Abstract: Printed copy of the Bahrain (spelt Bahrein throughout) oil concession, signed by Shaikh Hamad bin Shaikh Issa Al Khalifah [Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah] and the Eastern and General Syndicate Limited in 1925, with revisions in 1934. The agreement is marked ‘India Office’ in print on the front cover, with the addition in pencil: ‘Last spare copy’. The agreement comprises ten articles, numbered with Roman numerals I-X, and three schedules. Copies of additional materials follow the concession agreement, as follows:II. Indenture of 12 June 1930, agreed between Shaikh Ḥamad and the Eastern and General Syndicate Limited;III. Indenture of 15 February 1933, agreed between Shaikh Ḥamad and the Bahrain Petroleum Company;IV. Resignation of Major Holmes, comprising a letter dated 24 September 1933 from Everard Gastrell, the Political Agent in Bahrain, to Shaikh Ḥamad, confirming the resignation of Major Frank Holmes;V. Supplementary Agreement of 21 November 1933, dated 15 January 1934.Each of the items outlined above are marked alongside their heading with a unique PZ number (listed under Former External References).Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the first folio and terminates at the last folio; 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 booklet contains an original typed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The file consists of a copy of a modification made to a commercial lease between Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah, Sheikh of Bahrein, and the Bahrein Petroleum Company, relating to oil and gas extraction rights on Bahrain Island.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 2; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located at the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The volume, stamped ‘Secret’ on the front cover and frontispiece, is part 1 (historical and political materials) of a précis of Bahrain (spelt Bahrein throughout) affairs for the years 1854-1904. It was prepared by Judge Jerome Antony Saldanha of the Bombay Provincial Civil Service, and published in 1904 by the Government of India Foreign Department, Simla, India.The contents of the volume run as follows:Part 1, entitled
Political events from 1854 to 1870, including: a brief history of Bahrain (1783-1853); Mahomed bin Abdullah bin Ahmed’s [Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh bin Aḥmad] threatened attack against Bahrain, his piracies and expulsion from Damaum [Dammām], 1859; tyranny of the Ruler of Bahrain, Shaikh Muḥammad bin ‘Abdullāh Āl Khalīfah, his unfriendly attitude to the British agent, and to British subjects and their trade, 1858; Mahomed bin Khalifa’s [Muḥammad bin Khalīfah] blockade of Wahabi [Wahhābī] ports, and subsequent signing of a perpetual treaty of peace with the British, and Turkish protests against British proceedings, 1861; events during 1861-66, including the restoration of a captured buggalow [boat] to Muḥammad bin Khalīfah, ill-treatment of Indian subjects; Persian protests, Wahhābī claims to Bahrain; violation of the maritime truce by Bahrain and Abuthabi [Abu Dhabi], Ali-bin-Khalifa [‘Alī bin Khalīfah] becomes ruler of Bahrain, 1867-68; Persian claims of sovereignty over Bahrain, Persian protests to Britain, 1869; attack on Bahrain by Muḥammad bin Khalīfah and Nasir bin Mubarak, murder of ‘Alī bin Khalīfah, Esau-bin-Ali [‘Īsá bin ‘Alī] proclaimed ruler of Bahrain, 1869; Persian and Turkish protests against British proceedings at Bahrain in 1869.2.
International status and British protection, 1871-1904, including: Turkish expedition to Nejd, 1871-72; protest by the Ottoman Porte against alleged acts of British sovereignty in Bahrain, 1872-73; Turkish movements in Katar [Qatar], and advice to the ruler of Bahrain to not become involved in Qatar affairs, 1873; proceedings of Abdul Rahman bin Feysal [‘Abd al Rahman bin Fayṣal], 1874-75; fortifications at Menamah [Manama], and the Porte’s project to erect a lighthouse at Manama; the Beni Hajir attack on Zobarah [Zubara], retaliation by the ruler of Bahrain, Shaikh ‘Īsá bin ‘Alī; aggressive Turkish policy and the establishment of a Turkish province on the Arab littoral, 1875-76; revolt in Hasa [Al-Hasa], 1879-81; threat of attack on Bahrain by Nasir bin Mobarik and Shaikh Jasim [Shaikh Jāsim bin Muḥammad ]of Bidaa [Al-Bidda], policy in relation to Shaikh Jāsim and the Turkish Government, 1881; Turkish intentions to establish a coal depot at Bahrain, and Bahrain agreement with the British Government to not have dealings with foreign powers, 1880; conclusion of an agreement between Bahrain and Britain, 1892; occupation of Zubara by the Al-bin-Ali tribe, with the support of Turkey and Shaikh Jāsim, 1895; establishment of the American Arabian Mission in Bahrain, 1892, 1899-1901; questions over the establishment of the German firm Wonckhaus at Bahrain; foreign enterprises in relation to the pearl fisheries, 1863-1904; proposed consular representation of France at Bahrain, 1904.3.
