Abstract: The volume contains correspondence, memorandums, and newspaper cuttings relating to a proposed Baghdad to Basra railway, an extension of the German Berlin to Baghdad Railway. Much of the correspondence has been forwarded to the Residency by the Foreign Department of the Government of India and is between Edward Grey, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Francis Bertie, British Ambassador to France, Louis Mallet, Assistant Under-secretary of State for Near and Middle Eastern Affairs, Charles Marling, British Ambassador to Persia, Arthur Nicolson, Permanent Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Henry Babington Smith, President of the National Bank of Turkey, Gerard Lowther, British Ambassador to Constantinople, Rifaat Pasha, Turkish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Edgar Speyer, railway financier, George Buchanan, British Ambassador to Russia, Edward Goschen, British Ambassador to Berlin, Henry Cumberbatch, British Consul General in Turkey, George Barclay, British Minister to Persia, the Board of Trade, and William Graham Greene, Permanent Secretary to the Board of Admiralty. There is also correspondence between Percy Cox, Political Resident at Bushire, Rear-Admiral Edmond Slade, Stuart Knox, Political Agent at Bahrain, and William Shakespear, Political Agent at Kuwait.The volume covers the discussions prior to formal negotiations between Britain and the Ottoman Turks brought about by the Baghdad Railway and its proposed extension to the Persian Gulf. The issues and subjects involved are:the proposed route of the railway;control and ownership of the section between Baghdad and Basra;location of the terminus, and who will control it, including Slade's report (ff. 64-74) on the suitability of Basra;a proposed increase to customs duty in the region;irrigation of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers;the contract to transport rail materials by the rivers;the status of Kuwait, particularly regarding Turkish and British suzerainty and influence.Throughout the volume there are newspaper cuttings from English periodicals that relate to the Baghdad Railway and negotiations around it.Folio 47 is a rough sketch map of the peninsula Ras Tanurah. Folio 230 is a fold-out map of the proposed route of the railway and irrigation of the rivers.Physical description: Foliation: The file consists of two volumes (parts one and two) and the foliation runs through both. The main foliation sequence commences at the title page of part one and terminates at the fifth folio from the back of part two; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and can be predominantly found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A second foliation sequence runs between ff. 8-291A; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence. There are the following irregularities: 7 and 7A; 13 and 13A; 15 and 15A; 16, 16A and 16B; 17 and 17A; 18, 18A and 18B; 20, 20A and 20B; 21, 21A and 21B; 52, 52A, 52B, 52C; 53, 53A, 53B and 53C; 54, 54A, 54B and 54C; 55, 55A and 55B; 56, 56A and 56B; 57 and 57A; 290 and 290A.
Abstract: This file contains handwritten (and in one case, typewritten) notes on a number of concessions relating to Persia and the Persian Gulf, in which the India Office's Political Department held an interest. The concessions are listed at the beginning of the file as follows:1. Euphrates and Tigris navigation (Lord Inchcape [James Mackay]);2. Mesopotamian oilfields (International);3. Mesopotamian irrigation (Sir John Jackson Ltd);4. Russian oilfields (The Anglo-Persian Oil Co.);5. Mohammerah [Khorramshahr]-Khorremabad Railway (Persian Railways Syndicate);6. Kerman Mining Concession (Persian Railways Syndicate);7. Baluchistan oilfields (Burma Oil Co. and Anglo-Persian Oil Co.);8. Mining concessions on the Persian Gulf Coast and Islands;9. Ispahan irrigation scheme;10. Koweit [Kuwait] oil;11. Imperial Bank of Persia's mint contract.Of these eleven concessions, notes on all except 2 and 8 are included. In each case, the notes detail the origins and current status of the concession.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 127, and terminates at f 142, 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.
