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1. 'B. 56. Confidential 86/14 - v. BAHRAIN UNALLOTED AREA.'
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume comprises correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard Craven Fowle), the Political Agent at Bahrain (Hugh Weightman), the India Office (Roland Tennyson Peel, John Percival Gibson), the Secretary to the Government of India, External Affairs Department (Sir Aubrey Metcalfe), the Shaikh of Bahrain (Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah), Bahrain Petroleum Company (Hamilton R Ballantyne, Fred A Davies, Max W Thornburg), and Petroleum Concessions Limited (Frank Holmes, John Skliros) regarding the Shaikh of Bahrain’s proposal to grant a concession for the whole of the unallotted area, including the Hawar Islands, to the Bahrain Petroleum Company and His Majesty’s Government’s approval of the proposal.Following on from the approval of the proposal to grant a concession to the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) the correspondence focuses on discussion around the proposed agreement, to take the form of a deed of modification to BAPCO’s 1934 lease and the political agreement which would accompany the concession. The main areas of discussion including the definition of the area the concession would cover, and the need to include a pre-emption clause in the political agreement. Copies, in Arabic and English, of the draft deed of modification (ff 146-161, 170-180, 218-227) and draft political agreement (ff 133-139) are included in the volume.Also discussed in the volume is the conclusion of the sovereignty question relating to the Hawar Islands following the submission by the Shaikh of Qatar (Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Jāsim Āl Thānī) of a response to the counter-claims made by the Shaikh of Bahrain. On reviewing both claims and supporting evidence His Majesty’s Government's final decision was that islands belonged to Bahrain and not Qatar.Also included in the volume are copies of draft concession agreements put forward by Petroleum Concessions Limited including one for the Hawar Islands (ff 8-26) and one for the waters and islands of Bahrain, described as the shoal area (ff 44-65).A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 242-248Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 253; 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 6-241; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
2. 'C-85. 86/30 - I WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN BAHRAIN AND SAUDI ARABIA'
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume comprises correspondence regarding applications from the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) and California Arabian Standard Oil Company (CASOC), represented primarily by Hamilton R Ballantyne and Max Weston Thornburg, for permission to install wireless apparatus and operate wireless telegraphy between Dhahran [Aẓ-Ẓahrān] and Awali [ʻAwālī].The discussion, which is primarily between the Political Agent at Bahrain (Hugh Weightman, Reginald George Evelin Alban), the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard Craven Fowle, Charles Geoffrey Prior), the Senior Naval Officer in the Persian Gulf, the India Office (Roland Tennyson peel, John Percival Gibson, Esmond Walter Rawson Lumby), and the Imperial Communications Advisory Committee (William Warren Shaw-Zambra) relates initially to the question of whether Cable and Wireless have a monopoly on international telegraphic communications in Bahrain, and whether therefore such a proposal would infringe on that.The later correspondence discusses the wartime implications of such a communication service, particularly in regards to the question of censorship, and its possibilities as an advance warning of enemy aircraft from Arabia, which arises following the air raid on CASOC’s facility at Dhahran in 1941.Also discussed in the volume is a proposal for an agreement between Cable and Wireless and BAPCO whereby Cable and Wireless would operate the services required by BAPCO for a fee, but it was ultimately abandoned owing to restrictions laid down by the Saudi Arab Government that wireless communication between the two companies would only be permitted provided the recipient wireless sets in Bahrain were on BAPCO sites only.Other matters discussed in the volume include:the discovery that CASOC were using wireless sets on board launches and tankers outside of the territorial waters of Saudi Arabia to communicate direct with the USA and whether or not this contravened international laws or regulations;the potential expansion of the Bahrain refinery to accommodate wartime needs, using crude oil shipped from Saudi Arabia;an agreement made in 1935 between the Saudi Government, Sudan Government, Eastern Telegraph Company and Cable and Wireless which granted Cable and Wireless a monopoly in Saudi Arabia;concerns over the Saudi Arabian Mining Syndicate and their lack of awareness and concern over the need for secrecy in wartime.A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 186-193.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 197; 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 5-185; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
3. 'VOL. B. 60. CONFIDENTIAL 86/14 - vi. BAHRAIN UNALLOTTED AREA.'
