Abstract: This document opens by outlining the history of the boundaries between Persia and Seistan [Sīstān] and Persia and Mekran [Makran]. It goes on to discuss the involvement of the British with the dispute during the middle of the nineteenth century, and particularly focuses on the process of British arbitration. The document is largely compiled using extracts from, or references to, the correspondence of various Foreign Office officials.It was written by Lieutenant-Colonel Owen Tudor Burne, Secretary, Political and Secret Department, on 31 March 1875.Physical description: 5 folios
Abstract: This volume relates to the arbitration concerning Buraimi [Al Buraymī] and the common frontier between Abu Dhabi and Sa'ūdi Arabia. The main body of text is a publication, which is introduced as being a '[M]emorial submitted by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland'. The memorial, which was submitted to the arbitration tribunal, begins with an introduction and a copy of the Arbitration Agreement, concluded at Jedda [Jeddah] on 30 July 1954 and titled as follows: 'Arbitration Agreement Between the Government of the United Kingdom (Acting on Behalf of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and His Highness Sultan Said bin Taimur) and the Government of Saudi Arabia' (ff 8-10). The memorial itself is divided into two halves: vol I and vol II. Vol I (ff 10-83) provides an overview of the dispute, which is structured as follows:'Part I: The Nature of the Dispute Submitted to the Tribunal' (ff 10-14)'Part II: Topographical Description of the Two Areas in Dispute' (ff 14-17)'Part III: Historical Bases of the Claims of the Rulers of Abu Dhabi and the Sultan of Muscat to the Areas in Dispute' (ff 18-30)'Part IV: The Economy of the Disputed Areas' (ff 30-32)'Part V: The Tribes' (ff 33-39)'Part VI: The Exercise of Jurisdiction' (ff 40-44)'Part VII: Sa'ūdi Pretensions to an Ancestral Claim to Territories in Eastern Arabia' (ff 44-46)'Part VIII: Revival of the Sa'ūdi Dynasty After 1900, and the Subsequent Development of the Dispute' (ff 47-62)'Part IX: The Contentions of the Government of the United Kingdom in Regard to the Burden of Proof…' (ff 62-64)'Part X: The Contentions of the Government of the United Kingdom in Regard to the Factors Mentioned in Article IV of the Arbitration Agreement' (ff 65-83)'Part XI: Final Submissions of the Government of the United Kingdom Acting on Behalf of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and His Highness the Sultān Sa‘īd bin Taymūr' (f 83v).Vol II of the memorial (ff 84-254) is formed of thirteen annexes, which include the following: copies of texts of relevant treaties and engagements; copies of British documents relating to the history of Abu Dhabi and of the Buraimi Zone; copies of correspondence and documents relating to the development of the dispute; information about Līwa and the Buraimi Oasis; evidence concerning the exercise of jurisdiction by the Ruler of Abu Dhabi over the coast of the disputed area and the adjacent islands; notes on various tribes based in the disputed area; genealogical tables of the Rulers of Abu Dhabi, Muscat and 'Omān, and Najd.The volume concludes with a series of maps (some of which are photocopies and are reduced in size), relating to the disputed area (ff 256-264). It should be noted that Map B is not present. However, included with the other maps is a gazetteer of place names (ff 265-268), in which each place name is given map co-ordinates, presumably referring to positions on the missing Map B. Written in pencil on the first page is the following note: 'Evaluates Map B'.In addition, a small sketch map of Arabia appears at the beginning of the volume (f 4).The Arabic material consists of some text in a couple of the maps found at the rear of the volume.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio, which is contained within a pouch attached to the inside back cover, with 268; 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.
