Abstract: The file consists of a letter from Richard Thomas Prowse, Secretary to the Board of Customs, to the Under Secretary of State for India concerning the question of whether the Customs Consolidation Act 1876, empowers the Board of Customs to require, under penalty, names of suppliers and consignees of arms, ammunitions, and munitions of war.It includes a copy of the case as laid before the Law Officers of the Crown and their opinion.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 73, and terminates at f 75, 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.
Abstract: Bound volume containing two secret reports, both authored by Colonel Wilfrid Malleson (referred to as Division of the Chief of the Staff in the first report, and Assistant Quarter Master General for Intelligence in the second), and both issued by the Division of the Chief of the Staff in 1909.The first report is entitled
Statistics regarding the Masqat [Muscat] Arms Traffic (Revised.)(ff 4-16), and contains several appendices and fold-out tables giving details of: caravan routes along which arms trafficking is carried out on the Makran coast; total values of arms and ammunition imported into Muscat and other Persian Gulf ports; importers and (European) exports of arms.The second report is entitled
Special Reports on the Masqat Arms Traffic, Season 1908-09(ff 17-60), and comprises a number of reports on the arms trade through Muscat, submitted by ‘secret agents’, and a map illustrating the arms traffic from Muscat to Persia, Baluchistan and Afghanistan (f 59). The report also includes two appendices, lettered G and H. Appendix G is a letter (in French) dated 28 October 1907, from M Pick to Messieurs Malcom and Company of Muscate [Muscat]. Appendix H comprises lists (in French) of arms for sale, with prices given in French francs.The voluime includes a map illustrating the Muscat arms traffic, dated 1909, indicating routes taken by the Muscat arms trade from the Persian (Makran) coast and inland, into Persia, Baluchistan and Afghanistan (f 59).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 62; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: this part also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This file concerns arms traffic outside of the Persian Gulf. Specifically, the document discusses what it refers to as the 'spasmodic' illicit traffic of arms (as opposed to 'systematic' traffic) which has been carried out by masters of dhows carrying other merchandise. Most of the file is concerned with the traffic of arms from Jibuti [Djibouti] – which is referred to as '
thedistributing centre [original italics]' for the arms trade outside of the Persian Gulf – to ports in the Gulf of Aden.The document provides a brief history (from a British perspective) of traffic from Jibuti in the years since the signing of the Brussels Convention in 1890. It summarises, and provides references to, letters and despatches from a number of British authorities, which discuss various issues relating to the arms trade out of Jibuti, including: the extent to which traffic at Jibuti has been regulated; the possible threat that the traffic poses to the Aden garrison; the effects of measures taken by the French to curtail the traffic from Jibuti; other possible ports of supply, such as Zanzibar, Muscat and the Aden Protectorate ports.Also discussed are the attitudes of the maritime chiefs to the arms traffic, the various preventive measures available to the Resident at Aden for dealing with the effects of the traffic at Aden, an account of measures taken both by the British Somaliland authorities and by the Italian authorities, and an evaluation of the naval measures taken by the British since 1901. The file concludes by noting that one possible solution to the problem could be the deployment of armed dhows, a measure which previously has been advocated by the naval authorities, the Viceroy and the Resident at Aden.The document is attributed to P H D [P H Dumbell, Reading Clerk to the Council, India Office].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 file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The file consists of notes and appendices providing a history of the arms trade up to 1908, prepared by C M Gibbon of the Persian Section of the Intelligence Branch, Quarter Master General's Department, Government of India.A preface is included by Wilfrid Malleson, Division of Chief of General Staff, India.It discusses: the monetary value of the arms trade, attempts to stop the import of arms into Persia, reported trade routes, import and export figures, the types of rifles and ammunition imported, and firms connected with arms traffic.The appendices include the following:an outline of the scheme inaugurated by Mr New of the Indo-European Telegraph Department for the prevention of illicit arms trade on the Makran Coast;lists of arms caravans known to have made their way from the Makran Coast into Afghan territory;a precis of the action taken by the Persian Government to prohibit arms caravans through South-East Persia;statistics for the value of arms and ammunition openly imported in the Masqat [Muscat] and Persian Gulf ports, monthly exports from the United Kingdom, imports into Masqat by foreign vessels, distribution from Masqat to Persian and Arabian Coasts, and the proportion of various forms of rifles and ammunition imported monthly;a statement of the departures for and arrivals at Masqat of vessels carrying arms and ammunition, and European firms connected with Masqat arms traffic.Also includes one map on folio 17: 'PLAN TO ILLUSTRATE ROUTES TAKEN BY ARMS CARAVANS BETWEEN THE MAKRAN COAST and the AFGHAN BORDER'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 18; 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.
