Abstract: This item contains graphic descriptions of slavery.This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, and consultations, cited in, or enclosed with, political and secret letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. The main correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; Captain Stafford Bettesworth Haines, British Political Agent at Aden; Khojah Reuben, Native Agent at Muscat; the Government of India; Captain Atkins Hamerton, British Agent at Muscat on a mission to Zanzibar; Captain Samuel Hennell, British Resident in the Persian Gulf. It is the third in a series of three items concerning the trade in enslaved people (the others are IOR/F/4/1958/85478 and IOR/F/4/1959/85479).The item concerns:British proposals of methods to end the trade in enslaved people and potential political and practical consequences of these methodsThe extent of slavery and the trade in enslaved people at Zanzibar and India, and the involvement of the Imam of Muscat [Sayyid Sa‘id bin Sulṭan Al Bu Sa‘id] and his shipsThe kidnap and sale of women from IndiaThe involvement of individuals in the Persian Gulf in the trade in enslaved peopleThe difficulties of determining the nationality of crews and ships for the purpose of applying pre-existing treaties which limit the trade in enslaved peopleThe case of the
Kallah Kassaim[
Qal'ah Qasim], which transported enslaved people while flying British colours and subsequently changed to flying the Imam of Muscat’s flag, including copies of her licence and passThe importation of enslaved people into Shargah [Sharjah] and the non-cooperation of Sultan bin Suggur [Shaikh Sultan I bin Saqr al-Qasimi, Shaikh of Ra’s al-Khaymah] in resolving this matter; the eventual release of four Soomalee [Somali] women, the circumstances of their enslavement, and their return to BerberaA dispute between Sultan bin Suggur and Khalifa bin Shaikboot [Shaikh Khalifah bin Shakhbut Al Nahyan, Shaikh of Abu Dhabi] involving each of them plundering the other's territoryRelations between British and American citizens at Zanzibar and the influence of their respective officials over the Imam of MuscatThe arrival of Her Majesty’s sloop of war
Lilyat Zanzibar, and her seizure of the
Joshua Carrollon suspicion of her being equipped to carry enslaved peopleThe trade in enslaved people at Berbera and the possibility of its suppression.The item includes letters sent by the Imam of Muscat to Queen Victoria, Lord Aberdeen [George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen], and Lord Palmerston [John Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston] requesting that they modify their plans for the suppression of the trade in enslaved people (ff 210-219).The item includes a contents page and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Draft 596, P.C. [Previous Communication] 3593, [Season] 1842’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 4 and terminates at f 220, 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.
Abstract: Memorandum providing an overview of the external developments which took place in the Trucial States, covering 1908-28, and how problems presented by the States stand at the time of writing.Covering:introduction – to the memorandum itself; Trucial Chiefs; administration; responsibility of political control by the Government of India; and political expenditure;internal History, 1908-28 – noting it is not to be repeated in this memorandum, but does include a section on an agreement concerning oil concessions;external developments affecting the Trucial Sheikhs, 1908-28 – the rise of Ibn Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd] and activity of the Wahabis [Wahhabis]; the reassertion of Persian authority in the Persian Gulf, particularly Henjam; and Persia challenging the independence of Trucial Chiefs, particularly Tamb;It includes a summary detailing the problem of Ibn Saud and the Wahabi [Wahhabi] movement, the question of an Imperial air route along the north Arabian coast, and the importance of British influence in the Gulf. A list of points referred to in connection with the Persian Gulf Sub-Committee, and the view expressed by the Government of India are also given.Written by John Gilbert Laithwaite of the India Office.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 53, and terminates at f 56, 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: Distinctive Features:Title corrected to: ‘Sketch map of the QATAR PENINSULA’.Relief shown by hachures.Coast between Zubara and Jabel al Tabena outlined in red.Numerous additions and corrections to place names and topographical features.‘Al Doha’ underlined in blue crayon and ‘DOHAH’ added in later hand with coordinates inserted in pencil and annotation: ‘All these villages now form the town of Dohah the capital of QATAR’.Physical description: Material:Pen and ink with wash on paper with additions in pencilDimensions:765 x 460 mm
