Abstract: The file contains letters received by Major Samuel Hennell, British Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire, from Arthur Malet, Secretary (later Chief Secretary) to the Government of Bombay in the Political Department, Bombay Castle and written between January and December 1847.Arthur Malet’s letters contain information, guidance and instructions from the Governor in Council of Bombay to the Resident. Several of his letters are followed by enclosures, some of which are dated 1845 and 1846.The majority of the correspondence relates to the suppression of the maritime slave trade between the East Coast of Africa and the Persian Gulf and includes:English version of the Treaty between Great Britain and the Imam of Muscat, dated 2 October 1845 and signed at Zanzibar by Saeed Saeed bin Sultan [Sa`id bin Sultan Al Sa‘id], Sultan of Muscat (the Imam of Muscat) and Captain Atkins Hamerton (British Consul and East India Company Agent in the dominions of the Imam of Muscat);Letter dated 1846 from Lord Palmerston, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, London to Henry Wellesley (1st Earl Cowley) and Colonel Justin Sheil, both British representatives at Tehran and Constantinople respectively, asking them to persuade the courts of Persia and Turkey to issue firmans (royal decrees) prohibiting the slave trade in Persian and Turkish ports of the Persian Gulf;Instructions (an undated copy) from the Lords of the Admiralty to the Commanders of Her Majesty’s ships about the seizure of slave vessels under the terms of the new treaty with the Imam of Muscat, also letters of instruction dated 1847, from the Bombay Government to the Superintendent of the Indian Navy and the British Political Agent, Aden about issuing similar instructions for their own warships, also the procedure to be followed with regard to seized vessels and slaves sent to Aden;English translation of an Arabic letter of congratulations dated 22 November 1847, from George Russell Clerk, Governor of Bombay to the Imam of Muscat, about the seizure of eleven Muscat slave ships at sea, made by Captain Lowe, Senior Naval Officer in the Persian Gulf, under the terms of the Treaty between Great Britain and the Imam of Muscat dated 2 October 1845.Physical description: Foliation: the contents are numbered 1B, 2-40, from the front to the back of the file. The numbering is written in pencil on the recto, in the top right corner and encircled. The front cover of the file is numbered 1A. The inside of the back cover is numbered 41. There is an unnumbered folio between folios 13 and 14.Pagination: the contents are also irregularly numbered 31-33, 59, 74-106, 111, 217-224, 234, 295-297, 310, 365-368, 391-395, 411, 426-427, 433-434. The numbering is written in ink, usually on both the recto and verso; in the top right and left corner respectively. All blank pages and the majority of pages containing brief details such as the name of the sender or the date the letter was sent, are unnumbered.Condition: holes and tears in the margins and along the outer edges of many folios have caused a slight loss of the text of documents.
Abstract: A historical memorandum relating to Egyptian claims to sovereignty over the Somali coast, written by A W Moore, Assistant Secretary to the India Office, in two parts, submitted 26 February 1876 and 11 October 1879.The first part of the memorandum provides a historical narrative of events leading from the discovery in June 1870 of an Egyptian warship at Berbera on the Somali coast, with consequent suspicions that the Egyptian Government wished to occupy that place, up to the production of a draft Somali Coast Convention in 1876. The memorandum reproduces correspondence between the Resident at Aden, the Secretary of State for India, and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in which the authors consider the impact of Egyptian and Turkish influence at Berbera on British trade interests at Aden; on the independence of local Somali tribes; and on British efforts to suppress the slave trade. The memorandum also includes the terms by which HM Government agree to recognise Egyptian sovereignty.Appendices to the first part of the memorandum reproduce several 'Treaty Relations with Tribes on the African Coast' and 'Geographical Notes'.The second part of the memorandum opens with an account of events which preceded the signing in 1877 of the Somali Coast Convention by the British Government and by the Egyptian Khedive, describing the Khedive's attempts to extend the limit of proposed Egyptian sovereignty as far south as the Juba River, and subsequent British threats to enter into agreements with Somali chiefs independently of the Khedive.The memorandum goes on to describe renewed discussions in connection with the procedure in Constantinople necessary to give validity to the Convention after it was signed by the Khedive, and reproduces a note issued by the Ottoman Porte, which asserts Turkish sovereignty over the territory covered by the Convention, but falls short of providing assurances against ceding any of that territory to other foreign powers.The memorandum closes with the reproduction of correspondence discussing the text of a proposed firman, to be issued by the Ottoman Porte, which would give validity to the Convention signed by the Khedive.Appendices to the second part of the memorandum reproduce the text of the 'Somali Coast Convention' and an 'Agreement in regard to the Island of Socotra'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence 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. Pagination: the volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The file provides an account of the navigation of the rivers of Mesopotamia from 1640, with a series of extracts from despatches, letters, reports, a diary, a treaty, and an order. It details agreements between England and Turkey; the movements of British steamers within the region; the question of the payment of dues and navigation rights; the maintenance costs of steamers; and highlights disturbances hindering navigation.It was written by F De Lesseps, Foreign Department, India Office.The file includes three extracts in French.