Abstract: The file consists of a memorandum by Edmund Neel, Assistant Secretary Political and Secret Department, India Office, it describes proposals made to the French Government for restricting the trade in arms on the Red Sea and on the Somali Coast, and subsequent arrangements to effect them between the Political Resident and the French Consul at Aden.The file includes a series of extracts from letters by the Political Resident at Aden, discussing draft regulations prohibiting the export of arms into Obokh and adjoining French territory for recommendation to the French Government, and deals with the confusion as to whether to restrict or suppress the arms trade entirely. It includes a 'Draft Convention' and 'Draft Order in Council' from 1887.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 78, and terminates at f 81, 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 present in parallel between ff 78-81; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: Memorandum outlining developments in the suppression of the trade in arms in the Persian Gulf from 1908-28.Covering:introduction to arms traffic in Muscat, and the reduction in arms traffic in the Gulf as a whole;treaty engagements, etc., of states bordering on the Persian Gulf – including Persia, Bahrein [Bahrain], Koweit [Kuwait], the Trucial Coast, Turkey, and Muscat;the Arms Traffic Convention of 1919 and 1925 – the effect of the First World War, and objections of Persia to being classified as a prohibited area for the purpose of arms traffic;arms traffic in the Gulf, 1908-1919 – the suppression of arms traffic from Muscat in 1912, and agreements with Ibn Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd];arms traffic in the Gulf, 1919-1928 – conference held at Karachi in August 1921 concerning the danger of revival in the arms trade, and recommendations to combat this;summary.Written by John Gilbert Laithwaite of the India Office.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 71, and terminates at f 72, 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.
Abstract: This file consists of a memorandum written by William Lee-Warner, Secretary to the Political and Secret Department of the India Office, it concerns the arms trade in the Persian Gulf from 1881-98.The following topics are covered:Persian prohibition of the trade in arms and ammunition with Persian ports;the enforcement of the law;the seizure of arms;British interests in coming to agreement with the Persian Government and assisting in enforcing Persian regulations;methods of trade – secrecy;policy for the future.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 54, and terminates at f 55, 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.
Abstract: The volume, marked confidential, is
Report on the Arms Traffic, 1st July 1911 to 30th June 1913 (including a note on the operations of the Makran Field Force in April and May 1911), prepared by the General Staff, India, and printed at the Government Monotype Press, 1913. The report begins with a preface (folio 5) and is then divided into seventeen sections, plus appendices. The geographical scope of the report includes Persia, Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and Turkey. The report covers blockade measures, systems of intelligence, exporters from Europe, and prices.The note on operations of the Makran Field Force comes as an appendix and is written by Captain SG Craufurd, Gordon Highlanders Intelligence Officer, at Jask on 10 May 1911.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 22; 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: Monograph on the Hinterland of Aden as touching the states of Dthala, Yafa', Haushabi and Alwai; The Turkish Frontier; The transborder people: together with a few remarks on hinterland policy, written by Captain Harold Fenton Jacob, formerly Political Agent at Dthala, 6 December 1907.The monograph focuses primarily on the Amir of Dthala [Aḑ Ḑāli‘] (Amir Shaif) and his relations with his own tribes and subjects, as well as other neighbouring tribes and the British Government. Also discussed are relations between the Halmin, Al Afud [Radfān], Mifari, Mihrabi [Mihrābī], Humedi [Ḩumaydī] and Jabal Jihaf [Jabal Jiḩāf] tribes.The monograph also discusses the following topics:the inter-tribal relations of the Amir of Dthala and how they affect him;British relations with the Amir through the Political Agent at Dthala. Included within this is discussion of the invaluable work of the Dispensary at Dthala and of the work undertaken by the dispensary's staff in visiting villages to provide medical assistance;The tribal structure of the region focusing on the role of the 'Saiyid' priestly class; the position of women within the society and the potential role that education of future tribal chief's could play;the system of payment of stipendiaries to local chiefs and rulers to gain access to an area of the surrounding country; and the value, or not, of such a process;The Turkish border and its influence on Dthala politics and the Amir. Included within this is discussion regarding the border tribes, their lack of interest or meaning in a demarcation of the border, and their allegiances across both sides of the border;Haushabi affairs and British relations with the tribe;relations with the Alawi tribe, including an overview of Alawi-Kotaibi [Quṭaybī] relations;the arms trade in the area;affairs in the vicinity of Yafa' [Yafa'a], including the areas referred to by the British as Upper Yafa', Lower Yafa', and Yafa'-as-Sufāl.The monograph was printed at the Government Central Press, Bombay, 1908 on the recommendation of Major-General Ernest DeBrath, Political Resident at Aden.