Abstract: The file comprises correspondence from two distinct periods. Correspondence at the beginning and end of the file is dated 1909 to 1913 (ff 2-16, ff 52-87), and discusses the British protection of Bahrainis in Ottoman Turkey, in response to Ottoman Government representatives in Constantinople [Istanbul] questioning Britain’s claim of Bahrain being under its protection, and the registration and status of the increasing numbers of Bahrainis residing in the port of Mohammerah [Khorramshahr], thanks to that port’s relative stability and affluence. Some of this correspondence deals with a specific incident occurring in March 1911 in which three Bahrainis were detained by the Basra authorities, with the latter refusing to recognise that the men were under British protection (ff 56-63). The principal correspondents in these parts of the file are: the British Ambassador at Constantinople [Istanbul] (Sir Gerard Augustus Lowther); the British Consul at Bussorah [Basra] (Francis Edward Crow); the Acting British Consul for Arabistan (Arnold Talbot Wilson).The middle portion of the file (ff 17-50) comprises copies of correspondence from the Basrah [Basra] archives, dated 1873-1878, sent to the Political Agent at Bahrain (Major Stuart George Knox) by Wilson in December 1910 (covering letter, f 16):letters dated 1878 from the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Charles Ross), reporting of the destruction of Zobara [Zubarah] by the Shaikh of el Bidaa [Al Bidda] with ‘two or three thousand followers’, under a Turkish flag (ff 20-21);letters dated 1873-1874, chiefly between the British Consul at Baghdad (Colonel Charles Herbert) and the British Ambassador at Constantinople (Sir Henry George Elliot), discussing a disagreement between British and Turkish Government officials over the Turkish Government’s intention to conscript Bahrainis residing in Turkish-administered Iraq into the Ottoman army, including a copy and translation of a memorial from the ‘Bahrainees of Kerbulla [Karbalā']’ (ff 22-50).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 88; 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 2-87; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.Condition: There is considerable insect damage on some pages in the file, in the form of small holes in the paper. However the damage is not sufficient to impair the legibility of any text.
Abstract: Enclosures no. 2-15 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Bombay [Mumbai] Castle, dated 15 March 1848. The enclosures are dated 14 December 1847-7 March 1848. The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in the Persian Gulf and the possible intentions of the Sublime Porte [Government of the Ottoman Empire] to extend its influence in the Gulf. Many of the topics discussed in the correspondence relate to Bahrein [Bahrain], believed to be the Porte’s primary target in the Gulf, including:Possible closer relations between Britain and Shaik Mahomed bin Khuleefa [Shaikh Muhammed bin Khalifah Al Khalifah], Chief of BahreinPossible French support for Shaik Abdoollah bin Amed [Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Khalifah], exiled former Chief of BahreinThe aftermath of the death of Shaik Esai bin Tareef [Shaikh ‘Isa bin Tarif al-‘Utbi], Chief of Al-Bida [Doha], in battle against Bahrein in November 1847A Bahraini ship running aground off the coast of Amulgavine [Umm al-Qaywayn].Other topics discussed include:The increasingly close diplomatic relations between France and Persia [Iran]A reconciliation between Sheikh Sultan bin Suggur [Shaikh Sultan bin Saqr al-Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Ra's al-Khaymah] and his sons Ibraheem [Ibrahim] and AbdullahPeace negotiations between Debaie [Dubai] and Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi].The correspondents are: the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Government of India; and the Native Agent, Sharjah.Physical description: 1 item (27 folios)
Abstract: A memorandum, written by Adolphus Warburton Moore, Assistant Secretary of the Political and Secret Department of the India Office, 1 September 1879.The document is a summary of correspondence, government reports, and published literature relating to the Turkish expedition into El Hassa [Al Hasa] in 1871, and was compiled in light of a proposed comprehensive arrangement with the Porte about the positions of the two powers along the Gulf coast, and policing responsibilities at sea. The correspondence is from the period 1870-1874 and is principally between various British Government departments and offices connected to the region, and the Turkish Government.The Turkish expedition called into question the sovereignty and jurisdiction of much of the Arabian Peninsula, as well as the coastline and islands of the Gulf. The correspondence contains discussions of these matters and reflects British fears of a loss of their monopoly over the control and security of the Gulf, and a disruption of the treaty relations they maintained with rulers in Bahrein [Bahrain], Guttur [Qatar], the Trucial Coast, Muscat, and Aden.The author quotes extensively from the correspondence and other sources, notes on which are to be found in the margin throughout.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation for this description commences at folio 131 and terminates at folio 144, 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. The main foliation sequence commences at the front cover, and terminates at the 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.Condition: folio 131 is torn along one edge, with some loss of text.
