Abstract: The item consists of correspondence regarding the situation in Muscat after the death in 1804 of the Imam Syed Sultan [Sultan bin Ahmad Al Bu Sa’id] and efforts to counter the naval activities of the Joasmee [Al-Qasimi] in the Gulf. The correspondence is particularly concerned with the capture by the Joasmee of two British ships, the
Shannonand the
Trimmer, and the eventual return of the
Trimmeras part of a truce.Other topics covered include:· An attempted coup by Syed Gheiss [Qais bin Ahmad Al Bu Sa’id], the brother of the late Imam· An Omani expedition to recover Gombroon [Bandar Abbas] from Mullah Hussain [Molla Husayn], ruler of Kishem [Qeshm]· The establishment of a permanent Residency at Muscat.The correspondence consists mainly of letters between the Government of Bombay and the Resident at Muscat. The other correspondents are: Mullah Hussain; Syed Gheiss; the Resident at Bussora [Basra]; the Resident at Bushire; Sultan ben Suggur [Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi], Emir of Sharjah; and Syed Beder [Badr bin Saif Al Bu Sa’id], Regent of Oman.The bulk of the item dates from the years 1805 and 1806, the earlier date range includes copies of the Anglo-Omani Agreement of 1798 and an amendment to it from 1800 (ff 17-19).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 2, and terminates at f 90, 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: This note on the memorandum produced by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, Minister Plenipotentiary to Tehran 1894-1900, was written by Sir William Lee-Warner and focuses on various issues relating to the current situation in Persia. These include:the issue of the Regie debt;concerns over the succession of the Vali Ahd to power following the death of the Shah;the delimitation of the Perso-Baluch frontier;Anglo-Russian relations and actions in Persia;Russian influence over the region and over the Vali Ahd;considerations over how English finances and personnel could be better managed in the region.The document concludes with notes from 'E N' and 'G H'. The identities of these authors are unknown.Physical description: 2 folios
Abstract: Correspondence concerning the abdication of Sultan Taimur bin Faisal [Taymūr bin Fayṣal]and the accession of his son, Said bin Taimur [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr]. The file includes a letter in Arabic (folio 97) from Sultan Taimur with a translation in English, giving reasons as to why he cannot return to Muscat and willingness to accept a reduced subsidy. Correspondence discusses the timing of the abdication and arrangements for Taimur bin Faisal to reside in Ceylon.Correspondents include Trenchard Craven Fowle, Political Agent, Muscat; Hugh Vincent Biscoe, Political Resident Persian Gulf; Taimur bin Faisal; Said bin Taimur.Physical description: The volume is foliated from the front cover to the inside back cover, using circled numbers in the top-right corner of each recto. An earlier foliation system, which uses uncircled numbers in the top-right corner of rectos, runs throughout the volume. The following foliation anomalies occur: 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 97a. Folio 97 is an inset.
Abstract: Confidential printed memorandum. The memorandum is divided into the following sections:'Memorandum on the Succession to the Throne of Persia (folios 9-13);'Memorandum by Sir H. Rawlinson [Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson] on the Succession to the Throne of Persia' (folios 13-15);'Note on the Appointment of a Regent in case of the Demise of the Shah of Persia, and his successor being a Minor' (folios 16-19).The memorandum discusses the competing claims of potential successors to the throne of Persia following the death of Abbas Mirza in 1833 (1834-59); and the question of the appointment of Bahman Mirza as regent, and once in office, whether he would favour the influence of Russia or the United Kingdom in Persia (1852-57).The file also includes a 'Pedigree of the Reigning Shah of Persia, Fath Ali Shah [Fatḥ ‘Alī Shāh Qājār], Died in October 1834' (folio 8).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation for this description commences at f 8 and terminates at f 19, 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 ff 5-137; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence. Folio 8 extends more than 3 cm beyond the edge of the volume.