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 22; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: This file contains a selection of correspondence and enclosures compiled by the India Office Political and Secret Department relating to arms traffic in the Persian Gulf from 1897-98.Correspondents include: the India Office, the Foreign Office, the Marquess of Salisbury, the Secretary of State for India, the Chargé d'Affaires in Tehran, the Admiralty, the Viceroy of India, the Government of India, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, the Sultan of Muscat, and various British merchant companies.The following topics are discussed:measures for the control of trade in arms and ammunition with Muscat;the power of the Crown to prohibit the export of arms and to stop the importation by British subjects or in British vessels;the Customs Consolidation Act and other treaties with Muscat;treaty engagements of Bahrein;the search and seizure of shipments at Muscat and Bushire including the SS
Tripoli, and SS
Baluchistan;the registration of arms;grievances of British merchants over loss of trade.It contains three short treaty extracts in French.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 1, and terminates at f 27, 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.
Abstract: This file contains a selection of correspondence and enclosures compiled by the India Office Political and Secret Department relating to arms traffic in the Persian Gulf from 1897-98.Correspondents include: the Political Agent and Consul at Maskat [Muscat], the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, the Foreign Office, the Viceroy of India, the Board of Customs, the Consul-General for Fars, the Chargé d'Affaires in Tehran, the India Office, the Government of India, the Secretary of State for India, and various British merchant companies.The following topics are discussed:the seizure of arms on board SS
Baluchistan;an assessment of the current situation regarding arms traffic and steps recently taken for its suppression;British and Persian firms engaged in the arms trade;the confiscation of arms at Bushire;Persian prohibition, and British interests in coming to agreement with the Persian Government and assisting in enforcing Persian regulations;methods of trade;policy for the future;the registration of arms and ammunition;the case of Fracis Times & Co. v. The Sea Insurance Company (Limited)It contains three letters in French.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 28, and terminates at f 53, 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.
Abstract: Document outlining the administration and history of Muscat from 1908-28. Covering:administration – Sultan of Oman succession history; treaty relations; internal administration by Council of Ministers; role of the Political Agent, Muscat; and the responsibility for expenditure;1908 to 4 October 1913: Sultan Faisal – the successful suppression of arms traffic from Muscat;internal history of Muscat from the accession of Sultan Taimur, 4 October 1913 to 1928 – conditions for recognition of Sayid Taimur as ruler by His Majesty's Government; inefficiency of internal administration; proposals by the Political Agent for active interference in internal affairs by the Government of India and His Majesty's Government; the programme of reform accepted by the Sultan as condition of a loan; the results of the reform and loan; negotiations with Omani tribes; financial situation and the decision to employ a British Financial Advisor;relations between the Sultan of Muscat and Oman and the Ibadhi Tribes of Oman – the Oman Rebellion, 1913-21;foreign relations of Muscat, 1908-28 – treaty relations with France; relations with the United States of America, Dutch Government, Germany, Persia, and Ibn Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd];miscellaneous questions – the Muscat Order in Council; proposal for the establishment of a British Naval Base in the Musandim [Musandam] Peninsula; cession of Gwadur; oil in Muscat.It also includes a summary, lists points referred to in connection with the Persian Gulf Sub-Committee, and states the view expressed by the Government of India.Written by John Gilbert Laithwaite of the India Office.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 40, and terminates at f 48, 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.