Abstract: Translation of a summary of the correspondence of an unknown secret informant detailing miscellaneous information regarding the negotiations between Russia and Persia [Iran] for the demarcation of their frontier, and concerning the Russian mission at Tabreez [Tabriz], including:The relationship between the Russian Chargé d'Affaires to Persia, Mazarovich [Semyon Mazarovich], and the Prince Royal [Crown Prince] of Persia ['Abbās Mīrzā Qājār]The missions of Futteh Allee Khan [Fath-‘Ali Khan Rashti] to Tiflis [Tbilisi] to negotiate the Russo-Persian frontierThe question of the return of guns captured by Russia from Persia at the Battle of Uslandooz [Aslanduz] in 1812The Russian request for the release of Turkish prisoners held at TabreezThe involvement of Mazarovich in the kidnap of an enslaved person.This document was originally enclosed in the letter of HM Chargé d'Affaires to Persia, Henry Willock, to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 2 April 1825 (IOR/L/PS/9/70/11).Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)
Abstract: The volume discusses the disputed Turco-Persian Frontier, particularly at Mohammerah, and the negotiations in Constantinople to attempt to settle it.The correspondence focuses on:the differences of opinion over the actual boundary at Mohammerah, including several maps demonstrating these differences;movements of Turkish and Russian troops;ownership of the Shat-el-Arab and questions of access for navigation;copies of treaties, correspondence and memoranda dating back to 1639 relating to the question of the Turco-Persian frontier.The principal correspondents in the volume are the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Sir Edward Grey); the Secretary of State for India (Robert Offley Ashburton Crewe-Milnes, 1st Marquess of Crewe); the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Sir Percy Zachariah Cox); the British Ambassador to Constantinople (Sir Gerard Lowther); the British Ambassador to Russia (Sir George Buchanan); the Viceroy of India (Charles Hardinge, 1st Baron Hardinge of Penshurst); the British Ambassador to Tehran (Sir George Head Barclay); representatives of the Foreign Office (particularly Alwyn Parker) and the India Office; and Arthur Talbot Wilson, on special duty in relation to the Turco-Persian Frontier.This volume is part one of two. Each part includes a divider which gives the subject and part numbers, the year the subject file was opened, the subject heading, and a 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 436; 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.
Abstract: The volume contains correspondence related to Kuwait-Iraq smuggling. British officials discuss the Iraqi Government’s proposal to the Kuwaiti Government for cooperation to help control smuggling between the two countries. They also discuss the conditions under which permission is given to ship goods between the two countries, the fines that are to be imposed on the boats charged with smuggling, and monitoring the territorial waters, Shat al-Arab in particular.The volume also contains correspondence related to the firing on and seizure of a Kuwaiti jollyboat by a Fao customs launch near Bubiyan Island, and the seizure of three Iraqi ballams (small boats) by the Kuwaiti customs authorities.The volume also contains a confidential report prepared by the Political Agent in Kuwait under the title ‘Kuwait note on the contraband problem of Iraq with her neighbours and in particular how it affects Kuwait’.The main correspondents in the volume are the Political Agency, Kuwait, the Political Residency, Bushire, the British Embassy, Baghdad, the Iraqi Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Mutassarif of Basra Liwa, the Hakim of Kuwait as well as Customs departments in Kuwait and Iraq.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 220; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Additional foliation sequences are present in parallel between ff 4-215; these numbers are also written in pencil, but, where circled, are crossed through.