Abstract: Petition, memorandums and written accounts relating to affairs in Rajpootana [Rājasthān] from 1873-1876.Issues covered by the papers include the question of payment of expenses to employees of the Mount Abu Residency; an account of the last few weeks of the life of Sir Takht Singh, Maharaja of Jodhpur and of the appointment of his successor Jashwant Singh II; testimonial from Pandita Ramarna who had been employed to research the history of Meywar [Mewār]; the condition of the Jain Temple at Ajmere [Ajmer]; and the Chiefs of Rajputana and the possible personal concessions and acts of grace which could be accorded to them at the Imperial Assemblage in Delhi in 1876.Physical description: Foliation: The file has been foliated using a pencil number enclosed in a circle located in the top right hand corner of the recto of each folio.Binding: Folios 1-9 were previously tied together with string, which has been removed to enable the items to be read properly. The string has been placed at in a plastic sleeve and labelled as folio 8. The plastic sleeve may cause some loss of sharpness in the digital image of the folio. Folios 7-9 are blank.
Abstract: This file consists mainly of letters (with translation in Arabic) from the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf to Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmad al Qasimi, Regent of Kalba. The file discusses how the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf informs Shaikh Khalid that he His Majesty's Government is pleased formally to recognize him as Regent of Kalba during the minority of Shaikh Hamad bin Said of Kalba; Shaikh Khalid's response in Arabic with English translation. Also included is a memorandum from Abd'al Razaaq, Residency Agent, Sharjah to the Political Agent, Bahrain with details of a meeting between Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmad, Regent of Kalba and Shaikh Muhammad bin Ali of the Bani Qitab tribe about allowances due.Physical description: The foliation sytem in use is the sequence of numbers appearing in a circle in the top right hand corner of each folio. The file also bears a former foliation system consisting of uncircled numbers which begin at 53 (folio 3) and end at 70 (folio 8).
Abstract: Enclosures no. 2-10 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Bombay [Mumbai] Castle, dated 2 March 1848. The enclosures are dated 18 January-1 March 1848. The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to affairs in Aden and reports received there of events elsewhere, including:Reported hostilities between the Imam of Sana [Sana’a] and Hussain ibn Ali Hyder, Sheriffe [Sharif] of Mocha, and a request from the Imam for a British ship to be sent to protect Hodeida [Al Hudaydah]A report of the death of Sallah Selassie, King of Shoa [Sahle Selassie, Negus of Shewa], and bloodshed in Shoa over the successionA reported dispute between the Egyptian Governor of Mussowah [Massawa] and the French ConsulA visit to Berbera by the Assistant Political Agent at Aden, with the hopes of improving relations with and between the Aial Ahmed and Aial Unus [Reer Ahmed Nur and Reer Yunis Nur, sub-clans of the Habr Awwal]The arrival in Aden of Henry Hardinge, Viscount Hardinge, on his return trip to the UK after having served as Governor-General of India.The primary correspondent is the Political Agent, Aden.Physical description: 1 item (16 folios)
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 16 February 1857.The item contains a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Atkins Hamerton, HM Consul and Company Agent in the dominions of His Highness the Imaum [Imām] of Muscat, to the Government of Bombay, dated 8 November 1856. It relays the news that Syud Sueed [Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Sulṭān Āl Bū Sa‘īd], Imaum of Muscat, died at sea on 19 October 1856 during his return voyage from Muscat to Zanzibar. Hamerton's letter provides details on the Imaum's last few days, his health before his death, and his will. It also includes Hamerton's comments on the Imaum's successor to his African territories [Sultanate of Zanzibar], his son Said Majid bin Sueed [Sayyid Mājid bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd], and Hamerton's note that he is forwarding two letters from Said Majid, one addressed to the Governor-General of India and one addressed to the Governor of Bombay.Realising that Hamerton has accidentally sent them the letter for the Governor-General (copy included in the item), the Government of Bombay forward it to the Government of India, asking to be sent the letter addressed to the Governor of Bombay. They also instruct Hamerton to pass on their condolences but note they will await instructions from the Government of India before replying to Said Majid themselves.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department', Draft Number '789 [18]58', 'Collection No. 2', and 'Examiner's Office'. Originally, the Collection number was written as 'Collection No. 1 of No. 12 of 1857.' but the '1' was replaced with '2' and 'of No. 12 of 1857.' has been crossed out.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 1127, and terminates at f 1137, 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: Enclosure nos. 2-4 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay [Mumbai], dated 31 December 1844. The enclosures are dated 11 July-2 December 1844.The enclosures consist of correspondence relating to: the stated intention of the Imam of Muscat and Oman [Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Sulṭān Āl Bū Sa‘īd] to leave Zanzibar to his son Saud Khalid [Khālid bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd] and Oman to his son Saud Thuwanee [Sayyid Thuwaynī bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd], and to disinherit his eldest son Saud Hillāl [Hilāl bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd]; and reports that ships from the Imam’s dominions are regularly selling enslaved persons at a market in Quillimaine [Quelimane], Mozambique.The primary correspondent is the Native Agent, Muscat.Physical description: 1 item (12 folios)