Abstract: This file consists of one handwritten and one typescript copy of a memorandum written in the India Office Political Department, in which the author describes the resolution, through British arbitration, of a dispute between the Governments of Persia and Afghanistan relating to the allocation of the Perso-Afghan boundary in Seistan.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 6; 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 document was compiled and signed by H Le Poer Wynne (Foreign Department) and covers the history of Seistan and Lash-Jowain [Lāsh-e Juwayn], including the dispute over sovereignty which led to the Anglo-Persian War (1856-7).The document is divided into the following sections:1. The history of the Province up to the Persian War of 1856-7.2. Events and correspondence regarding the Province from the period immediately preceding the Persian War of 1856-7 down to 1861.3. The alarm which Dost Mahomed's [Dost Mohammad Khan] advance on Furrah [Farāh]and Herat [Herāt]caused the Persian Government, and the correspondence which followed, 1861-1864.4. The views expressed by the Home Government during this period.5. The quiet occupation of the Province by Persia from 1864 to the end of 1867.6. Her further advance and raids into the territory of Sheikhnassoor, Furrah, and Candahar[Kandahār], from end of 1868 to present date.7. The despatches of the British Minister at Tehran regarding (1) Persia's apprehensions of Shere Ali's designs on Seistan; (2) the late raids into Afghan territory.8. Correspondence regarding the proposal to submit the matter to British arbitration.Much of the document is compiled using extracts from correspondence submitted between officials in Britain, Persia and Afghanistan.Physical description: 38 folios
Abstract: The volume discusses a dispute between the British and French Government’s over the use of French flags on Muscat dhows and individuals dhow owners from Muscat claiming to be protégés of France owing to their vessels being registered as French.The two governments agreed in October 1904 for the dispute to be taken to the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, and the award, which was approved by the British Government in September 1905, was concluded primarily in favour of the British Government’s position. The complete award in English and French can be found at folios 135-141.The papers include reports and discussions on other matters linked to the arbitration case including the limits of Oman territory; the question of ownership of Gwadar; and the legal status and nationality of the Khoja peoples residing within Muscat and Oman. The principal correspondents in the volume include the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Henry Charles Keith Petty-Fitzmaurice, 5th Marquess of Lansdowne); the Secretary of State for India (William St John Fremantle Brodrick, 1st Earl of Middleton); the Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department (Louis William Dane); the Viceroy of India (George Nathaniel Curxon, 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston); the Political Agent and Consul at Muscat (William George Grey); the French Consul at Muscat (Lucien-Ernest-Roger Laronce); the French Ambassador to the United Kingdom (Paul Cambon); and representatives of the Foreign Office and the India Office.The volume is part 1 of 3. Each part includes a divider which gives the subject and part numbers, year the subject file was opened, subject heading, and list of correspondence references contained in that part by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the back cover with 386; 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, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.Condition: The spine has become detached from the volume and has been placed in a polyester sleeve at the back of the volume as folio 395. The sleeve may result in some loss of sharpness in the digitised image.
Abstract: The volume comprises telegrams, correspondence, notes, reports, and memoranda regarding the question of the settlement of the French flag dispute between the British and French governments following the award of the arbitration tribunal at The Hague on the question of the grant of the French flag to Muscat dhows.The principal subject of discussion is the negotiations which took place at Muscat between the British and French Consuls to finalise and agree a list of dhow-owners who would continue to be permitted to carry French papers and fly the French flag under the arbitration award.Also discussed in the volume is an attempt by the French Government to claim that Omanis in the service of French subjects should also be permitted to fly the French flag and the British Government’s dispute of this claim.The volume concludes with the issuing of a proclamation by the Sultan of Muscat (Fayṣal bin Turkī Āl Bū Sa‘īd) regarding the settlement of the French flag question.The principal correspondents in the volume are the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Sir Edward Grey); the Political Agent and Consul at Muscat (William George Grey, and William Henry Irvine Shakespear); the Viceroy of India (Gilbert John Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 4th Earl of Minto); the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Percy Zachariah Cox); the French Ambassador to the United Kingdom (Paul Cambon); the French Consul at Muscat (Lucien-Ernest-Roger Laronce); and representatives of the Foreign Office and the India Office.The volume is part 2 of 3. Each part includes a divider which gives the subject and part numbers, year the subject file was opened, subject heading, and list of correspondence references contained in that part by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the first folio with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 334; 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 document was written by Sir Owen Tudor Burne on 19 November 1872, and is divided into the following sections:Section 1 - Brief abstract of Persia and Afghanistan History as connected with Seistan [Sīstān], including our policy in reference to the districtSection 2 - Geographical and Political Value of SeistanSection 3 - Progress of Arbitration in 1871-72, including a short account of Sir F Goldsmid's journeySection 4 - Abstract of General Goldsmid's Arbitral OpinionThe document concludes with 'General Remarks' from O T Burne about the situation.Physical description: 6 folios