Abstract: The volume contains memoranda, confidential papers, personal letters and testimonies related to alleged smuggling of food and goods from Kuwait to Iraq. The correspondence includes two unsuccessful proposals for conferences to be held between Iraqi and Kuwaiti officials to discuss the limits of territorial waters and smuggling from Kuwait.The volume includes tables showing the total imports and exports into and from Kuwait, of sugar, tea, coffee, matches and tobacco which were the principal articles complained of as being smuggled between 1920-1933.Most of the volume relates to complaints made by the Shaikh of Kuwait to the Political Agent, Kuwait, regarding attacks by Iraq Customs Officials. The volume contains testimonies from Kuwaiti subjects, forwarded by the Shaikh, regarding armed cars belonging to the Iraqi customs crossing the Kuwait frontiers and attacking Kuwait nakhudas, locals and Bedouin tribes, as well as reports of Iraqi customs from Fao violating Kuwait’s territorial waters. The volume also contains minutes from meetings in London between British officials in response to the incidents.The main correspondents in the volume are the Political Agency, Kuwait, the Political Residency, Bushire, the British Embassy, Baghdad, the Iraqi Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Shaikh of Kuwait, and the Secretary of State for India, London.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 320; 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 also present in parallel between ff 60-64, and ff 148-315; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: This file contains correspondence regarding the delineation of the borders between Kuwait and its neighbours, Iraq and Saudi Arabia (occasionally referred to as Nejd in the file).The primary correspondents in the file are officials from the British High Commission in Iraq, the Political Agency in Kuwait, the British Embassy in Baghdad and various British officials based in India. The file also contains correspondence from the Ruler of Kuwait, Shaikh Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah and officials of the Government of Iraq, most of this is in Arabic (with English translations).In addition to correspondence, the file contains the following:History of Kuwaiti-British Relations 1775-1929, extracted from Aitchinson's Treaties, Engagements and Sanads, Vol. XI, 5th Edition (folios 78-83).Copy of the Kuwait-Najd Boundary Convention of 1922 (folios 84-85).Tracing of chart made by
HMS Sphinx,July 1903 that shows Bubayan Island and the border between Iraq and Kuwait (folio 97).Statement of the Wells and Territories of Ahl Murra (folio 149).Rough Sketch Map Showing Approximate Area of Morrah Tribal Area from Baduin [Bedouin] Sources (folio 158).Map showing the Iraq-Kuwait border around Jabal Sanam (folio 187).Copy of
'Iraq Government Gazette,15 May 1938 (folios 292-294).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 369; 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. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 4-366; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: This file contains correspondence regarding the demarcation of the Iraq-Kuwait frontier including issues related to a disagreement between the governments of Iraq and Kuwait regarding the location of a specific border marker, smuggling between the two countries and the development of Umm al-Qasr port in Iraq and the potential implications thereof.The primary correspondents in the file are British officials from the Foreign Office, the India Office, the Political Residency, the Political Agency in Kuwait, the Commonwealth Relations Office, the British Embassy in Baghdad and the British Consulate in Basra.The file also contains a letter to the Political Agency in Kuwait from the Ruler of Kuwait, Shaikh Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah (in Arabic with English translation) and a limited amount of correspondence with the Government of Iraq (folios 46 and 110).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 220; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located at the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 2-219; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: This file relates to the boundaries of Muscat, in the context of anticipated negotiations between the British Government and King Ibn Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd], regarding the eastern frontiers of Saudi Arabia. Reference is made to the 'blue line', which was laid down in the Anglo-Turkish Conventions of 1913 and 1914, and the file discusses the approach that should be taken in discussions with Ibn Saud regarding possible modifications of that line.The file contains a copy of a telegram from the Secretary of State for India to the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (forwarded by the Political Resident to the Political Agent and Consul, Muscat), dated 29 September 1934, which provides some background to the Anglo-Saudi boundary dispute and requests information regarding the existing boundaries of each Trucial Sheikhdom [Shaikhdom] and of Muscat. The Political Agent's reply to the forwarded telegram, dated 23 October 1934, provides an outline of what the Sultan of Muscat [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd] considers to be the boundaries of his Sultanate.Also included in the file are a copy of a letter received by the Colonial Office from the Political Resident at Aden, discussing the eastern boundary of the Aden Protectorate, and a copy of a letter from the India Office to the Foreign Office, which extensively discusses the issue of Saudi Arabia's eastern frontier and the available policy options. One question marked for consideration is whether the British should aim for a settlement which provides 'definite territorial limits' of the frontiers, or one which defines the frontiers based on tribal divisions.