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 28, and terminates at f 31, 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 28-31; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: Enclosures no. 2-5 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Bombay Castle, dated 9 February 1852. The enclosures are dated 3 September-19 November 1852.The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Persia [Iran] and Afghanistan, including:Persian [Iranian] threats to re-take control of Bender Abbass [Bandar Abbas] from the Imam of MuscatPersian claims on Mohammera [Khorramshahr] and negotiations with the Ottoman Empire over their rights ‘to collect taxes and maintain soldiers’ thereOther events related to Persian-Ottoman border disputes, including the construction of an Ottoman fort at Katoor [Qotur] and Persian occupation of the island of Mehalleh [Minu] in the Shat ool Arab [Shatt al-Arab]Clashes between the Governor of Asterabad [Gorgon] and the Turkoman population of the province, including the damming of rivers to divert water away from Turkoman areasThe appointment of the Shah’s brother [‘Abbās Mīrzā Mulk Ārā Qājār] as Governor of Koom [Qom]An application to the Persian Government for redress after a British subject travelling from Lingah [Bandar Lengeh] to Muscat aboard a Persian ship was beaten and robbed by the crew because he was JewishReported intrigues against Syed Mahomed Khan [Sayyid Muḥammad Khān ‘Alī Kūzāy, Governor of Herat] and attempts to persuade him to accept Persian sovereigntyThe pillaging of Ghorian [Ghurian] and capture of its Governor by forces of the Sheikh of Merve [Merv]Restrictions and increased tariffs on exports from Bushire [Bushehr], particularly of wheat and horses, imposed by the Governor, and British complaints to the Persian Government (particularly after the seizure of a British vessel) leading to the Governor being summoned to TehranThe removal of Meerxa Tekkee Khan [Mīrzā Taqī Khān Farāhānī, also known as Amīr Kabīr], the Ameer Nizam [Amir-e Nezam], as Prime Minister, and the appointment of Meerza Aghan Khan [Mīrzā Āqā Khān Nūrī], the Itimad-ood-Dowleh [I‘timād al-Dawlah].The primary correspondents are: the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia; HM Chargé d’Affaires, Persia; the Prime Minister of Persia; the Foreign Minister of Persia; the British Embassy, Constantinople [Istanbul]; and the Russian Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia.Physical description: 1 item (138 folios)
Abstract: Enclosures no. 2-7 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Bombay [Mumbai] Castle, dated 28 February 1848. The enclosures are dated 23 October 1847-26 February 1848. The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to new passport regulations in Bagdad [Baghdad] imposed by the Government of the Ottoman Empire. The primary correspondents are the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia and the Government of India.Physical description: 1 item (10 folios)
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 18 October and 10 November 1914. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include telegrams and a statement of transport sailings.A summary of the contents of this volume is pasted on the leading flyleaf under the subheading ‘Move up Persian Gulf’:‘33rd Cavalry mobilized’‘16th Brigade arrived Bahrain’‘Despatch of troops made public’‘War declared with Turkey [Ottoman Empire]’‘Another brigade ordered for “D”’‘Force “D” ordered to Fao’‘Fao occupied’‘18th Brigade and Divisional Headquarters sailed’‘Remainder 6th Division ordered to Shatt-al-Arab’The volume also includes information about the preparation of supplies and equipment, as well as details of intelligence regarding the activities of Turkish forces.A summary of contents for the previous volume is pasted on the inside front cover.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 81; these numbers are printed, and are located in the bottom centre 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.Dimensions: 21x33cm
