« Previous |
1 - 12 of 140
|
Next »
Number of results to display per page
Search Results
1. 'Mesopotamian Antiquities'
- Description:
- Abstract: This printed memorandum by Sir Leonard Day Wakely (signed L D W), Political Department, India Office, dated 3 February 1921, provides an overview of antiquities in Mesopotamia [Iraq].The memorandum detail:the Ottoman administration of archaeology;German archaeological expeditions during the First World War;the declaration of a proclamation by the General Officer Commanding, dated 22 May 1917, declaring all antiquities are property of the Administration and questions;a request from the British Museum in November 1917 to the War Office to attach an archaeologist to the army in Mesopotamia, with Dr Henry Reginald Holland Hall dispatched in November 1918;preservation of certain important monuments, such as the ruins of Ctesiphon;Dr Hall and Reginald Campbell Thompson undertaking their own excavations and shipping the resulting collections to the British Museum, and a resulting ban on removing archaeological artefacts from Mesopotamia on 23 May 1919;general questions arising from this concerning requests for expeditions from the University of Philadelphia, Professor Stephen Herbert Langdon of the University of Oxford, and Professor James Henry Breasted of the University of Chicago;the question of establishing an Archaeological Department and Professor Albert Tobias Clay's suggestion of establishing a School of Archaeological Research in 1920;the Archaeological Joint Committee formed in 1918 and chaired by Sir Frederic George Kenyon; and the disposal of Samarra [Sāmarrā’];and other German collections stored in Mesopotamia and antiquities (the Lisbon Collection) seized by Portuguese authorities during the War.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover, and terminates at the inside back cover; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
2. ‘Camping grounds at Bahrain’
- Description:
- Abstract: The file comprises maps and notes prepared in anticipation of the stopping off at Bahrain of Indian Army regiments that were part of Indian Expeditionary Force D, which travelled from Bombay to Basra in October 1914, and went on to fight in the Mesopotamian campaign of the First World War. The regiments stopped at Bahrain between 23 and 30 October 1914. However, in spite of the preparations made, no troops or livestock left the Expeditionary Force ships which moored off the Bahrain coast.The file contains:three hand drawn maps (one original and two tracings) showing the proposed sites for camps, and planned routes for infantry and animals from the selected disembarkation points in Manama, to the camps (ff 4-5, ff 6-8, ff 9-11);a carbon-copied sketch map of a camp, located one mile south of Manama, with allocated plots within the camp for different regiments, many of which were part of the 6th (Poona) Division (f 3);a general note entitled ‘camping grounds in Bahrain Island’ (f 2);disembarkation notes, identifying the customs jetty, Political Agency jetty, and the Gray Paul & Company jetty, as the three points where disembarkation could take place (ff 12-13);a note on the availability of drinking water in Bahrain, including surface wells, deep wells, sea springs and island springs (ff 14-15);further notes on the two possible camping grounds identified (ff 16-18);a note on supplies, with brief details of fuel and fodder (f 19);notes for the ADMS [Assistant Director of Medical Services] on the climate and sanitary situation at Bahrain (f 20);duties of various people who would be involved in the disembarkation and supply of provisions (f 21).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.
3. 'Germany and the Middle East'
- Description:
- Abstract: This printed memorandum, by Joseph Austen Chamberlain, contains a report of a lecture 'Germany and the Middle East', by Dr Paul Rohrbach given at the Hamberg Volksheim which was printed in Hamburger Fremdenblatt, 3 December 1915.The report discusses Rohrbach's opinions on the current situation in Europe and how Germany now had an advantage following the opening up of routes to the Middle East and the Suez Canal through the provision of railways and money to Turkey. The lecture also focused on Germany's need for raw materials, how access to the Middle East can provide them with oil, minerals, cotton and wheat, and the potential future economic benefits posed by the war-time alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey. The lecture concludes with the suggestion that as Germany cannot compete with Britain in its Naval strength it could use the Suez Canal as a point of pressure to try to secure access to the sea and its own position in the heart of Europe.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation commences and concludes on folio 6, 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 former foliation sequence is also present in the volume; these numbers are also written in pencil, are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.