Internal affairs and British policy, including: Shaikh ‘Īsá’s imprisonment of the mail agent, 1873; murder of a member of the Khalīfah family by the brother of the ruler of Bahrain, 1877; death of Shaikh Ahmed-bin-Ali-bin-Khalifa, 1888; murder of the Arab chief Sultan-bin-Salema, 1895; question of redress for outrages committed by Bahrainis against British or British-protected subjects, 1897-1900; proposed establishment of a branch of the Imperial Bank of Persia, 1900; prohibition of alcohol into Bahrain, 1900; proposed hospital in Bahrain, in commemoration of Queen Victoria, 1901-03; proposals to recognise Shaikh Hamed [Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah] as successor designated, and to appoint a British Political Agent to Bahrain, 1899-1900; deputation of Mr TC Gaskin [John Calcott Gaskin] as Assistant Political Agent at Bahrain, 1899; proposed reform of Bahrain customs, 1901-04; construction of the Agency building at Bahrain, 1901-03.The appendices are as follows: A) A Genealogical table of Bahrain ruling family; B) a translation of an agreement between Hussein Ali Mirza and Lieutenant William Bruce, Resident of Bushire, 8 August 1822; C) translation of a preliminary treaty between Britain and the rulers of Bahrain, 1820, signed by Major-General William Keir; D) terms of a friendly convention entered into between Shaikh Muḥammad bin Khalīfah, ruler of Bahrain, and Captain Felix Jones, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, 31 May 1861; E) translation of the agreement entered into between the British Government and ‘Alī bin Khalīfah, ruler of Bahrain, 1868; F) translation of an agreement between the Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Ross, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, and Shaikh ‘Īsá bin ‘Alī, the ruler of Bahrain, 22 December 1880; G) translation of an agreement signed by the ruler of Bahrain, Shaikh ‘Īsá bin ‘Alī, 13 March 1892; H) Government correspondence dating from 1901, relating to the opening by the German man Robert Wankhaus [or Wonckhaus] of a commercial office in Bahrain, and the question raised of foreign jurisdiction in Bahrain.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover and terminates at the inside back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence, with page numbers located top and centre of each page.
Abstract: Distinctive Features:Relief shown by hachures.Shows leased off shore areas between the Eastern coast of Bahrain and the Western coast of Qatar, indicated by red ink line.Inscriptions:'Leased area no. 1' and 'Leased area no. 2'Physical description: Materials: printed on paper with lines in red ink.Dimensions: 663 x 517 mm; on sheet 686 x 538 mm.Foliation: The map has been foliated in the top right hand corner with a pencil number enclosed in a circle.