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume comprises correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Charles Geoffrey Prior), the Political Agent at Bahrain (Hugh Weightman, Reginald George Evelin Alban), the India Office (Roland Tennyson Peel, John Percival Gibson), the Admiralty (Clifford George Jarrett), the Shaikh of Bahrain (Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah), and the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Hamilton R Ballantyne) and discusses the conclusion of negotiations in London for a political agreement to accompany the concession secured by the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) from the Shaikh of Bahrain for the unalloted area of Bahrain.The correspondence focuses primarily on the question of whether a pre-emption clause is required in the political agreement or whether a force majeure clause would be an acceptable alternative given His Majesty’s Government’s likely need for oil in wartime and other emergencies. The negotiations were concluded in June 1941 with the concession agreement being signed in Bahrain 19 June 1941 and the Political Agreement signed in London 29 June 1941.Other correspondence discusses a request made by the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) to accelerate their exploration work in the Unallotted area of Bahrain and the need for a final settlement of the terms of both the concession agreement and political agreement in order to support the company’s acceleration proposal.Also discussed is the drilling work undertaken by BAPCO in order to obtain structural information on their newly acquired concession area. The drilling work undertaken had also succeeded in finding drinking water on Fasht al Jibal [Fasht ad Dībal] and their intention to drill on Hawar Island included the intention to create water wells should drinking water be found there too. The correspondence concludes with the decision taken by BAPCO in 1941 to suspend their exploration work in new areas owing to a lack of available labour and to concentrate instead on their existing production and refining activities.Another topic under discussion in the volume is the question of the ownership of the Hawar Group of Islands with His Majesty’s Government reaching a decision in August 1939 that the Hawar Group of Islands belonged to Bahrain and not Qatar. Correspondence includes the Shaikh of Qatar (Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Jāsim Āl Thānī)’s dissatisfaction at the outcome.Later correspondence from 1941 includes the Political Agent at Bahrain and the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf expressing their concerns over the decision that was reached and suggesting that the evidence be reconsidered and an expert in that area such as Sir Clive Kirkpatrick Daly be consulted for his opinion on the question.As part of the discussions a request is made to the Air Vice-Marshall, Commanding British Forces in Iraq for a photographic mosaic to be taken of the Hawar Group of Islands. The mosaic was required in order to determine a line of division between the territorial rights of Bahrain and Qatar.Also discussed was the question of ownership of the island of Fasht Dibal [Fasht ad Dībal], which was at that time claimed by Bahrain; regarding the Political Resident’s scepticism regarding the validity of Bahrain’s claim and the question of whether the Shaikh of Qatar should be given the opportunity to put forward any claim he had towards the island.One other matter of note within the volume relates to reports and rumours of attempts by Turkish officials at Hasa to secure their authority over the district they controlled. These attempts were alleged to include Turkish officials visiting Zakhnuniya Island [Jazirat az Zakhnūnīyah] to try and convince the Dowasir tribe there to swear allegiance to Turkey; it is claimed their intention was to take control of Dohah [Doha], and perhaps the whole Katar [Qatar] peninsula from the Shaikh of Qatar. The alleged movements of Turkish officials on Zakhnuniya Island resulted in an official protest being made by the Shaikh of Bahrain who considered the island to be part of his territory.A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 214-227.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside of 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. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 188-227; these numbers are also written in pencil, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence, but they are not circled. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
4. ‘Oil concession signed by the Shaikh of Bahrein in favour of the Eastern and General Syndicate on the 2nd December 1925 (as revised up to 12th January 1934).’
- Description:
- 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.
5. 'Dated 3rd June, 1936. HIS EXCELLENCY SHAIKH Sir HAMAD BIN SHAIKH 'ISA AL KHALIFA, K.C.I.E., C.S.I., SHAIKH OF BAHRAIN AND THE BAHREIN PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED. DEED OF MODIFICATION OF LEASE [COPY] dated 29th December, 1934.'
- Description:
- 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.
6. 'Ext 2309/43 Texas Oil Co and Bahrain Petroleum Co'
- Description:
- Abstract: The file contains correspondence and telegrams from the Government of India, External Affairs, and Defence Departments; the India Office Economic and Overseas Department; the Secretary of State for India; and Texas Oil Company Ltd, regarding the delivery of calcium chloride, emery cloth, glass paper, cement, and other materials to the Bahrain Petroleum Company.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 55; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
7. ‘Sketch Map Showing the Approximate Locations of the Bahrein Oil Co's. Establishments and other Important Points’
- Description:
- Abstract: The map illustrates Bahrein Island [Bahrain], and shows the location of Key Bahrein Oil Company establishments on the island. The locations of Manama, Muharraq Town, and Rifa'a-Ash-Sharki are indicated. The locations of the landing ground and the alighting area for flying boats have been underlined with blue crayon.The scale is 1 inch to 4 miles.The map was printed by the Simla Drawing Office and includes a printing statement which reads ‘S.D.O. No. 683 Feb. 1940-150’.Physical description: Dimensions: 273 x 187mm, on sheet 315 x 250mmMaterials: Printed on paper
8. ‘Sketch map showing the approximate locations of the BAHREIN OIL Co’s. establishments and other important points.’