Abstract: Imprint:Copied by Mohommad Hashim H.E. the High Commissioner’s Office. Reproduced by Survey Directorate Baghdad, No.811, Dated 3-6-21.Distinctive Features:Relief shown by contours and spot heights.Upper margin: 'Map attached to appendix III of H.E. the High Commissioiner’s dispatch No. C.O/120 dated 9th December 1921'.The administrative boundary marked on the map is approximate and coincide with the Treaty boundary in the Nerva Reikan neighbourhood.Includes key to symbols and table of reference.Physical description: Dimensions:195 x 319 mm, on sheet 285 x 362 mm
Abstract: Distinctive Features:Depths shown by soundings recorded in feet.Shows the proposed development at Khawr al Qulay'ah, Bahrain with additions marked in red ink and position of signalling devices indicated. Below title is an annotation stating that if to be used at night all buoys and beacons must be lit as shown.Physical description: Materials:Print on tracing paper with additions in red inkDimensions:467 x 436 mm, on sheet 497 x 459 mm
Abstract: This item consists of extracts from political letters received by officials of the Government of Bombay, containing enclosures regarding the political situation at Muscat following the death of the Imaum, Syed Sultaun [Sayyid Sulṭān bin Aḥmad Āl Bū Sa‘īd, also written in the correspondence as Seyud Sooltan and Said Sultan]. He lost his life on 13 November 1804 during a sea fight with Wahabee [Wahabi, also written as Wahaubee in the correspondence] forces in the Persian Gulf (written as Gulph throughout). Also covered are alleged depredations committed by Joasmee [Qāsimī, also written as Gausemee] pirates in the Gulf.The enclosures discuss the following: the Imaum's death; relations between Muscat and the East India Company (EIC); the security of trade in the Gulf following the Imaum's death; hostilities in Muscat (between the son and brother of the Imaum over control of the city); issues with Wahabee pirates; the succession of the Imaum and the implications for the East India Company; the supervision of the arrival of EIC ships; the question of how to resolve the unstable situation in the Gulf.The item includes statements by Captain Cumming of the
Trimmerand Captain Babcock of the
Shannondescribing the capture of both ships by Gulf pirates. Also included are instructions issued by Samuel Manesty, Resident at Bussora [Basra], to the commanders of the
Antelope,the
Queenand the
Mornington, regarding their movements in the Gulf . In addition, the item includes a translation of a written engagement from the Imaum of Muscat, dated 1798 (ff 55-56) and an agreement between the Imaum and Captain John Malcolm, dated 1800 (f 57).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 1, and terminates at f 57, 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 file also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: The file consists of a confidential printed report entitled 'Sherif of Mecca'. The report contains transcriptions of correspondence, a statement by a messenger (described below), and notes relating to Sherif Hosayn, the Sherif [Shereef] of Mecca [Ḥusayn bin ‘Alī], particularly in terms of his relations with the United Kingdom and the Ottoman Empire. The report contains the following sections:Dispatch from His Majesty's High Commissioner for Egypt (Sir Arthur Henry McMahon), dated 26 August 1915;Communication from the Sherif of Mecca to Mr Storrs [Ronald Henry Amherst Storrs], Oriental Secretary to British Representative Cairo, dated 14 July 1915;Statemement of Messenger, Mohammed Ibn Arif Ibn Oreifan, 18 August 1915;Family and Agents of the Sherif, by 'R S' [Ronald Henry Amherst Storrs], dated 19 August 1915;Note on communication from the Sherif of Mecca, by 'R S' [Ronald Henry Amherst Storrs], dated 19 August 1915;Letter from Sir Arthur Henry McMahon to His Highness the Sherif Hosayn (undated).The file contains five copies of the report, only one of which has been foliated and digitised.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation commences at 1 on the first folio and terminates at 4 on the last folio. The numbers are written in pencil, are enclosed in a circle, and appear in the top right corner of the recto page of each folio.Pagination: the document also has an original printed pagination, numbered 2-7 (folios 1-4).
Abstract: Memorandum covering: the status and governance of El Katr [Qatar], relations with His Majesty's Government, and treaties with and affecting El Katr during the period 1908-28.Written by John Gilbert Laithwaite of the India Office.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences and terminates at f 52, as it is part of a larger physical volume; this number is written in pencil, and is located in the top right corner of the recto side of the folio.