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 31; 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 2-30; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: The letter is a report by Captain George Campbell Napier on his journey to the Turkoman [Turcoman] frontier of Persia in 1878. It outlines his attempts to facilitate the submission of the Merve [Mary] and the Akhal [Ahal] Turkomans to Persia, as an alternative to their annexation by Russia.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at f 126 and terminates at f 131, 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 comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, from 1914 to 1918 relating to the delimitation of the Turco-Persian border. It contains two parts IOR/L/PS/10/522/1 and IOR/L/PS/10/522/2.The discussion relates to leave and leave allowances to civil officers and subordinates who served with the Commission, and medals awarded by the Persian Government in recognition of services with the Commission.IOR/L/PS/10/522/2 contains reports on the Turco-Persian Frontier.The principal correspondents in the volume include the Secretary of State for India, Sir John Broderick; the Under-Secretary of State, India Office; and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Office.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the first folio with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 198; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The front and back covers, along with the two leading and two ending flyleaves, have not been foliated. A previous foliation sequence, which is present between ff 170-198 and is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: A collection of translated papers concerning the mission of Mirza Saudik [Mirza Muhammad Sadiq Marvazi], who has been sent to discuss the ongoing border dispute between Russia and Persia [Iran] with the Governor-General of Georgia, General Yermoloff [General Aleksey Petrovich Yermolov]. These papers concern Persian proposals for the settlement of the dispute, which is over land on the shores of the lake of Gokcha [Lake Sevan]. Contained in the collection are:A letter from the Shah of Persia [Fath-‘Ali Shāh Qājār] to General Yermoloff, to be delivered by Mirza SaudikInstructions from the Prince Royal [Crown Prince of Persia, 'Abbās Mīrzā Qājār] to Mirza SaudikAn outline of the frontier bordering on Moghan [Mughan, Azerbaijan] as defined by the Prince RoyalAn outline of the frontier of Gokcha as defined during the second mission of Futteh Ali Khan [Fath-‘Ali Khan Rashti] to Tiflis [Tbilisi]A letter from the Prince Royal to General Yermoloff, to be delivered by Mirza SaudikA summary of information contained in letters addressed to Ambourger, the Russian Consul-General at Tabriz, as reported to the Prince Royal.This document was originally enclosed in the letter of HM Chargé d’Affaires to Persia, Henry Willock, to the Secret Committee of the East India Company of 3 December 1825 (IOR/L/PS/9/70/50).Physical description: 1 item (7 folios)
Abstract: Letter and Enclosure to HM Secretary of State for India, dated 6 December 1871.The letter encloses a report by the Agent at Cabul [Kabul], on the intentions of the Amir of Afghanistan in relation to Seistan [Sistan]. The Amir had given stringent orders to his dependent rulers not to allow any of their subjects to cause disturbances on the Seistan border. The letter states that the instruction would allay the apprehensions of the Shah of Persia of an Afghan advance into Seistan.Physical description: 1 item (3 folios)
Abstract: The file concerns negotiations over a convention to establish a Conservancy Board for the Shatt-el-Arab (also referred to as the Shatt-al-Arab) between the governments of Iraq, Iran (also referred to as Persia), and the United Kingdom.The convention had two main objects: (1) to provide for the conservancy of the Shatt-al-Arab (i.e. its maintenance as a navigable waterway adequate to the needs of international shipping); (2) to control the navigation of the Shatt-al-Arab (i.e. to provide all shipping using the waterway with a uniform system of control, administration, and discipline in all matters necessary for safe and efficient shipping). The board was to consist of Iraq and Iran as the two riparian countries concerned, and the United Kingdom as the state owning over 90 per cent of the shipping using the river.The papers cover: Perso-Iraqi negotiations; the question of British participation in the convention; the views of the Shah of Iran; negotiations over the frontier between Iraq and Iran; dredging dues; the navigation of the river; Persian violations of Iraqi territory; the anchorage at Abadan; draft agreements on the frontier between Iraq and Iran; the Persian refusal to allow Iraq any say over the waters (the Karun) that flowed into the Shatt-al-Arab (e.g. folios 262-264); the interests of the Government of Turkey in the issue; the view of the Foreign Office that a single authority was required in order to achieve unified control over the whole waterway system (folios 245-246); quarantine and police posts; and the Port of Basra (budget estimates, and dues and charges).The main correspondents are the Foreign Office, the British Ambassador to Iraq, and HM Minister, Tehran.The French language content of the file consists of approximately ten folios of diplomatic correspondence and treaty drafts.The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the first folio with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 464; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The front and back covers, along with the two leading and two ending flyleaves have not been foliated. A previous foliation sequence, which is present between ff 291-464 and is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.