- Description:
- Abstract: This sketch map shows the northern part of Bahrein Island [Bahrain Island], Muharrak Island, and Sitra Island. It indicates the approximate locations of establishments of the Bahrein Oil Company [the Bahrein Petroleum Company], including the oil fields, the refinery, the loading lines (pipes) carrying the refined oil from the refinery through a terminal station on Sitra Island to a loading wharf at sea, the water pumping stage and crude oil landing stage, and the personnel camp at Awali.It also indicates Manama on Bahrein Island and Muharrak Town on Muharrak Island, and shows other features including: the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC) petrol store; the British Political Agency; the power station; the police headquarters; the wireless receiving and direction finding station; the wireless transmitting and cable station; the seaplane alighting area; the Royal Air Force rest house; Jufair Naval Base; and the landing ground on Muharrak Island.Physical description: Materials: Blueprint on paperDimensions: 270 x 211mm on sheet 303 x 247mm
9. 'Confidential 86/7-I c-66 AERIAL SURVEY OF BAHRAIN IN CONNECTION WITH B.P.C. OPERATIONS'
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains correspondence between the Political Agent at Bahrain (Percy Gordon Loch), the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard Craven Fowle), and the Air Officer Commanding at Baghdad (Ernest Leslie Gossage) regarding a request from the Bahrain Petroleum Company (B.P.C.) to arrange an aerial survey of Bahrain in order to identify types of land usage within the geographic area included in their mining lease.Matters discussed include British officials preference for the Royal Air Force to undertake such a survey; the Air Officer Commanding's confirmation that they had intended to undertake a full survey of Bahrain anyway and that providing a copy to the Oil Company would therefore not be a problem; the intended scale of the photographs being taken and the price of supplying copies of the survey photographs. The survey was undertaken in February and March 1936.File notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folio 16.Physical description: Foliation: The main foliation sequence (used for referencing) 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. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 5-16; these numbers are also written in pencil, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence, but they are not circled.
10. 'CONFIDENTIAL 86/9-I OIL REFINERY BAHRAIN PETROLEUM COMPANY. C-64'
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains correspondence between the India Office (Maurice Clauson), the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Hamilton R Ballantyne), the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard Craven Fowle, Percy Gordon Loch) , the Political Agent at Bahrain (Percy Gordon Loch), and the Government of Bahrain (Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah, Charles Dalyrmple Belgrave) regarding the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO)’s wish to erect an oil refinery in Bahrain.The primary subject of discussion in the volume is the Bahrain Petroleum Company’s interest in erecting a refinery in Bahrain; the possible markets for oil produced by it; the Admiralty’s interest in the potential value of access to petrol during wartime conditions; and the possibility of using a refinery in Bahrain to refine imported oil. Also discussed is the Company’s interest in securing further tax exemptions from the Bahrain Government in relation to establishing a refinery; an agreement to increase the minimum amount of royalty paid by BAPCO to the Bahrain Government; and the desire of the Shaikh of Bahrain to ensure that every effort would be made to employ Bahraini subjects at the refinery once complete.Other matters discussed in the volume include:BAPCO’s intention of loaning American refinery construction workers from the Standard Oil Company of California to work on construction of the refinery at Bahrain, and arrangements with the British Consul-General in San Francisco (Cyril H Cane) for the issuing of visas to the relevant individuals;the drafting of a deed which would modify the mining lease between BAPCO and the Government of Bahrain in order to enable the erection of a refinery in Bahrain, and the procedures required for its signature in Bahrain. A copy of the original mining lease can be found at folios 6-16, and a copy of the deed modifying the lease can be found at folios 167-170.BAPCO’s intention of attempting to acquire some of the plant for the refinery from Germany and the need for the plant to be accompanied by 2 Germans to assist in its erection and to oversee the training of BAPCO staff in its use.A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 213-217.Physical description: Foliation: The main foliation sequence (used for referencing) 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. An additional mixed foliation/pagination sequence is also present in parallel between ff 6-217; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. The parallel sequence is located in the same position as the main sequence, although some folios are also numbered on the verso.