Abstract: The volume records a dispute between the Ruler of Nejd [Najd] and dependencies and the Ruler of Bahrain [occasionally also referred to in the papers as Bahrein] over the imposition by the Ruler of Bahrain of a charge of 5% customs duty (previously 2.5%) on goods destined for Nejd and Hassa [Hasa] even when those goods did not leave the Customs House at Bahrain and find their way into Bahrain itself. The dispute resulted in intervention by British officials and the Government of India.The papers include correspondence from the Political Agent, Bahrain (Major Harold Richard Patrick Dickson), the Deputy Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Prescott Trevor), Bin Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd (Ibn Sa‘ūd)], Ruler of Nejd and dependencies, Sheikh Isa [Sheikh ‘Īsá bin ‘Alī Āl Khalīfah, Hakim of Bahrain], Ruler of Bahrain, and other British officials. The correspondence between the two rulers and the Political Agent, Bahrain is in both Arabic and English.The papers include:correspondence concerning the dispute dated February - May 1920, including letter from the Political Agent, Bahrain to the Deputy Political Resident in the Persian Gulf dated 28 February 1920 setting out both sides of the dispute and commenting in favour of Bin Saud's claim;correspondence dated July - September 1920 concerning Sheikh Isa's acceptance of the British decision that only 2% duty should be charged on transit goods consigned to the mainland, provided that those goods were removed from the Bahrain Customs House within twenty days of landing;correspondence dated November 1920 - February 1921 concerning complaints by Bin Saud that the new customs regulations were not being administered in a friendly spirit, particularly in relation to piece-goods.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation system commences at 1 on the sixth folio after the front cover (the first bearing any text) and terminates at 127 on the sixth folio before the back cover (the last bearing any text). The numbers are written in blue crayon and appear in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio, except that the folios that need to be folded out to be read have their folio number in blue crayon on the fold, and again in pencil in the same place as the main sequence. The following folios need to be folded out to be read: ff. 11, 32, 68, 82, 84, 89, 92, 120, 121, 127.
Abstract: The file relates to a proposed visit by Sheikh Hamad bin Isa [Sheikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah], eldest son of of the Ruler of Bahrein [Bahrain], Sheikh Isa [Sheikh ‘Īsá bin ‘Alī Āl Khalīfah] to India 'for recreation, and also for seeing civilization and material progress'.The papers consist of letters and telegrams from Sheikh Isa (in Arabic with English translations); Khan Sahib, Indian Assistant, in charge of the Political Agency, Bahrein (including a letter in Arabic to Sheikh Isa, with translation in English); and the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf.The file includes papers relating to a request by Sheikh Hamad for the loan of the RIMS (Royal Indian Marine Ship)
Lawrence, December 1920; papers concerning the proposed itinerary for the visit, December 1920; papers relating to a request from Sheikh Hamad that the Indian Assistant, Khan Sahib, accompany him in India, December 1920; and telegram notifying the Political Resident of the departure of Sheikh Hamad and his party, January 1921.Physical description: Foliation: the file reads from right to left and has been foliated accordingly, with the foliation sequence commencing at 1 on the front cover and terminating at 31 on the back cover. The numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and appear in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio.
Abstract: The volume relates to the visit to London in 1919 of Sheikh Abdullah [also spelled Abdulla in the papers] [Sheikh ‘Abdullāh bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah], the son of Sheikh Isa [Sheikh ‘Īsá bin ‘Alī Āl Khalīfah], Ruler of Bahrain (also referred to in the papers as Bahrein).The volume consists mainly of correspondence (especially telegrams) between Lieutenant-Colonel Arnold Talbot Wilson, Civil Commissioner at Baghdad, the Political Agent, Bahrain, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, the Government of India, and Sheikh Isa (the latter in both English and Arabic).The papers consist of:correspondence relating to Sheikh Abdullah's visit to London, dated May - October 1919, including his attendance at the peace celebrations, July 1919, and his reception by King George V at Buckingham Palace, August 1919, and by the Secretary of State for India, August 1919;correspondence dated April - June 1920 concerning a letter (not transcribed) from Sheikh Abdullah to Sir (Frederic) Arthur Hirtzel, dated 4 September 1919, in which the Sheikh had requested the right for his father, Sheikh Isa to have authority over all Arab subjects residing in his territory, the selection of members of the Majlis al Urfi, permission from the British Government to open the port of Zubarah, and the privilege of referring issues directly to the Government in London whenever necessary, with replies to all of these points from the Government of India, in a letter to Sheikh Abdullah dated 5 May 1920 (with translation in Arabic); and,correspondence concerning the exchange of gifts between Sheikh Abdullah and Captain Norman Napier Bray, formerly Political Agent, Bahrain, who had had accompanied the Sheikh while he was the guest of the British Government, September - November 1920.