Abstract: A printed memorandum written and compiled by Adolphus Warburton Moore for the Political and Secret Department of the India Office, and dated 2 December 1881.The document is a continuation of 'Persian Gulf - Turkish jurisdiction along the Arabian coast (Part II)' (IOR/L/PS/18/B19/2) and broadly addresses the same issues, namely, how to respond toTurkish claims to sovereignty along the southern coast of the Gulf that could potentially impinge on Britain's commitments with local rulers (in Bahrain and the Trucial Coast) and their security responsibilities at sea (the suppression of piracy).The document summarises correspondence from the previous two years (1879-1881) that had dealt with the matter, beginning with an outline of the opinions of officials from the main departments and institutions involved: the Foreign Office, the Government of India, and the India Office (whose opinion Warburton represents). Other correspondents include officials from the Residencies and Agencies in both the Persian Gulf and Turkish Arabia, as well as the Ambassador at Constantinople.The documents cover several topics, including:The threat to Bahrain from the Beni Hajir tribe and Ottoman ambitions to extend their sovereignty to the island, including the Turkish plan to build a coal depot on the island as a pretext to further political involvement;Questions of how to police the waters under Turkish authority;How Britain should deal with Shaikh Jasim [Jāsim bin Muḥammad Āl Thāni] of El Bidaa [Doha];Turkish claims to parts of the coast of Guttur [Qatar].The document concludes with the perceived outcomes of the discussions, including closer ties with the ruler of Bahrain, who, in December 1880, agreed not to open relations with any foreign power other than Britain.The author quotes extensively from the correspondence and other sources, notes on which are to be found in the margin throughout.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation for this description commences at folio 4 and terminates at folio 18, 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 4-197; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the bottom right corner of each folio.Pagination: the document also has an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: A memorandum, written by Adolphus Warburton Moore, Assistant Secretary of the Political and Secret Department of the India Office, 1 September 1879.The document is a continuation of 'Persian Gulf - Turkish jurisdiction along the Arabian coast (Part I)' (IOR/L/PS/18/B19/1) and broadly addresses the same issues, namely, what to do about Turkish claims to sovereignty along the southern coast of the Gulf that could potentially impinge on Britain's treaty commitments with local rulers and their security responsibilities at sea (the suppression of piracy), and whether to come to some kind of comprehensive arrangement with the Ottoman Government to settle the matter. To support this, the document gives a history of recent affairs in the region, making extensive use of correspondence and memoranda mostly written between 1874 and 1879. The principal correspondents are from the Government of India, the Foreign Office, the India Office, and various political and diplomatic offices in the Persian Gulf, Turkish Arabia, and Constantinople. The matters covered by the document concern events at Bahrein [Bahrain], Guttur [Qatar] - including Zobarah [Al Zubarah], Odeid [al-‘Udaid], and El Bidaa [Doha] - Lahsa [al-Hasa], and the Trucial states.The memorandum concludes by outlining the position of the Foreign Office, the Government of India, and the India Office (represented by the author) on the following four matters:1. The status of Odeid;2. The need to better define areas of responsibility and jurisdiction with the Porte, and whether to hold them responsible for order along the coast under their authority;3. A revision of Britain's treaties with Bahrain, the Trucial chiefs, and Muscat;4. The arrangement of Persian Gulf business between the Bushire Residency and the Baghdad Political Agency.The author quotes extensively from the correspondence and other sources, notes on which are to be found in the margin throughout.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 148 and terminates at folio 168, 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. The main foliation sequence commences at the front cover, and terminates at the 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.
