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13. ‘REPORT ON THE MISSION TO SEISTAN, 1897’
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume consists of a report by Surgeon-Major George Washington Brazier-Creagh on his mission to Seistan [Sīstān] on ‘plague duty’ to investigate the closure of the Perso-Afghan-Baluch trade routes under the ‘mantle of plague’ from April to October 1897. The report is divided into five sections:The Outward Journey: A general account of the journey across the Baluchistan Desert – folios 5-7.A general history of the Mission and condition of affairs in Seistan – folios 8-13r.An account of influential chiefs and material connected with the administration of Seistan – folios 13v-15r.The Return Journey: A review of road infrastructure and trade prospects – folios 16-17.A review of the strategic and political outlook – folios 17-18.The remainder of the volume (folios 20-58) consists of appendices. A pocket on the inside back cover contains five folded maps (folios 60-64).On the front cover, it bears two stamps reading ‘War Office. Library. 14 Dec 1889’ and ‘Intelligence Division. 14 Dec 1889’ respectively.Published in Calcutta by the Office of the Superintendent of Government Printing, India (1898).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 65; 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 file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
14. 'Despatch by Lieutenant-General R. Wapshare, C.B., C.S.I. on the Organization and Working of the East Persian Line of Communications. From 1st April 1918 to 15th January 1919'
- Description:
- Abstract: The file consists of a despatch from Lieutenant-General Richard Wapshare, General Officer Commanding, 4th (Quetta) Division to the Chief of General Staff, Army Headquarters, Delhi, dated 8 March 1919, concerning the organization and working of the East Persian line of communications, covering the period from 1 April 1918 to 15 January 1919.It includes topics such as topography; the East Persian Cordon Field Force; administration; troop movements; railway defence troops; work on the railway; financial problems; road and rail lines of communications; supply areas; transport; trade; the capacity of the railway; supplies; medical and veterinary arrangements; and ordnance services.Appendices 1 and 2 consist of maps and sketches not reproduced in this file.Appendix 3 – Report on the working of the Nushki Extension Railway from 1st April 1918 to 15th January 1919, by Colonel Frederick Warner Allum, Engineer-in-Chief, Nushki Extension Railway, dated 6 February 1919.Appendix 4 – Note on the Field Work of the Nushki Extension (Railway) Reconnaissance, June 1918 to January 1919, by Major Lewis Egerton Hopkins, Engineer-in-Chief, N. E. Reconnaissance, dated 6 February 1919. Covering the object and length of the survey; wells, tanks and water supply; transport; illness; list of officers and subordinates, etc., who served in Persia; and caravan routes.Appendix 5 – Report on the working of the line of communications East Persia from September 1918 to January 15th 1919, by Brigadier-General William Edmund Ritchie Dickson, Inspector General of Communications, East Persia, dated 5 February 1919. It is broken down into the following topics: general; supply and transport; medical; ordnance; veterinary; works; surveys; finance; ecclesiastical; and posts and telegraphs.It also includes a series of seventeen annexures with various tables covering: administrative standing orders; the transport situation and forecast of transport requirements; instructions for moving stores along the line of communications; the chain of supply and transport responsibility; transport units; distribution of supply units; supplies carried on lines of communication; medical requirements; clothing and ordnance stores; progress of building works; and finances.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 67; 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 file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
15. ‘Affairs of the Persian Gulf. Vol: III.’