Abstract: A memorandum explaining that Lord Canning, Viceroy and Governor General of India, had arbitrated between the two sons of Sultan Syud Saeed [Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Sulṭān Āl Bū Sa‘īd]upon his death. The two sons agreed the division of their inheritance between them as Sultans of Zanzibar and Muscat respectively, and the memorandum reproduces an Anglo-French declaration recognising the independence of the two sultans. The memorandum goes on to give the opinion of Sir E C Ross, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, regarding how Gwadar had originally fallen under the dominions of Muscat. The memorandum was written by Richard William Brant, Foreign Office.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at folio 86 and terminates at folio 90, as it is part of a larger volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Two additional foliation sequences are present in parallel; these numbers are also written in pencil, but one set is circled and crossed through, the other set is not circled.
Abstract: The file consists largely of correspondence between the Kuwait Political Agent (Gordon Noel Jackson) and the Persian Gulf Political Resident (Sir William Rupert Hay). The subject matter is a dispute between Dr Akopiantz and the Shaikh of Kuwait [Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ]; the former is claiming to have been dismissed without being given his full notice period. It therefore considers whether foreigners subject to the Kuwait Order in Council should be able to sue the ruling Shaikh, and to what extent the Political Agent should act as an arbitrator in such cases.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence 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. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 2-7; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled
Abstract: This file contains correspondence regarding relations between the Sultan of Muscat and followers of the Aga Khan (Sultan Muhammed Shah) in Muscat territory. In the letters, the Aga Khan requests the intervention of the India Office in settling the differences between the two parties. The letters are sent between the Aga Khan and various officials including individuals from the India Office, the Political Agents in Muscat and Bushire, the Political Resident in Bushire [Persian Gulf], and the Government of India.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 23; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The file concerns a new Persian Law of Arbitration passed by the Majlis in its session of 17 February 1935. It consists of correspondence sent to the Board of Trade by George William Rendel, Head of the Eastern Department, Foreign Office, and a despatch from Hughe Montgomery Knatchbull-Hugessen, HM Minister at Tehran, enclosing a translation of the law.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 1, and terminates at f 6, it is the second file in a larger physical volume, each file has its own foliation sequence; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The volume concerns diplomatic negotiations over the settlement of frontier issues between Transjordan and the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd.The file includes correspondence from: the Colonial Office; the Foreign Office; the High Commissioner for Transjordan; HM Chargé d’Affaires, Jeddah; and Fuad Hamza, Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd.The papers cover: the arbitration investigations of Mervyn Sorley MacDonnell [who was appointed by the British Government to examine claims arising from cross-border raids]; correspondence from MacDonnell concerning the use of the oath in Bedouin disputes, September 1930; correspondence concerning an insult to the Hejaz and Nejd Agent at Amman (Shaikh Abdul Aziz bin Zeid) in September 1930 by Hamad bin Jazi, of the Howaitat [Banū al-Ḥuwayṭāt] tribe, including the personal attitude to the insult of Ibn Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd], as 'the effective "Hejaz Government"'; reports of continuing cross-border raids into both Transjordan and Hejaz and Nejd; report by Royal Air Force Headquarters, Jerusalem, on the possibility of aggression by Ibn Saud against Transjordan or the Yemen (folios 235-243); complaints by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mecca, of 'insults' against their Agent, and representatives of their tribes, from certain subjects of Transjordan at Amman, October 1930; and protests by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mecca, against raids.The file includes a divider which gives the subject number, the year the subject file was opened, the subject heading, and a list of correspondence references contained 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 518; 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.