Abstract: Memorandum written in French and published by the Foreign Office in 1874.The memorandum discusses the situation in Persia, including the interior and exterior threats the country faces, and the potential threat the situation poses to the borders of the British Empire.The perceived exterior threat to Perse is the progress and advancement of the Russian Empire in Asia and their perceived interest in occupying Merv, the ancient capital of Khorassan [Khorāsān]. The interior threat is considered to be the general situation in Persia and its difficulties in establishing administration within its own borders.Also discussed in the memorandum is the strength and skill of the Turcomanes (Turkmen) cavalry which could potentially disrupt Russia's plans in Asia and the lack of continuous British representation in Persia and the possible need to provide support to their ally in order to stop Russia from advancing through Asia.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at f 61, and terminates at f 63, 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 item also contains an original incomplete printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The document, written by Adolphus Warburton Moore, discusses the following: the actual course of events at Assab and in the neighbourhood since May 1880; correspondence which has passed in the same period between the British, Italian and Egyptian Governments, and between the Political and Secret Department and the Foreign Office; and the proposed disembarkation of Egyptian troops at Raheita.The situation in Assab was related to the Italian colonisation of the area during the period known as the 'Scramble for Africa'.Physical description: 16 folios
Abstract: This letter relates to the post-war disposal of captured territories such as Iraq and German East Africa. The Government of India presents its opinions regarding three main areas:the surrender or retention of captured territories relating to Indian interests;obsolete treaty rights and territorial readjustments vis-à-vis the Government of India’s allies;the proposed readjustment of the boundary of the Aden Protectorate and future policy generally in that area.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 95, and terminates at f 96, 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.
Abstract: Military report on the Khurasan [Khurāsān] and Seistan [Sīstān] regions of Persia [Iran], with maps and illustrations. Produced by the General Staff, India, and published in Calcutta [Kolkata] by the Government of India Press, 1931. Marked for official use only.The report includes chapters on:a history of Khurasan and Seistanthe geography of Khurasan and Seistan (mountains, rivers, deserts, an alphabetical listing of towns) and climate (including assessments of the health risks associated with both regions)population (religion, tribes)resources (including crops, grazing, fuel, transport, and a note on horses and mules in Khurasan)armed forces (including a description of the Eastern Division of the Persian military, an Order of Battle, organisation, armaments, equipment, clothing, rations, training)aviation (detailing the organisation, personnel, equipment, aerodromes, etc., of the Persian Air Force)administration (municipal, police, justice, department of public instruction, revenue, roads and communications, census, post and telegraphs, sanitation)communications (railways, roads, types of motor transport in use, principal routes used by travellers from Meshed [Mashad] to Russian territory, telegraphs, telephones, wireless)An appendix includes a veterinary note on conditions in Khurasan and Seistan. The volume also includes four colour plates illustrating different badges associated with Persian army and police officers, and a number of maps and diagrammatic maps.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 75; 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 file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: Confidential military report compiled in the Intelligence Branch, Department of the Quarter Master General of India, by Captain George Samuel Frederick Napier, 2nd Battalion, Oxfordshire Light Infantry, Staff Captain. The report was printed in Simla at the Government Central Printing Office, 1900.The volume begins with a preface, written by Lieutenant-Colonel A Barrow, Assistant Quartermaster General, Intelligence Branch, Simla, on 12 April 1900 (folio 8).Part one of the volume comprises ten chapters (I-X) covering:geography (general description, coastline, land frontiers, mountain systems, rivers and lakes)harbourscommunications (roads, maritime, inland water, and telegraphs)climate (general description, rainfall, winds in the Persian Gulf, pathology of Southern Persia)resources (agricultural, commercial, industrial, labour, production, animals, and transport)ethnography (races and religions, and languages)history (early history, Russo-Persian wars, Anglo-Persian wars up to 1856, the Anglo-Persian War of 1856-57, the subsequent history of Southern Persia, and commercial history)administration (systems, administrative divisions, financial system, money, weights and measures)naval and military (navy, army, fighting material, and arms)political (internal and external relations, British representatives in Southern Persia, and representatives of other powers in Southern Persia)Part two of the volume comprises four appendices (A-D) covering:climate (an abstract of Fahrenheit thermometer readings)resources (bazaar prices, average rates of transport, rates of freight, pack transport rates, labour, animal and crop resources in some of Southern Persia’s principal towns and villages);ethnography (list of the principal tribes of Arabistan, and lists of tribes of other regions)a ‘gazetteer of some of the more important towns and villages of Southern Persia, on or near lines of communication’Four maps are also included in the volume’s front pocket (folios 2-5).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 75; 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 file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: Report marked strictly confidential, prepared in the Intelligence Branch of the Quarter Master General’s Department in India, by the Assistant Quarter Master General, Major and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Sever Bell, Royal Engineers. The volume was published by the Government Central Branch Press, Simla, 1885.The contents of the volume are as follows:part I, a narrative description of a journey from India to Muhammerah [Khorramshahr], through to the Luristán [Lorestān] hills, to Kúm [Qom]; from Kúm to Gulpaigán [Golpāyegān ], Chaman-i-Sultán [Chaman Solţān], Ali-Gúdar [Alīgūdarz], Imámzádá-Ishmail [Emāmzādeh Esmā‘īl], and the Zaindarúd River [Zāyandeh Rūd] to Isfahán; from Isfahán through the Kúhgehlú [Kohgīlūyeh] hills to Behbahán and Bandar-Dilám [Bandar-e Deylam]; from Bandar-Dilám to Bushirepart II, a detailed account of southwest Persia, compiled from Sever’s own observations and other available sourcespart III, commercial considerations. A further section in this chapter on strategic observations, which is mentioned on the contents page and marked as secret, is not present in the volumepart IV, detailed road reportsappendix A, road reports, Isfahan to Shústar [Shūshtar], Shústar to Shíráz [Shīrāz], compiled in 1881 by Captain Henry Lake Wells, Assistant Director of Persian Telegraphs, with additional annotations by Bellappendix B, a list of plant specimens collected in Luristán during April and May 1884appendix C, extracts of a paper on the geology of the Turko-Persian frontier, written by William Kennett Loftus, June 1854appendix D, meteorological observations at Bushire, from 20 March to 20 June 1885The volume includes eight maps, two photographic plates, and illustrations throughout (topographical, architectural, anthropological). The two photographic plates and some of the maps are of an earlier date than the volume’s publication date of 1885.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 233; 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 file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: Military report compiled by Captain LS Fortescue of the General Staff of the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force and printed in Calcutta at the Superintendent Government Printing, India, 1922.The volume begins with a statement defining the geographical area covered by the report. The report is divided into ten chapters, plus appendices, each concerning a different subject, as follows:Chapter 1: HistoryChapter 2: GeographyChapter 3: Climate, Water, Medical and AviationChapter 4: EthnographyChapter 5: Administration (including a table of provinces with administrative details (folios 123-30)Chapter 6: Armed Forces of the Persian GovernmentChapter 7: Economic ResourcesChapter 8: TribesChapter 9: PersonalitiesChapter 10: CommunicationsAppendices: Glossary of terms; Weights, measures and coinage; Bibliography; Historical sketch (Chapter 1) continued from June 1920 to the end of 1921At the back of the volume (folio 302) is a map to illustrate the report.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 303; 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 file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.