- Description:
- Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, extracts from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Political Consultations. It is the third in a series of three items on general affairs in the Persian Gulf (the others are: IOR/F/4/1435/56726 and IOR/F/4/1435/56727).The first half of the item (folios 8-76) relates to administrative matters at the Residency in the Persian Gulf (also called the Residency at Bushire [Būshehr]), in particular:Allowances for the Resident and the Residency household, including employees’ salaries and pensionsEstimates for repairs to the Residency houseThe purchase of vessels for use by the ResidentDetails of two robberies carried out on the Residency in 1832 and 1833, including losses sustained and efforts to trace the perpetratorsRequests for medical suppliesProposals by David Anderson Blane, Resident in the Persian Gulf, to establish a Native Agent at Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi].The second half of the item (folios 77-115) relates to administrative matters at the Political Agency in Turkish Arabia (also called the Political Agency at Bussora or Bussorah [Basra]), in particular:Accounts relating to the Agency, including an increase in salary for the Political Agent and the appointment of two Writers [clerks]Allowances and compensation awarded to John Ross, Assistant Surgeon at the Agency, for property lost in a shipwreckRequests for medical supplies for the Agency by RossRequests for medical supplies by Robert Taylor, the Political Agent, on behalf of a charitable group of English gentlemen based in Bagdad [Baghdad].The item also includes requests by the Native Agent at Muscat (also called the Government Agent at Muscat and the Broker at Muscat) to be appointed to a different location.The principal correspondents of the item are: Blane, Taylor, and various secretaries to the Government of Bombay. Additional correspondents include: James Farish, Civil Auditor (Bombay); James McAdam, Secretary to the Medical Board (Bombay); and the Native Agent at Muscat.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 1339, Draft 435, 1834’ and 'Examiner's Office'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 4, and terminates at f 115, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the item also contains an original pagination sequence.
16. 'Aden. Future administration and incidence of cost.'
- Description:
- Abstract: Minutes, telegrams and a memorandum relating to the future administration of Aden and the costs incurred thereby, as follows:Minute by Mr Henry Fraser Howard, Controller of Finance, India Office (ff 120-125), in which he states the position before the First World War relating to the division of costs incurred at Aden between the Imperial Government and the Government of India, and outlines subsequent discussions around a proposal that full responsibility for Aden be transferred to the Imperial Government in exchange for an annual payment made by the Indian Government. He also provides a breakdown of the costs.Minute by Mr David Taylor Monteath, India Office (ff 125-131), in which he provides an alternative method of calculating the costs incurred at Aden, including defensive military costs and subsidies paid to the King of the Hejaz and to King Hussein to defray costs incurred by Indian pilgrims at the Haj.Further minute by Mr Henry Fraser Howard, Controller of Finance, India Office (f 131), in which he points out the difficulty of ascertaining the relative interests in Aden of the various parties.Minute by Sir Arthur Hirtzel, Deputy Under-Secretary (f 132), in which he mentions the Secretary of State's wish that the following draft telegram be dealt with urgently:Draft Telegram (ff 133-136), in which the Secretary of State outlines a proposal to transfer full responsibility for Aden to the Imperial Government in exchange for an annual payment made by the Indian Government.Official telegram from Viceroy to Secretary of State, dated 11 April 1921 (ff 137-141), in which the Viceroy agrees to the proposals, but re-asserts the fundamental principle that the Government of India shall be free from any financial liability for the policy of the new department.Official telegram from the Viceroy to Secretary of State, dated 6 May 1921 (ff 141-143), providing a detailed breakdown of costs incurred at Aden.Private telegrams (ff 144-160) between the Secretary of State and the Viceroy, in which they attempt to come to an agreement regarding the size of the annual payment to be made by the Indian Government to the Imperial Government in exchange for the transfer of responsibility at Aden. However, an agreement is not reached.Memorandum by the Colonial Office (ff 161-163), in which a breakdown of costs incurred at Aden under the Indian Government's proposals is shown to represent an increase to the Imperial Exchequer rather than a saving.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at folio 120 and terminates at folio 163; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located at the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
17. 'ADEN and its ADMINISTRATION.'
- Description:
- Abstract: A summary of British involvement at Aden and administrative arrangements in place there. The booklet begins with an introductory description of the geography of Aden and the surrounding region, followed by a summary of historical events leading up to and including the Cabinet Decision of 16 December 1926, by which a single chief authority was appointed in control at Aden by the Imperial Government. A description of administrative arrangements follows, divided into sections, including those entitled:ResidentSuperior Administrative StaffAdministration of JusticePolice and Police ArrangementsMiscellaneous and Subordinate StaffIncome TaxArms and AmmunitionThe Royal Air Force EstablishmentThe booklet ends with a memorandum drawn up by the Colonial Office relating to financial charges against the funds of the United Kingdom.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 12; 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.