Abstract: The volume, stamped ‘Secret’ on the front cover and frontispiece, is a précis of British Government correspondence relating to international rivalry and British policy in the Persian Gulf between 1872 and 1905. It was prepared by Judge Jerome Antony Saldanha of the Bombay Provincial Civil Service, and published in 1906 by the Government of India Foreign Department, Simla, India.Saldanha’s preface to the volume, dated 29 January 1906, lists other volumes of the Persian Gulf Précis where materials relating to British policy in the Gulf may be found, and summarises the change in British policy in the Gulf under Lord Curzon’s [Viceroy of India, 1899 to 1903) administration (from ‘“spirited” active policy’ to ‘passive vigilance’). The contents of the volume’s chapters (with chapter titles shown in italics) run as follows:1.
Evidences of Foreign activity in the Persian Gulf, covering: the increase in Russian influence in the Gulf (movements of Russian individuals and the appearance in the Gulf of Russian merchant vessels); French and German activity in the Gulf, including the Frenchman Hyacinthe Chapuy; the activity of other foreign powers (chiefly the United States); and a tabulated list of foreign naval vessels known to have visited the Gulf;2.
Colonel Pelly’s proposal for establishing the Political Residency main Telegraph Station and Coal Depot near Cape Mussandim[Musandam, Oman]
, 1863;3.
Suggestions for improving British interests in Persia and the Persian Gulf, 1885-86;4.
General policy in the Gulf, 1899-1903,including: Lord Curzon’s despatches on foreign activity in the Persian Gulf and measures to be taken to maintain British interests; Lord Curzon’s despatch, dated 9 November 1901, on Russia’s intentions to construct a railway line through Persia, and Russia’s designs on the Persian Gulf; a minute, written by Lord Curzon, on Russian ambitions in eastern Persia and the Persian Gulf; important pronouncements and declarations of policy by the Marquess of Lansdowne (Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, then British Secretary of State for War), 1902-03;5.
Lord Curzon’s tour in the Persian Gulf, November to December 1903;6.
Selection of a naval basis in the Persian Gulf. Question of control and jurisdiction over the coast of Khor Kalba[Kalbā]
, on the Batinah coast to Tibbat near Khor-as-Shem[Khor ash Shamm], including: movements of the Russian cruiser
Gilyakin the Persian Gulf, 1900; the question of control of the entrance to the Persian Gulf, and jurisdiction over the coast from Kalba to Tibbat; the political and strategic value of Kishm [Qeshm] and Hormuz, and the question of the telegraphic connection with Bassidore, 1902; reoccupation of the old telegraph buildings at Elphinstone inlet and the erection of flag staffs at certain points near Mussandim [Musandam]; the Fajeira [Fujairah] dispute;7.
Telegraphic communications with Maskat[Muscat]
, Henjam[Jazīreh-ye Hengām]
and Bandar Abbas[Bandar-e ʻAbbās]
, 1899-1905, including: telegraphic connections with Maskat, and proposals for the extension of the line to Bandar Abbas, reestablishment of the telegraph station at Henjam; extension of the telegraph line to Bandar Abbas; encroachment of Persian customs officials on telegraph station ground at Henjam, and the erection of Persian and customs flag staffs on the island; Persian customs interference with Henjam mail bags, 1904-05;8.
Our position at Bassidore[on Qeshm island], including: the alleged intention of Russians to take possession of Kishm [Qeshm], and the British position at Bassidore; the extent of Bassidore territory; proposed emigration of the Bu Smeit tribe from Lingah [Bandar-e Lengeh] to Bassidore, 1987-1901; the desire of Shaikh Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Mether of Jezirat Shaikh Shuaib to emigrate to Bassidore, 1902; proposed British trading settlement at Bassidore, 1902; immigration of Persian subjects to Bassidore, 1905; refusal of the Persian merchant Moin-ut-Tujjar’s request to be allowed to store red ochre at Bassidore, 1905;9.
Marine survey of the Persian Gulf of certain naval harbours in the Gulf, including: surveys of Bahrain waters, Bushire and Koweit [Kuwait] harbours and Khor Abdulla; survey of Khor Kaliya, Bahrain; report on Khor Musa; report on Charbar Bay;10.
Protection from foreign enterprise the rights of Arab tribes in the pearl fisheries of the Persian Gulf.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, with page numbers located top and centre of each page.Condition: There is a small amount of insect damage, in the form of small holes, to most pages. This damage is restricted to the margins of the pages, and therefore does not affect any text.