Abstract: The map sheet is one of three maps numbered 1 to 3 included in IOR/L/PS/20/C138/1.The map indicates the approximate areas of Mesopotamia, which could be irrigated, from the entrance to the Shatt al Arab in the south to Diarbekr [Diyarbakir] in the north and Hamadan in the east to Aleppo in the west. It also shows the routes of railway lines and major waterways, and the locations of notable settlements.Imprint 'Ordnance Survey 1916'.Physical description: Materials: printed on paperDimensions: 160 x 173mm, on sheet 182 x 309mm
Abstract: The file contains telegrams and memoranda concerning the administration of local resources in Mesopotamia by the British military authorities, 1917-19.The main correspondents are: the War Office; Commander-in-Chief (C in C), India; and General Officer Commanding (GOC), Mesopotamia.Subjects covered include: irrigation; farming and food supply arrangements for the local population; enhancing the navigability of the River Euphrates; the dredging of Hammar lake; local production of agricultural resources for military needs; railways; river transport; shipping; the question of the rank and grading to be accorded to the Director of Local Resources, Mesopotamia; extent of cultivated areas; the formation of the Irrigation Directorate; agricultural machinery; agricultural development; the cost to the Government of India of the economic development of Mesopotamia (folio 36); the creation and staffing of the Directorate of Agriculture; dairies and grass farms; military stores; and the appointment of military engineers.Marked 'Secret' and 'Please return to Room 164 Military Dept. India Office.'.There is only one item of correspondence dated 1916. The papers are mainly dated 1917-19.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 98; 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 between ff 2-97; these numbers are written in blue crayon.
Abstract: The volume is Sir George Buchanan KCIE:
Report on the Development of Mesopotamia with Special Reference to the Regeneration of the River Systems(Simla: Government Monotype Press, 1917).The report contains preliminary remarks, and sections on:Mesopotamia as it was;Mesopotamia as it is;Reasons for the deterioration of the country since ancient times;Description of the Tigris and Euphrates as they appear today;Sir William Willcocks's Irrigation Projects;Suggestions for river regeneration;Agriculture in Mesopotamia;Navigation on the Tigris and Euphrates;Conclusions and recommendations.The report is accompanied by seven illustrations consisting of photographs of the River Tigris at various points (folios 16-18); and five maps illustrating the courses, delta and country surrounding the Rivers Tigris and Euphrates, and proposed irrigation works (folios 20-24).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1 on the front cover and terminates at 25 on the pocket attached to the back cover. The numbers are written in pencil, are enclosed in a circle, and appear in the top right hand corner of the recto page of each folio. Folios 20-24 (maps) are contained within the pocket (folio 25) and need to be folded out in order to be examined.Pagination: the volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence, numbered 2-21 (folios 4-14).
Abstract: The volume consists of a report that was prepared for the Army Council by Sir John Prescott Hewett on the administration and finance of irrigation and agriculture schemes in Mesopotamia [Iraq]. The report is divided into three main sections:The Scheme for Agricultural Development in 1918.Agricultural Development in 1919.Undertakings of Permanent Value for Mesopotamia.The report also includes a number of appendices at the back of the volume, which include four maps located in a pocket on the inside back cover: folios 41-44.The report was published by the War Office in London in 1919.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 45; 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: The volume contains an illustrated report, with maps, correspondence and statistical data included as appendices, for the Army Council on Mesopotamia [Iraq], prepared by Sir John Prescott Hewett for the War Office, dated 10 March 1919. The report focuses on: a) the administration and expenditure of agricultural and irrigation schemes put in place in Mesopotamia for 1918 and 1919, and administered by the Imperial Government; b) the extent to which expenditure on agriculture and irrigation schemes, charged against Imperial Army Funds, is necessary for the prosecution of war; c) infrastructure development in Mesopotamia (facilities at Basrah [Basra] port; railways; telegraphs, telephones and post; water supply; electrical and mechanical installations), and questions of their financial support through military and civil funds.The appendices include: maps illustrating the scope and geographical detail of the agricultural and irrigation schemes; correspondence providing context into the circumstances surrounding the need for and implementation of the schemes; statistical data, including: irrigation scheme expenditure; capacity at Basrah port; valuation of the dockyard; admission rates for Indian troops and followers with scurvy for the years 1916, 1917 and 1918; valuation of telegraph apparatus, telephone lines.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the back cover with 57; 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 contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The volume, stamped ‘Secret’ on the front cover and frontispiece, is part 1 (historical and political materials) of a précis of Persian Arabistan affairs. It was prepared by Judge Jerome Antony Saldanha of the Bombay Provincial Civil Service, and published in 1903 by the Government of India Foreign Department, Simla, India.The contents of the volume run as follows:Chapter 1, entitled
Internal affairs, 1876-1904, including: early history of the region, up until 1873; early history of the Kaab tribe; murder of Shaikh Lufti, Kaab chief; death of Haji Jabir Khan, Governor of Mohammerah [Khorramshahr], and Shaikh Mizal’s succession; local chiefs and governors between 1878 and 1883; Govenor-Generals of Arabistan; trouble in the Kaab districts, and release of Shaikh Mizal’s brother Mahomed; disturbances in Arabistan and Persian intrigues, 1888; narrative of events, 1891-97; murder of Shaikh Mizal [Maz’al bin Jabir bin Merdaw al-Ka’bi] and succession of his brother, Shaikh Khazal [Khaz’al bin Jabir bin Merdaw al-Ka’bi], 1897.2.
