn Sa’ud]. These include intelligence reports, received by the Political Agency, on the following events:the movements and activities of Faisal ad-Dawish [Fayṣal al-Duwaysh];in January 1928, the bombing of raiders by the RAF (ff 107-108);in late 1928, a conference between Ikhwan leaders and Ibn Sa’ud, which took place in Riyadh;on 29 March 1929, a battle at Sibilah [Az Zulfi], between forces allied to Ibn Sa’ud and the Ikhwan (f 189);on 5 October 1929, a battle between the Ikhwan and the Awazim [Al-Awazem] tribe (ff 244-246;in January 1930, meetings between Ibn Sa’ud, the Political Resident (Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh Vincent Biscoe) and Ikhwan leaders, and the surrender of Ikhwan leaders, including Faisal ad-Dawish (ff 268-273);in February 1930, Ibn Sa’ud’s conference with King Faisul [Fayṣal al-Awwal ibn al-Ḥusayn ibn ‘Alī al-Hāshimī] of Iraq (ff 286-287).Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 383; 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 3-382; these numbers are also written in pencil, are circled, but have been struck through. A third foliation system is also present in parallel between ff 4-187; these numbers are written in a combination of coloured crayon and pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: This file consists of the following:A copy of a report entitled 'Fishery Development at the Head of the Persian Gulf with Special Reference to the Needs of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Co., Abadan. by G C L Bertram MA PhD, Middle East Supply Centre, 25th August, 1944' (folios 3-19)Correspondence regarding the development of fishing-related industries in the Persian Gulf, including discussions around the possibility of developing a local shark liver oil industry (folios 20-50)Correspondence regarding a visit made to the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman by the Fisheries expert, Dr George Colin Lawder Bertram, in order to advise its fishing industry (folios 51-92)Correspondence and documents concerning the possibility of exporting natural pearls from the Persian Gulf for sale in the United States (folios 93-101).Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 106; 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 2-30 and between ff 51-101; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: The volume contains correspondence related to slave manumission cases heard at the Political Agency in Muscat. The majority of the manumission cases featured in the volume are straightforward, with correspondence following a regular pattern. The Political Agent at Muscat (Major Watts for most cases, who was in charge from June 1935 to April 1939) sent slave manumission statements to the Secretary to the Political Resident in Bushire. In those cases where slaves had absconded from the Trucial Coast, the Political Residency referred the details of the case to the Residency Agent at Sharjah (‘Īsá bin ‘Abd al-Latif until August 1935, 'Abd al-Razzaq Razuqi from 1936) requesting he make enquiries into the slave's story. In many of the Residency Agent's enquiries, it was found that slaves were not in fact slaves, but indebted divers who were seeking to escape their debts. In a number of cases the Sharjah Agent sent details of divers' debts to the Political Residency (see for example, folios 170-175). In these situations the Political Residency authorised the issue of a manumission certificate to the indebted pearl diver, on the proviso that he return to the Residency Agent at Sharjah to settle his debts.Subject 7 of the volume includes a statement made at the Political Agency at Muscat in 1935, by a man who was seeking to retrieve his son, who he claimed had been kidnapped from him (folio 54). Enquires by the Residency Agent at Sharjah revealed that the man in fact gave his son as security against a debt, and that the boy would be sold unless the security was paid back (folio 67). Ongoing investigations carried out by the Political Agent at Bahrain (Lieutenant-Colonel Percy Loch) showed that the boy was sold (or 'mortgaged') three times, twice in Ajman and once in Sharjah, the last time to an uncle of the Shaikh of Sharjah. The Political Resident wrote to Loch in July 1936, stating that there is a 'clear case against the shaikh of Sharjah for breaking his Slave Trading Agreements with us.' However, it was noted that 'any action against the shaikh of Sharjah might have an adverse effect on [Frank] Holmes' negotiations about oil, and also make us unpopular in Sharjah.' (folio 87) The Resident suggested a fine of 500 rupees for the Shaikh of Sharjah, as punishment for the slave trading offence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 449; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A previous foliation sequence between ff 331-449, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.