Abstract: Memorandum, written by Richard William Brant and Edward Parkes of the Foreign Office, Apr 1913 regarding navigation on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The memorandum is divided into four parts:Historical Memorandum respecting the navigation of the Mesopotamian rivers. The memorandum describes the history of British relations with Turkish Arabia and the progress of their relations in order to determine the rights that Great Britain possesses which allow it to participate in the trade and navigation of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The memorandum covers both the period where rights were acquired by the East India Company (1579-1859) and from 1860s onwards where rights and special privileges were acquired and maintained on behalf of the Tigris and Euphrates Steam Navigation Company (folios 8-66);British rights by treaty with regard to the navigation of the Tigris and Euphrates, which looks at the rights accrued by Great Britain through treaties with the Ottoman Government and through the Ottoman Empire's treaties with other nations (folios 67-70);Conclusions, which summarises the conclusions that can be drawn from the information provided in both the historical memorandum and the treaties sections (folios 71-74);Chronological Table covering the period 1759 to 1912, with annual entries from 1873 onwards (folios 75-119) ;Annex: Instances where the employment of British steamers in the navigation of the Tigris and Euphrates has been asserted or admitted to be limited by the Firmans of 1834 and 1841;Appendices: 34 items which are listed on folio 122, and include extracts and copies of Treaties, Firmans, Memorandum, Circulars and other relevant documents covering the period 1718 to 1912.Physical description: Foliation: The main foliation sequence commences at the inside 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 (except for the front cover where the folio number is on the verso). An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between folios 4-139; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.Pagination: The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This volume contains correspondence predominantly between Major W G Grey, Officiating Political Agent; Percy Zachariah Cox, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf at Bushire; the Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department; and A Barnett Barker, Lieutenant-Commander, HMS
Lapwing; and Fayṣal bin Turkī Āl Bū Sa‘īd, the Sultan of Muscat. The volume primarily concerns a dispute between Great Britain and France with regards to the flying of the French flag by Muscat dhow boats, resulting in arbitration by the Hague Tribunal. Subjects discussed within the volume include:The case of a British ship (HMS
Terpsichore) boarding a vessel flying the French flag (folios 320-324);The French Consul's visit (folio 76);A landing at Gwadar in 1896 by the Perso-Baluch Boundary Commission without reference to the Sultan of Muscat (folios 111, 119);The objection to the inclusion of the Sultan in the Hague Arbitration (folio 7) and selection of members for the Hague Arbitration (folio 14);The captain Ali bin Salim Walad Taib [‘Alī bin Sālim Walad Tayyib?] (folio 289);Boundaries of Muscat as given for the Hague Arbitration (folios 168, 231, 266);Instructions that the Political Agent should not interfere with French consul's visit (folio 76);The case of ‘Abd al-Ḥasan bin ‘Abdullāh, known as Habluk (folio 67-68);The treatment of the Khoja's (f. 42); Nasib bin Muhammad [Naṣīb bin Muḥammad] (folio 67);The naval contractor and French protection (folio 60);Russian interests (folio 17);Question of the flag on Telegraph Island off Musandam (folios 201, 27);Boundaries with Ras-el-Khaimah (Ras al-Khaymah)and Shargah (Sharjah) (folio 200); slave trade under French flag (folio 320).Documents of particular interest include:Agreements between the United Kingdom and France referring to Arbitration: the Question of the Grant of the French Flag to Muscat Dhow, February 1905 (folios 1C-4);Memorandum regarding the history of the Khoja Community now in Oman (folios 39-45); letters of Faysal bin Turki Al Bu Said (folios 47, 53-54);Documents concerning the interpretation of a 15 June 1900 (16 Ṣafar 1318) notification (
‘ilān) in Arabic by Faysal bin Turki regarding flying flags of foreign governments (folios 134-144, 179-186);'List of dhow owners supposed by French to be under their protection' (folios 177-178);And Nine separate notes in reply to various statements made in the French case for the Hague Tribunal (folios 204-233);'Foreign Department Notes. Limits of the Sultanate of Muscat', by John Gordon Lorimer, dated 22 March 1905 (folios 267-268)Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the cover and terminates at the final folio; these numbers are typed, with additions/clarifications/corrections in ink and pencil, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Foliation errors: 1, 1A, 1B and 1C; 42 and 42A. Fold out folios: 36, 53-54, 93 and 93A; 138; 183; 185.
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.