4. ‘Germany, Turkey, England and Arabia. [extracts from ‘The Fight for Arabia between Turkey and England’ by Dr Franz Stuhlmann]’
- Description:
- Abstract: Confidential memorandum containing a list of chapters and translated extracts from the book Der Kampf um Arabien zwischen der Türkei und England[The Fight for Arabia between Turkey and England] by Dr Franz Stuhlmann of the Hamburgischen Kolonialinstitut [Hamburg Colonial Institute], and published by George Westermann in Hamburg, 1916. The extracts, which begin on the verso of folio 1, are preceded by a note, written by Arthur Hirtzel, Secretary to the Political Department of the India Office, and dated 31 October 1916, which draws attention to the academic credentials of Stuhlmann’s book.The extracts from Stuhlmann’s book cover topics including: the province of Hejaz and the Hejaz railway; the Trans-Arabian railway; the University of Medina; Turkish reforms; Yemen and Asīr, including the railway from Hodeida [Al-Ḥudaydah] to Sanaa [Ṣanʻā']; English interests in southern Arabia; Muscat and Oman; Bahrein [Bahrain] and the Turkish province of El-Hasa [Al-Hasa]; the Wahabis [Wahhābīs] and their successors in Nejd [Najd]; Koweit [Kuwait]; oil deposits in Mohammerah [Khorramshahr]; navigation of the Tigris and Euphrates; Mesopotamia during the War; and extracts from Stuhlmann’s conclusion, which comments on the strategic importance to England of the Persian Gulf, and the importance to Turkey and Germany of the Shatt al-Arab.An appendix to the memorandum, entitled ‘The importance to Germany of an open Persian Gulf’ is a review of an article that appeared in the journal Europäische Staats und Wirtschafts Zeitung, 18 August 1916, entitled ‘Der persische Golf und die Verkehrspolitik der Mittelmächte’ [The Persian Gulf and the Commercial Policy of the Central Powers], written by Professor Gerhard Schott of the Deutsche Seewarte [German Hydrographic 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 booklet contains an original typed pagination sequence.
5. 'Disposal of conquered territories [Mesopotamia and German East Africa]. Note by India Office'
- Description:
- Abstract: This is a printed memorandum comprising of a note by the India Office, dated 28 October 1918, concerning the disposal of conquered territories in relation to Mesopotamia [Iraq] and German East Africa [modern-day Burundi, Rwanda and Tanganyika] in the context of the First World War. The memorandum is divided into two sections as follows: 'Mesopotamia' (folios 118-121) which discusses the political, religious, cultural and trade connections between India and the Government of India and Mesopotamia (also referred to as Turkish Arabia), as well as Britain's strategic interests in relation to the Persian Gulf; and 'German East Africa' (folio 121) which discusses the Government of India's interest in the region and the advantages offered by the colony for Indian immigration.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 118 and terminates at folio 121, 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 11-158; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.
6. 'Recent events in Persia.'
- Description:
- Abstract: This file consists of a report, written by Sir Arthur Hirtzel, Political Secretary, India Office, which provides the British perspective on recent events in Persia, from mid-1916 to early 1917. The report is divided into sections using headings, which cover the following locations: Tehran, Ispahan, Fars, Bushire, Kerman, Seistan and Khorassan.The report discusses the threat posed to Britain's position in Persia, mainly by Turkish troops, but also by tribal groups which are reportedly under the influence of German agitators.The report states that the Persian Government has acquiesced in the formation of a force [South Persia Rifles] commanded by Sir Percy Sykes, which will be incorporated into the Persian army and will amount to 11,000 men.The report concludes that the situation across Persia is 'in the highest degree unstable', with Turkish forces occupying 30,000 square miles of Persian territory.The report is followed by a cutting from the Daily Telegraph, dated 21 February 1917, which reports on a House of Lords session from the previous day, in which Earl Curzon [George Nathaniel Curzon] is reported to have spoken about Sir Percy Sykes's mission, and to have described the improvement in the general situation in Persia as considerable.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 68, and terminates at f 74, 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. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
7. 'FUTURE ADMINISTRATION OF MESOPOTAMIA'
- Description:
- Abstract: The item consists of:Extract from Lord Chelmsford (Frederick John Napier Thesiger)'s private letter of 18 October 1916: regarding the Government of India's existing responsibilities in relation to Mesopotamia; the likelihood of those responsibilities increasing; whether it might be possible to dissociate India from the administration of Mesopotamia; India's involvement in the Persian Gulf; India's likely future involvement with Basrah [Basra]; and Lord Chelmsford's vision for a largely independent administration in Mesopotamia, with India controlling external relations and military operations.Memoranda on the future administration of Mesopotamia, prepared at Mr Chamberlain's request, by Sir Thomas William Holderness, 9 January 1917: Regarding the potential need for a new agency, instead of the Government of India, to be responsible for territory in Southern Mesopotamia and agreements with Arab States that might be acquired at the outcome of the war (World War One); and the possible requirements and implications of administering such an area.Notes by Sir (Frederic) Arthur Hirtzel, 30 December 1916: regarding the need for a new dependency to be created, to include Arabia, Egypt, and the Soudan [Sudan]; the expected future role of the British Government in the Persian Gulf; and the likely need for the Government of India to take on responsibilities in Southern Persia.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 102 and terminates at folio 103, 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.
8. ‘The Arab Revolt. Views of an Indian Moslem [Muslim].’