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1 (the title page) and terminates at 77 on the last folio before the back cover. The numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and appear in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio. Foliation anomalies: ff. 9, 9A; ff. 68, 68A.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, consultations, minutes, and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. The main correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; Lieutenant Colonel Henry Robertson, Officiating Resident in the Persian Gulf; Hajee Yacoob [Haji Yakub], British coal agent at Kurruck [Khark/Kharg]; Hajee Jassim [Haji Jasim] Native Agent at Bahrein [Bahrain].The item concerns:The question of Hajee Yacoob being appointed British coal agent while still holding the position of Persian Magistrate, and his right to fly the British flagRobertson delivering charge of the Residency in the Persian Gulf to his assistant Lieutenant Arnold Burrowes Kemball on 17 April 1843The war fought by Mahomed bin Khuleefa [Shaikh Muhammed bin Khalifah Al Khalifah], supported by Esai bin Tareef [Shaikh ‘Isa bin Hamad bin Tarif Al Bin ‘Ali Al-‘Utbi], against Abdoola bin Ahmed [Shaikh ‘Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Khalifah] for control of Bahrein, including fighting in Guttur [Qatar]The plunder of a boat carrying the British flag anchored at Monama [Manama]The cost of raising the East India Company Schooner
Emilyafter sinking her to kill verminRumours of a military force being assembled in the Nedgd [Najd or Nejd].The item includes a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Draft 727, P.C. [Previous Communication] 4107, [Season 18]43’, ‘Collection No. 11’, and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 643 and terminates at f 717, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: The file is a copy of a commercial lease between Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah, Sheikh of Bahrein, and the Bahrein Petroleum Company, in which the Sheikh grants to the company the exclusive right for fifty-five years to drill for, extract, treat, refine, and deal with petroleum products and natural gas within the portion of Bahrain Island delineated on the accompanying map.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 10; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located at the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Pagination: the volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The volume contains copies of letters sent by Captain Samuel Hennell, British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire, mainly to J P Willoughby, Secretary to the Government of Bombay, in 1844.The letters from the British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf to the British Government of Bombay often contain or enclose separately, copies of other pertinent correspondence received or sent by the Resident. These are mostly regular intelligence reports from the British Government Native Agents at Bahrain, Muscat and elsewhere and occasional letters from or to local Arab rulers about military conflict, maritime treaty infractions and dispute resolution. All copies of the Resident’s Arabic correspondence with native agents, ruling sheikhs and others are in the form of English translations, there are no Arabic originals or copies in the volume.The correspondence in the volume discusses events in the Persian Gulf in 1844, predominantly in relation to slavery, piracy, conflicts between the rulers and inhabitants of the Trucial Coast Sheikdoms, especially civil war in Bahrain and the implications for British foreign policy, relations and interests in the region. Typical contents include:Letters from the British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf to Captain Nott, Senior Indian Naval Officer in the Persian Gulf, Lieutenant A Macdonald, Mr W H Litchfield commanding the Honourable Company schooner
Emilyand other British officers in the Persian Gulf Squadron, providing them with cruising instructions for their regular patrols of both the Arabian and Persian coasts of the Gulf (folios 4, 10-11 and others);Letters from the British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf to Colonel Justin Sheil, British Chargé d’Affaires at the Court of the Shah of Persia, about the building of new fortifications at Bushire by the Persian Government, investigations into the charges of maladministration made by local Persian authorities against Hajee Yacoob, the British Government Native Agent in charge of the British coal depot on Karrack [Kharg] Island and other matters relating to British relations with Persia (folios 5, 14, 24-28 and others);Letters from the British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf to J P Willoughby, Secretary to the Government of Bombay about his adherence to the British policy of non-interference in the civil war in Bahrain and enclosing English translations of his correspondence with ex-Sheikh Abdoollah bin Ahmed of Bahrain, requesting the help of the British Government to repossess Bahrain and Syed Soweynee, Governor of Muscat, requesting the approval of the British Government for his support to Sheikh Mahomed bin Khuleefa, the new defacto ruler of Bahrein (folios 5-8, 18-20 and others);Letters from the British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf to J P Willoughby, Secretary to the Government of Bombay about the results of further investigations into the suspicious circumstances surrounding the wrecked British merchant brig