Abstract: This volume contains correspondence on two topics: the succession of the Shaikhdom of Kalba and secondly, Kalba affairs. Letters report that in 1937 Shaikh Said of Kalba died and the people of Kalba elected his son Hamad, a boy of twelve, but the right of succession by the firstborn child was not recognized by other rulers. The succession was contested by the Shaikh of Dibba and also Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmad, ex-Shaikh of Sharjah. The file contains translations of letters between the Arab rulers of the coast relating to this issue. A letter from Hamad bin Sai'd bin Hamad to Shaikh Sultan bin Salim, Ruler of Ras al Khaimah informs of his election and requests his protection. The Wali of Kalba writes to Sir Trenchard Fowle, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, that Shaikh Sultan bin Salim was attempting to influence the merchants of Kalba to gain the succession.The Residency Agent, Sharjah was dispatched to assess the situation; the file includes a family tree of Sharjah. In a letter to the Government of India, External Affairs Department, the Political Resident Persian Gulf noted the policy of the Government of India is one of non-interference and finally recognition as Shaikh of whoever can seize and hold the Shaikhship provided that they recognise the Treaties with His Majesty's Government entered into by their predecessor. The correspondence also notes that whilst uncertainty remained no Imperial Airways aircraft used the landing strip at Kalba.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation system in use is the sequence of numbers appearing in the top right hand corner of each folio.Condition: There are some red ink stains on the side of the folios but they do not obscure the correspondence.
Abstract: The volume comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes, relating to Kuwait relations with the British Government.The discussion in the volume relates to:appointment of the Political Agent, Kuwait;visit of HM Consul, Basra;customs and railway negotiations;the Anglo-Turkish convention, 1912;the death of Mubarak [Shaikh Mubārak bin Ṣabāḥ Āl Ṣabāḥ], 1915, and succession of his son Jabir [Shaikh Jābir II bin Mubārak Āl Ṣabāḥ].There are a number of letters in Arabic with their translations, for example, from Sheikh Mubarak to Percy Zachariah Cox, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (folio 83) and to Captain William Henry Irvine Shakespear (folio 90). It also includes the Arabic text and translation 'Secret Agreement Between the British Government and Shaikh Mubarak dated the 23rd January 1899' (folios 100-102).The file also includes a copy of the 'Maritime Truce Treaty with the Shaikh of Kuwait, of 1841 [with English and Arabic versions]' (folios 130-132).The principal correspondents in the volume include: the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon; the Secretary of State for India; His Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Percy Zachariah Cox; the First Assistant to the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Under-Secretary to the Government of India; the British Consul to Basra, F E Crow; the Vali of Bussorah; Sadun Pasha, Seyyid Talib Pasha; the Ruler of Kuwait, Shaikh Mubarak; the Political Agent at Kuwait, Captain Stuart George Knox; the British Consul at Mohammerah [Khorramshahr].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 191; 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 2-190; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: The file contains correspondence in the form of letters and reports between British officials in Muscat, Bushire and Delhi, and the Sultan of Muscat and Oman, Taimur bin Faisal al-Bu Sa‘idi, regarding the latter’s visit to India and his subsequent proposal to reside there and to abdicate the Sultanate. The correspondence includes reports on the character of the Sultan, the possible alternatives to rule, and the situation in Muscat in general. It also includes notes on the history of the succession of Imams and Sultans in Oman (ff 234-238). Among other issues discussed in the correspondence are the following:the length of the Sultan’s stay in Muscat and India each yearthe Sultan’s monthly personal allowancethe purchase of a house at Dehra Dun, India by the Sultan, and discussion about the holding of immovable property in British India as per British lawthe establishment of the Council of Ministers in Muscat in 1920the recognition of Sa'id bin Taimur as the Sultan’s successorthe financial situation in Muscat and its reflection on the Sultan’s personal allowancethe Sultan’s second proposal to abdicate in 1929the appointment of Sa'id bin Taimur as the president of the Council of Ministers in 1929Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 241; these numbers are written in pencil 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.