- Description:
- Abstract: A secret memorandum containing an extract of a letter, received by Edward Ernest Long, former editor of the Indian Daily Telegraph, and written by an unnamed Indian Muslim. A copy of another letter, written by Long, dated 7 July 1916, precedes the main letter, in which Long describes the views of the Muslim as being ‘pro-Young Turk’, and a ‘fair exposition’ of the views of Indian Muslims. The letter from the Indian Muslim concerns Britain’s policy of non-intervention in the Holy Places of Islam, the Arab Revolt, and the bombardment of Jeddah in the Hedjaz [Hejaz/al-Ḥijāz] by a British naval vessel on 10 June 1916. The correspondent warns that the Arab revolt may hand the Turks a moral and military advantage, and cautions against British and Allied involvement in the Hejaz.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.
9. 'Arabia. Agreement with the Idrisi Saiyid regarding the Farasan Islands and other matters'
- Description:
- Abstract: Three documents are included in this file: the 'Supplementary Agreement concluded between His Majesty's Government and Saiyid Muhammad Bin Ali Bin Ahmed Bin Idrisi, the Idrisi' which was negotiated by Harold Fenton Jacob, First Assistant Resident Agent, Aden, and which recognises the ownership of the Farasan Islands by the Idrisi and guarantees British support in protecting the islands from hostile action; a letter from James Marshall Stewart, Political Resident in Aden, relating to his views on the agreement; and a 'Memorandum on the supplementary engagement concluded with the Idrisi Saiyad on 22nd January 1917' by H F Jacob. The latter document touches upon the hostility between the Turkish [Ottomans] and the Idrisi; it also discusses the Idrisi's concerns over whether Britain will win the First World War, and how this would impact upon the agreement and on future relations with the Turks.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 112, and terminates at f 113, 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; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
10. 'THE WAR WITH TURKEY. Note by the Under Secretary, India Office.'
- Description:
- Abstract: Note written by Sir Thomas William Holderness, Under Secretary of State, India Office, in response to Sir Arthur Hirtzel's memorandum on the war with Turkey (IOR/L/PS/18/B233).The note describes the recommendations of the Inter-Department Committee on Asiatic Turkey, which Sir Thomas Holderness was a member of, and which were based on the assumption by the Committee at the time of its convening that an allied occupation of Constantinople was only weeks away, that Russia would be in possession of the city and surrounding areas and that peace with the Turks would be possible.The committee's responsibility, in light of the assumptions, was as follows:To propose a scheme for Asiatic Turkey that would satisfy Russian, French, Italian and Greek interests in the region and which would suit the needs and requirements of Great Britain; possibilities included the complete partition of the region; the removal of the Ottoman Empire; and decentralisation of Turkey without the need for military intervention.The note goes on to consider potential concerns over German power and influence in Turkey; the dangers of any settlement with Turkey that would not include the ending of the Ottoman Empire; the risks from Germany gaining control of the Balkan States; the danger of pan-Islamism; the possibilities of British interests in the East being achieved if Germany is defeated and Turkey collapses as a military power; and the Mesopotamian Campaign and its development as a serious military operation.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 55 and terminates at folio 57, 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.
11. 'THE WAR WITH TURKEY. Memorandum by Political Department, India Office.'
- Description:
- Abstract: Memorandum, written by Sir Frederic Arthur Hirtzel, dated 25 May 1916, examining the implications of war with Turkey on Great Britain particularly the importance to Germany of a Turco-Ottoman alliance and the integrity of the Ottoman Empire, and the corresponding importance of its dissolution to Great Britain.The memorandum discusses Germany's need for raw materials and its realisation that supplies from Asiatic Turkey may take years to establish; the German threat to the Suez Canal and the Dardanelles; the threat to India from Mesopotamia; the dangers of Pan-islamism; the potential risks of waging war on a Moslem [Muslim] power, particularly given British relations in the Persian Gulf; and the possible outcomes of the war with Germany and the likely position of Turkey in relation to them.Enclosed with the memorandum are two appendices:Appendix I: Extract from an article by Dr Hans Delbrück in the Schwäbische Merkur17 May 1916, summarising the German ideal of 'weltpolitik' (world policy);Appendix II: Extract memorandum by Sir Mark Sykes on "The problem of the Near East", dated 20 June 1916.Sir Frederic Arthur Hirtzel is not named on the memorandum as its author, however IOR/L/PS/18/B234 refers to him as its author.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 51 and terminates at folio 54, 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 the volume; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.
12. 'Political Service in the Middle East'
- Description:
- Abstract: This printed memorandum, dated 25 October 1918, is a note by the India Office concerning a War Office memorandum of 21 October 1918 (E.C. 2042). It concerns political service in the Middle East in the context of the First World War and defines responsibility for the administration of Mesopotamia [Iraq] between the Foreign Office and the Government of India and India Office.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 97, and terminates at folio 101, 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 11-158; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.