Mary Mallaby, which ran aground at Bunder Abbass [Bandar Abbass] in July 1843 and enclosing English translations of letters from Khojah Reuben, British Government Native Agent at Muscat, reporting inquiries made of a witness to the behaviour of Mr W Fisher, the master of the
Mary Mallaby(folios 21-22 and others).Physical description: Foliation: numbered 1 to 278, from the front to the back of the volume. A single loose item of correspondence has been numbered folio 157 and is folded into the spine between folios 156 and 158. The front cover of the volume is numbered folio 1. Two blank folios at the front of the volume are numbered folios 2 and 3. The numbering is written in pencil on the recto, in the top right corner and encircled. On the front cover, the folio number is written on the book label. The eight blank folios at the back of the volume are unnumbered.Pagination: numbered 1 to 525, from the front to the back of the volume. These numbers are written in ink, in the top right or left hand corner respectively. The letter A has been added to the number 306, in pencil. The number 306B has been added in pencil to the single loose item of correspondence folded into the spine between pages 306 and 307.Condition: the volume has a broken spine, damaged front cover, missing back cover and a torn label on the front cover. The two blank folios at the front of the volume are torn. There is also a tear in the margin of folio 147.
Abstract: The file relates to the establishment and operation of the wireless telegraph station (later also radio station) in Bahrain [frequently referred to in the papers as Bahrein]. The papers include correspondence from the Political Agent, Bahrain; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Government of India; the Ruler of Bahrain, Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifah [‘Īsá bin ‘Alī Āl Khalīfah, Hakim of Bahrain] (in Arabic with translations in English); and other British officials.The papers include:proposal from the Political Agent, Bahrain for the establishment of telegraphic communication with India, showing that the initiative had come from British Indian traders in Bahrain, and the response from the Government of India, September 1902 - March 1903;renewal of the proposal by the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, advancing many reasons for the increased desirability of a telegraph service, March 1908;papers concerning a site for the wireless station, including sketch map (ff. 16-17), May - August 1912;papers relating to cost of building, testing of the ground, and preparation of estimates, August - September 1912;proposed removal of stone from Phoenician tombs for use in building the station, and use of stone from old Portuguese fort, July - December 1914;construction, May 1915;completion of station, appointment and payment of naturs (watchmen) to supervise the site, installation of more powerful apparatus, and letters and telegrams of congratulation on the opening of the station, March - July 1916;request from Sheikh Isa for a special concessionary wireless rate for himself and his sons, August 1916;proposals for the construction of a wall or fence around the site, August - November 1916; and,correspondence with the Commodore, Persian Gulf, concerning the need for officials of the wireless station to notify movement of Royal Navy ships more accurately, November 1916.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1, on the third folio after the front cover, and terminates at 155, on the last folio before the back cover. The numbers are written in pencil, and appear in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio. Foliation anomalies: ff. 75, 75A, 75B; ff. 89, 89A. The following folio numbers do not appear: 12, 22, 42, 44, 46, 55, 74, 106.
Abstract: Despatch from the Honourable Lieutenant-Colonel Cyril Charles Johnson Barrett, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, to the Foreign Secretary to the Government of India, 28 August 1929. Printed in October 1929.Covering:a brief history of the development of British concern in the internal affairs of Bahrain;fear of interference displayed by the Government of India;behaviour and attitude of the Shaikhs of Bahrain;the Customs Department - contention between Shaikh Isa [Shaikh ‘Īsá bin ‘Alī Āl Khalīfah] and the Government of India, the collection of revenues, and the post of Director of Customs;the question of whether Bahrain has been westernised too hurriedly - lists the reforms instituted and their outcomes, including municipalities, reorganisation of the Customs Department, institution of a proper police force, appointment of an Advisor to the Shaikh, reformed courts, reforms in connection with the pearl fishery, survey, public works, education, and reform of the Waqfs;the necessity to educate natives of Bahrain to take the place of British officials, and educate rulers;recommendations.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 105, and terminates at f 108, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.