Karun river[Rūd-e Kārūn]
navigation and irrigation schemes, 1871-79, including a history of the navigation and irrigation schemes, 1871-77; proposed railways from Rehst [Rasht] to Teheran, and from Teheran to the Karan river; question of navigation of the Karun, 1878-79.3.
Karun river navigation and irrigation schemes, 1881-83, including: an historical overview; navigability; trade routes; general remarks. Four appendices follow chapter 3: A) Reports by Colonel Edward Ross, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, on the Karun river navigation; reports by Captain Henry Wells on the Ahwaz canal; memoranda on the Karun river by Sir Henry Rawlinson; a report comparing routes from Ispahan [Eşfahān] to the sea, by Captain Wells; and Felix Vauvillier’s scheme for establishing water communication between Kermanshah [Khorramshahr] and Dizful [Dezfūl] (in French).4.
Opening of the Karun to navigation of all nations, 1888-89.5.
Obstacles in the way of the British enterprise on the Karan river, including: the erection of warehouses and business premises on the banks of the river; misunderstanding over tonnage dues and certification; charges against Mr John Gaskin over irregular conduct and his employment of private servants; navigation of the Upper Karun; rival enterprises and intrigues of the Shaikh of Mohammerah; embargo on grain; fanatical outbreaks of local tribes and Persian soldiers against British interest.6
. Karun river subsidy, 1890-1900.7.
Appointment of consular officers in Arabistan, including: the appointment of Mr William McDouall as Vice-Consul for Mohammerah, 1890; the appointment of Major Edmund Boteler Burton to act for McDouall; the appointment of Lieutenant David Lorimer as Vice-Consul for Arabistan; the appointment of a consular surgeon for Arabistan; headquarters and accommodation for the Vice-Consul and Consular Surgeon at Arabistan; attack on Lieutenant Lorimer and Colonel Douglas.8.
Construction of roads in aid of the Karun river trade.9.
Desire of Shaikh Khazal to place himself under British protection: interference of Belgian customs administration in Mohammerah Customs and British intervention, 1898-1904, including Shaikh Khazal seeks British protection, 1898-99; proposed establishment of Persian customs at Mohammerah and Shaikh Khazal’s appeal to the British 1900-04; presence of Belgian customs boats on the Shat el-Arab, 1904.10.
Attempted change in the system of collection of customs on the Karun river, 1902-03.11.
Disturbed state of Arabistan: attacks on the Shushan[
Sūsa]
: measures for its protection.12.
Restoration of Ancient Elam: projected irrigation works in Arabistan, 1903-04.The appendix at the end of the volume is a memorandum on the Kaab tribe and Mohammerah, dated 6 January 1844, and written by Sir Henry Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia.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.