18. 'Aden'
- Description:
- Abstract: The file consists of a memorandum produced by Leonard Day Wakely (Secretary to the Political Department of the India Office) on the question of the administration of Aden. This incorporates Aden proper, the Aden Protectorate, and the territories of Yemen and Asir [ʻAsīr] governed by the Imam of Sanaa and the Idrisi.It provides a history of the administration and control of Aden; highlights the friction and confusion caused by the continued use of temporary arrangements made during the First World War; and asks by what authority Aden should be administered, and on what revenues the expenditure should fall. The pros and cons of transferring the administration to the Imperial Government is discussed, along with financial responsibility, and proposals made by the Government of India and Colonial Office. It includes a table showing the expenditure at Aden and its divisions between Indian and Imperial revenues from 1910 onwards.The memorandum was originally drawn up for the Secretary of State (Viscount Peel) in July 1923. A note has been added noting progress on the settlement one year later.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 36, and terminates at f 38, 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.
19. 'Mesopotamia Administration Committee'
- Description:
- Abstract: Table giving abstracts of proposals made by the War Cabinet, with comments on those proposals by Sir Percy Zachariah Cox and the Government of India.The proposals include:Occupied territories being administered by His Majesty's Government, instead of the Government of IndiaBasra to remain under British administrationBagdad [Baghdad] to be an Arab state with a local ruler of Government, but under British protection, using local laws and institutions where possible.British Civil Service (in Mesopotamia) to be amalgamated with that of Soudan [Sudan] and the Levant.Shiah holy places to be a separate enclave not under direct British controlIrrigation, Navigation and Rivers to be under British administrationKoweit [Kuwait] and Arabian littoral of Persian Gulf, including Oman, to be controlled by BasraSouth Persia to be within Government of India's sphere of influencePhysical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 130 and terminates at folio 131, 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 between folios 6-153; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.
20. 'MESOPOTAMIA ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE.'
- Description:
- Abstract: Copies of Telegrams between the Viceroy (Frederic Thesiger, The Lord Chelmsford), Secretary of State (Austen Chamberlain) and Sir Percy Zachariah Cox on the future administration of Mesopotamia, March to April 1917:Telegram P 1234 from Viceroy, Foreign Department, 26 March 1917: regarding the need for steps to be taken to overhaul and replace the defunct Turksh administration and for the work of the civil departments to continue in Bagdad.Telegram P 1315 from Secretary of State to Viceroy, Foreign Department, 29 March 1917: regarding the Committee of the War Cabinet's conclusions for the future administration and political control of Mesopotamia and Arabia, including that occupied territories were to be administered by His Majesty's Government; that Basra was to remain permanently under British administration; Bagdad to be an Arab state under British protection and to be administered as an Arab province and without the use of the 'Irak Code'; Koweit [Kuwait] and Arabian littoral, including Oman, to be controlled by Basra;Telegram P 1434 from Sir Percy Cox, to the Government of India, 7 April 1917: giving Cox's own opinions that there is no suitable candidate to be ruler and that perhaps an administrative council would be more appropriate; the need for a uniform code of law for both Bagdad and Basra; proposals for Nejef [Najaf] and Kerbela [Karbala] to be independent townships; and expressing his willingness to undertake the carrying out of this policy if required.Telegram P 1433 from Sir Percy Cox, to the Foreign Department, Government of India, 8 April 1917: requesting information on the individuals proposed for the positions of Judicial Adviser and Subordinate Revenue Officers and suggesting Colonel Knox for the position of Judicial Adviser.Draft of a proposed telegram to the Viceroy, undated but after 7 April 1917: advising that no work on introducing an Arab administration should be undertaken whilst Mesopotamia is under military occupation, and that only such administration as is required to preserve order and meet the needs of the occupying force.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 127 and terminated at folio 129, 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 folios 6-153; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.
21. Coll 30/5 'Persian Gulf. Diaries: Bushire Residency (Persian), Jany. 1931 - Dec. 1940'
- Description:
- Abstract: This file contains copies of the monthly diary of the British Residency and Consulate-General in Bushire that was compiled by the Secretary of the Political Resident in Bushire.The diaries are separated into a number of different sections that vary slightly from month to month. In addition to reports concerning specific events or developments that took place during that month, most entries contain the following headings:movements of British officialslocal governmentmilitarynavalaviationmovement of foreignerstrade and developmentforeign interestsbroadcastinghealtheducationmunicipalityAfter the commencement of the Second World War, the heading 'Public Opinion' is added to the diaries.The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 660; 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, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
22. ‘Proceedings relating to the Bushire Residency & Bussorah Agency. Question as to removing the former from Bushire to the island of Kharrack.’