Abstract: A memorandum written by the Assistant Political Resident at Aden, Major John Muir Hunter, suggesting proposals to formalise with treaties British relations with a number of tribes in the vicinity of Aden in order to limit the encroaching influence of the Turkish Porte. He also suggests pensioning off the Amir of Zhali. This is followed by a second memorandum, by Lieutenant-General John William Schneider, who concurs with the suggestion to formalise British relations with the tribes. However, rather than pensioning off the Amir of Zhali, he proposes instead to inform the Amir that his subsidy would be continued only as long as he is recognised as Amir by a considerable portion of his tribesmen.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at folio 110, and terminates at folio 111, as it is part of a larger 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 5-152; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: The memorandum, written by Francis Leveson Bertie of the Foreign Office, 15 October 1893, discusses questions relating to the Guttur or El-Katr [Qatar] following rumours that the Ottoman Government intended to separate England from the Sheikhs on the Arabian Coastline of the Persian Gulf that had signed treaty agreements with the British Government.The questions discussed include:the actions of Jasim bin Muhammad bin Thani, Kaïmakan (Shaikh of Qatar) in opposing the authority of the Vali of Bussorah [Basra];the Porte's (Government of the Ottoman Empire) desire to punish the Shaikh, and the British Resident in the Persian Gulf (Colonel Adelbert Cecil Talbot)'s desire to mediate between the two parties which the Porte objected too;attempts by the Vali of Bussorah to bring about a conflict with Shaikh Jasim and Colonel Talbot's recommendation that the El Katr Chief's be reinstated on an independent footing and the 1868 treaty be renewed.Also referred to in the memorandum are:A complaint made by the Porte of the intervention of British Consular authorities in matters concerning the inhabitants of Bahrein [Bahrain], and a reminder to the Porte that Bahrein was under British protection;Work undertaken by Ottoman Engineers to build three military guard posts at Fao [Al Fāw], which were considered to be a potential threat to British commerce on the Shat-el-Arab [Shaţţ al ‘Arab].Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 101, and terminates at folio 102, since 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 top right-hand corner of the recto of each folio. These numbers are written in pencil, but are not circled.Pagination: The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The file consists of a memorandum giving an account of the Aden frontier delimitation, and treaty relations with the Aden tribes from 1873. Compiled by the Foreign Office, 11 December 1905.It discusses the following: tribes with whom Her Majesty's Government has direct relations; boundary disputes and Turkish encroachments; protectorate treaties and agreements; the British Demarcation Commission survey; and the military and naval support.The French content of the file is limited to a memorandum extract by Nicholas O'Conor, HM Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, 11 August 1904.A despatch concerning maps of the frontier delimitation from Edward Grey, Foreign Secretary to His Majesty's Ambassador, dated 8 March 1906, is included as a supplement.Also included is one map: IOR/W/LPS/18/B156 (i),
Map showing tribes and new boundary of the Aden Protectorate.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 170, and terminates at f 176, 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. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 175-181; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are circled.Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: A memorandum of the events and correspondence relating to the Turkish construction of a fort at Fao on the Shat-el-Arab. The memorandum reproduces a number of representations made by the British Government both directly to the Turkish Porte and through the Persian Government, objecting to the construction of the fort on the grounds that it was said to contravene a Turco-Persian agreement of 1847. By June 1897 the fort is said to have fallen into decay and to be without guns, but the memorandum concludes that the British must resort to other means if construction of the fort is revived. The memorandum is written by Edmund Neel, Political and Secret Department, India Office, and provides a map at folio 19.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at folio 18 and terminates at folio 26, as it is part of a larger volume; 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 present in parallel; these numbers are also written in pencil, but one set is circled and crossed through, the other set is not circled.
Abstract: This memorandum was prepared by the Government of India, Foreign and Political Department in January 1917 and aimed to give 'an inner view of the intellectual and political forces which are predominant in the Ottoman Empire.' It consists of four main sections:A. 'German influence in Turkey' (ff 2-3).B. 'German agents and their misdeeds' (ff 4-5).C. 'The cruelties of Jemal Pasha' (ff 5v-6); 'Turkish intrigues among Indian Muhammadans (f 7); notes on freemasonry in Turkey under the new regime (ff 8-10).D. The treatment of the opposition (ff 11-13).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 material also has an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The memorandum was created based on the re-awakened interest on the part of the French for Sheikh Said [Shēk Seyd], and is a collection of information held in the Political and Secret Department of the India Office relating to the territory. It Includes a summary of: the acquisition of Sheikh Said by a French company; Turkish claims to sovereignty; the importance of Sheikh Said's location in terms of Perim [Jazīrat Mayyūn]; the extent of French occupation; and the erection of a Turkish fort at Torbeah.The file contains two extracts in French.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 55, 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 top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 55-57; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.