Abstract: The first volume of reports produced by the Irrigation Officer of the Perso-Afghan Boundary Commission, Seistan [Sīstān], and submitted to the Government of India, Foreign Department.Contents:'Chapter I. The catchment area of the Seistan Lake. The trough of the Helmand River below Kala-i-Bist.''Chapter II. The delta of the Helmand River.''Chapter III. The inundated area.''Chapter IV. Canals, ancient and modern.''Chapter V. Rainfall in the Helmand basin.''Chapter VI. Note on the evaporation from the surface of water in Seistan.''Chapter VII. Lines of levels, maps, surveys, etc.''Chapter VIII. Discharge observations.''Chapter IX. The silt carried in the water of the Helmand River.''Chapter X. The volume available for the irrigation of the delta: the duty: the culturable area that could be brought under command.''Chapter XI. Probable rates of work if canals are made.''Chapter XII. Irrigation works suitable to the circumstances of the people.''Chapter XIII. Works required to gain complete control of the river for the irrigation of the delta.''Chapter XIV. Probable cost of, and income, and percentage of profit from the irrigation works.''Chapter XV. Drainage scheme for the inundated area.''Chapter XVI. Schemes for utilising some large depressions either as escape, or impounding reservoirs.''Chapter XVII. Impounding reservoirs in the trough of the Helmand: control of the floods by works in the catchment area.'Appendices:'Appendix 1. The Hazarajat and the country drained by the Farah Rud and Harud Rud.''Appendix 2. The trough of the Helmand River below Kala-i-Bist.''Appendix 3. Detailed measurements of depths of water evaporated in Seistan.''Appendix 4. Extracts from "The Irrigation of Mesopotamia" by Sir William Willcocks, KCMG.''Appendix 5. Comparison of rates at Quetta with these on the Chenab and Jhelum Canals.''Appendix 6. Rates of cost and of income on the Punjab Perennial Canals.''Appendix 7. The manufacture of lime at the Consulate, Seistan.''Appendix 8. Details of the cost of the work on the buildings erected by the Imperial Bank.''Appendix 9. Note on lime, bricks and stone for large works in Seistan.''Appendix 10. Comparison of rates likely to obtain in Mesopotamia with those in Egypt by Sir William Willcocks, KCMG.''Appendix 11. Note by W A Johns, Esq., Railway Reconnaissance Officer, on the cost of excavating in the hard Seistan clay, and driving tunnels or
kariztherein.''Appendix 12. On the cost of excavation in the culturable soil of the delta and in the hard tough alluvial of the high plateaux or
dasht.''Appendix 13. The meaning of the words
clayand
silt.''Appendix 14. Dates on which the Sar-i-Shela flowed in 1903.''Appendix 15. Expenditure incurred on the Irrigation Party.''Appendix 16. List of maps and sections packed in a tin lined case and filed in the Foreign Office, Simla.'Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 248; 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.The volume contains a higher than usual number of blank pages, which may have been the result of a printing error.
Abstract: The first volume of reports produced by the Irrigation Officer of the Perso-Afghan Boundary Commission, Seistan [Sīstān], and submitted to the Government of India, Foreign Department. Publication statement: Simla: Government of India Foreign Department, 1906.The commission, under the direction of Colonel Arthur Henry McMahon, was to redefine the frontier between Persia and Afghanistan in the south, and develop a formula for the division of the Helmand waters. The irrigation report contains observations on the hydrology, meteorology, soils and drainage of the Seistan area, and proposes irrigation and excavation schemes.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 126; 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 (ix, 231pp).
Abstract: The second volume of reports produced by the Irrigation Officer of the Perso-Afghan Boundary Commission, Seistan [Sīstān], and submitted to the Government of India, Foreign Department. Publication statement: Simla: Government of India Foreign Department, 1906.The commission, under the direction of Colonel Arthur Henry McMahon, was to redefine the frontier between Persia and Afghanistan in the south, and develop a formula for the division of the Helmand waters. This volume contains tabulated data collected by the Commission, and accompanies the irrigation report.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 70; 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 (i, 127pp).
Abstract: This note on communications and irrigation in Arabistan was written by Sir George Cunningham Buchanan and was printed in Simla at the Government Monotype Press. The information in the note is divided using sub-headings which include:general descriptioncommunicationsthe Karun Riverirrigation (in Shushter and Ahwaz)navigationproposals for improved communicationsFolios 8-9 contain photo illustrations of the Karun River and Ahwaz Rapids.Four maps are enclosed at the back of the file (folios 11-14).The file was previously marked confidential.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 15; 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 between ff 4-7.