11. 'Confidential 86/14-I. B.39. Petroleum Concessions Limited Bahrain'
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard Craven Fowle, Percy Gordon Loch); the Political Agent at Bahrain (Percy Gordon Loch, John Baron Howes); the India Office (John Charles Walton, Maurice Clauson); the Petroleum Department (Frederick Charles Starling); the Shaikh of Bahrain (Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah); the Adviser to the Government of Bahrain (Charles Dalrymple Belgrave); Petroleum Concessions Limited (John Skliros, Stephen Hemsley Longrigg, Frank Holmes); and the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Hamilton R Ballantyne, Edward Allen Skinner) regarding negotiations for a concession in the unalloted area of Bahrain including territorial waters and islands.The volume concentrates primarily on negotiations for a concession in the unalloted area of Bahrain following an initial approach from Petroleum Concessions Limited (PCL) and the Shaikh of Bahrain’s decision to inform the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) should they wish to compete with PCL for the concession. Offers for the concession area are made by both companies and included in the volume, along with later discussion regarding the possibility of dividing the remaining concession area in two and granting separate concessions, one for the unalloted area on the mainland and the other for the Hawar Islands and other territorial islands. Copies of the draft agreement produced by Petroleum Concessions Limited, and later amendments can be found at folios 5-22, 91-107.Also discussed is the potential of over-lapping rights should a concession be granted for the unallotted area and suggestions that a concession for that area might contain a clause granting subordinate rights in some areas in order to respect rights granted to BAPCO in their agreement. The rights related to access to fresh water, roads and harbours.Further discussion surrounds the ‘Bahrain Islands’ focusing particularly on the Hawar group of islands and whether they were owned by Bahrain, as claimed by the Shaikh of Bahrain and could therefore be included in a concession for the unalloted area. The resulting enquiries made by the India Office concluded that it appeared Bahrain owned the islands, and that the burden of disproving ownership rested with any other potential claimant.A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 221-227.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the back cover with 231; 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 23-220; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
12. 'Confidential 86/14-ii B.47 PETROLEUM CONCESSIONS LTD. BAHRAIN'
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume comprises correspondence between the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Trenchard C Fowle, Percy G Loch, Olaf K Caroe, Hugh Weightman), the Political Agent at Bahrain (Percy G Loch, Hugh Weightman, Tom Hickinbotham, John B Howes), the India Office (Maurice J Clauson, Roland T Peel, John C Walton, John P Gibson), the Shaikh of Bahrain (Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah), the Adviser to the Government of Bahrain (Charles D Belgrave), Petroleum Concessions Limited (John Skliros, Stephen H Longrigg, Frank Holmes, Ernest V Packer) and the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Hamilton R Ballantyne, Edward A Skinner) regarding negotiations for a concession in the unalloted area of Bahrain which would include Bahrain's territorial islands and the Hawar Group of Islands.The correspondence centres on the Shaikh of Bahrain’s decision to postpone negotiations for one year until May 1938 in order to concentrate on the resolution of his ownership claim to Zubarah [Az Zubārah] which was being contested by the Shaikh of Qatar (Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Jāsim Āl Thānī). Later correspondence relates to the Shaikh’s decision to split the unalloted area into two concessions with the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) being granted the remaining area on the main island and some territorial waters including Sitrah Island; and Petroleum Concessions Limited (PCL) being granted the Hawar Group of Islands and a number of other territorial islands and waters along with an allocated site at Muharraq for use in constructing a refinery and storage areas.Also included is continued discussion around the question of ownership of the Hawar Islands and Fasht Dibal [Fasht ad Dībal]. The India Office concluded that their evidence supported the Shaikh of Bahrain’s claim to the islands and that therefore responsibility for disputing the claim lay with any other potential claimants. The question under discussion however was whether to make the Shaikh of Qatar, as the other potential claimant, aware of their conclusions.Other matters discussed in the volume include:the question of oil rights to Zubarah, which had been granted under the Qatar Oil Concession, and the assurance given by the Shaikh of Bahrain to His Majesty’s Government that should his claim of ownership to Zubarah be recognised it would not affect the Qatar Oil Company’s work in that area;notes on a meeting at the India Office with Hamilton R Ballantyne, a representative of the Standard Oil Company of California who were interested in oil concessions on the Trucial Coast as well as the unalloted area of Bahrain.discussion regarding Major Frank Holmes’ actions during his work for PCL in 1936/1937 on the Trucial Coast and the Political Resident’s wish to prevent him from travelling to Bahrain or the Trucial Coast in order to prevent further potential confusion and intrigue. Also reported on is a conversation between the Political Agent at Kuwait and Major Holmes at which Holmes' vision for oil concessions to drill under the pearl banks between Bahrain and Qatar is revealed.A series of file notes which were maintained as a record of the correspondence in the volume can be found at folios 193-200.The correspondence with the Shaikh of Bahrain and various draft concession documents are in English and Arabic.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the back cover with 205; 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 6-192; these numbers are written in pencil and red crayon, are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.