- Description:
- Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay, the Government of Bengal, and the Court of Directors of the East India Company.The item relates to the suggestion – first in 1828 by Captain David Wilson, the Resident in the Persian Gulf, and again in 1832 by David Anderson Blane, Wilson’s successor – to remove the Residency at Bushire [Būshehr] to the nearby island of Kharrack [Jazīreh-ye Khārk]. In particular the item concerns:The temporary removal in March 1832, due of the outbreak of plague, of the Residency at Bushire to the island of Corgo beside Kharrack, and Blane’s arguments in favour of making this move permanentThe Government of Bombay’s subsequent revisiting of the points raised during Wilson’s earlier suggestion in 1828Wilson’s research in 1828 into potential sites to which the Residency at Bushire could be relocated, with Kharrack found to be the most favourable optionDiscussions in 1828 of the allowances for numerous Residents and Agents throughout the Persian Gulf and options for reducing expensesResearch commissioned by the Supreme Government [Government of Bengal] in 1828 to ascertain comparative costs of establishing a footing on Kharrack and maintaining the Residencies at Bushire and Bussorah [Basra]Suggestion by the Calcutta Financial Committee in 1830 to abolish the Agency at Bussorah and consolidate the affairs of the Gulf under one authority which would be titled ‘Political Agent in the Gulf of Persia’Discussions of the viability of acquiring Kharrack from PersiaThe survey of Kharrack by Lieutenant Samuel Hennell, Assistant in Charge of the Residency in the Persian Gulf, in 1831 to ascertain costs of establishing military fortifications on the island.The principal correspondents in the item are: Wilson; Blane; the Court of Directors; and numerous secretaries heading various departments within the governments of Bombay and Bengal. Other correspondents include: Hennell; John Wedderburn, Civil Auditor and Accountant General, Bombay; Pasha of Bagdad [Dāwūd Pasha, Governor of Baghdad]; Lieutenant-Colonel David Barr, Military Auditor General, Bombay; Sir Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of the Indian Navy.The item also contains a lengthy Minute by John Malcolm, the Governor of Bombay, which mentions numerous policies applicable to the Residency at Bushire (f 49 recto – f 55 recto).The ‘Resident/Residency in the Persian Gulf’ is also referred to as the ‘Resident/Residency at Bushire’ throughout the item.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department No. 2’, ‘P.C. 1216, Draft 111, 1834' and 'Examiner's Office'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 4, and terminates at f 144, 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.
23. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 33. PART I. (From 1st to 15th April 1917.)’
- Description:
- 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 1 and 15 April 1917. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: telegrams, letters, tables, and memoranda containing instructions and reports.An index to the contents of this volume can be found at folios 3-10 and a summary of the contents can be found at folio 11. The volume mostly concerns:Reinforcements and labour requirements of Force DSupplies for Force D, including: land transport, railway construction materials, rations, animals, river craft, weapons, and ammunitionArrangements for staff leaveLists of sick and wounded soldiersUpdates from the Tigris line, especially at Samarra and Deltawa [Khalis]Updates from the Khanikin [Khanaqin] front, especially at Kasr-i-Shirin [Qasr-e Shirin, also rendered in text as Qasr-i-Shirin], Kizil Robat [Qizil Rabat], and KifriUpdates from the Euphrates lineUpdates from the Russo-Turkish fronts in the Caucasus region and in Persia [Iran]Turkish [Ottoman] forces: locations; movements; weapons; information from deserters; details of commanders; and distributions for week ending 3 April (f 59) and week ending 10 April (ff 146-147)Russian operations at Mosul and Kasr-i-ShirinDiscussions about co-operating with Russian forces on certain operations and across the Tigris and Euphrates linesOccupation of Deli Abbas [Al Mansuriyah]Discussions about the administration of Baghdad, including the availability of food and forage and information on the population’s attitudes towards the BritishProgress of railways constructionIntelligence from the Caucasus Military Agency and from the General Officer Commanding, EgyptDiscussions about the future administration and political control of Mesopotamia and Arabia, including comments from the Committee of the War Cabinet [also known as the Mesopotamian Administration Committee] and the Political Resident in the Persian GulfDiscussions about Force D’s requirements and the benefits of continued reinforcement of Force D’s position with regards to the protection of IndiaVisit to Mesopotamia of press representatives from India and potential sensitivities around thisInformation and reports from the Director, Inland Water TransportUse of telephone and telegraph lines.The volume also contains:Distribution and composition of Force D, including details of: lines of communication; general organisation; units captured at Kut-al-Amarah [Al-Kut]; and names of General Officers and Brigade Commanders (ff 12-31)Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia on 1 April (ff 39-41), on 8 April (ff 117-11), and 15 April (ff 222-224)Table showing current strength of troops in the field on 3 February (ff 88-102)‘Report on lines of communication, Sheikh Saad [Shaykh Sa‘d] to Basrah [Basra]’ by the Medical Advisory Committee (comprising members of the Royal Army Medical Corps), dated 16 December 1916, which reports generally on sanitation matters in the area noted in the title (ff 186-210).Whilst the volume contains copies of earlier material dating from November 1916 onwards, the bulk of the material dates from April 1917.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 226; 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 3-224; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
24. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 54. Part I. (From 1st to 15th January 1919.)’
- Description:
- 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 1 and 15 January 1919. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: telegrams, memoranda, tables, and letters, containing instructions and reports.An index to the contents of this volume can be found at folios 3-21. The volume mostly relates to:Personnel strengths across multiple departments and unitsMatters relating to demobilisation, including: release of officers; repatriation of troops; administrative procedures; abolition of units and bureaucratic procedures; arrangements for interim personnel; comments on demobilisation orders; potential relaxation of censorship; and the sale of surplus animals, vehicles and materialsArrangements for the civil administration of Mesopotamia, including transfer of departments and personnel from military to civil controlMatters relating to oil fieldsProcedure for recommending British officers of the Indian Army for the Staff CollegeProposals to increase the Agricultural DirectorateDetails regarding road and railways construction in Mesopotamia and Persia [Iran]Details of traffic and tonnage [amounts of cargo] transported on railways and shipsStatus of rations and suppliesMatters relating to Persia, especially financial issues and leviesReports from Baku and Krasnovodsk [Turkmenbasy], especially regarding updates on the Georgians, Armenians and AzerbaijanMinor discussions about events and policy in the Caspian and Caucasus regions, as well as southern KurdistanArrangements for the post-war garrison in Mesopotamia, particularly the ratios of British and Indian troopsLists of sick and wounded soldiersIntelligence regarding German commanders and political officersMatters relating to staff, including: creation of posts; leave; and numbers requiredRepatriation of non-Turkish [non-Ottoman] prisoners of war and of Assyrians and ArmeniansMatters relating to the exchange and transport of personnel and supplies between Mesopotamia, India, Egypt, and PersiaMinor details of a Court of Enquiry held at Kasvin [Qazvin] into the mismanagement of government fundsIntelligence regarding Turkish demobilisationPort Directorate requirements.The volume also contains:Detailed statements of ration strength of Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force on 9 November 1918 (ff 52-59) and 23 November 1918 (ff 77-84)Statement of Animal Transport [types of animals and the vehicles they convey] for Force D for October 1918 (ff 60-65)Appreciations [reports] from the Directorate of Military Operations summarising the situation in Mesopotamia, Persia, and Turkestan [historic region in Central Asia] on 6 January (ff 90-91) and on 13 January (ff 184-185)Statements showing strength of the different contingents serving with Force D as of 2 November 1918 (ff 96-108) and 23 November 1918 (ff 131-133)Distribution of Force D on 7 December 1918 (ff 109-120), including corrections for the distribution as of 7 December and 14 December 1918Statement showing strength of British and Indian Personnel in Force D on 7 December 1918 (f 197)Field return for Force D showing number of personnel, animals, weapons, and transport vehicles on 2 November 1918 (ff 206-228).Whilst the volume contains copies of earlier material dating from September 1918 onwards, the bulk of the material dates from January 1919.Physical description: The foliation sequence 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 in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 3-228; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm