Abstract: This file concerns arms traffic outside of the Persian Gulf. Specifically, the document discusses what it refers to as the 'spasmodic' illicit traffic of arms (as opposed to 'systematic' traffic) which has been carried out by masters of dhows carrying other merchandise. Most of the file is concerned with the traffic of arms from Jibuti [Djibouti] – which is referred to as '
thedistributing centre [original italics]' for the arms trade outside of the Persian Gulf – to ports in the Gulf of Aden.The document provides a brief history (from a British perspective) of traffic from Jibuti in the years since the signing of the Brussels Convention in 1890. It summarises, and provides references to, letters and despatches from a number of British authorities, which discuss various issues relating to the arms trade out of Jibuti, including: the extent to which traffic at Jibuti has been regulated; the possible threat that the traffic poses to the Aden garrison; the effects of measures taken by the French to curtail the traffic from Jibuti; other possible ports of supply, such as Zanzibar, Muscat and the Aden Protectorate ports.Also discussed are the attitudes of the maritime chiefs to the arms traffic, the various preventive measures available to the Resident at Aden for dealing with the effects of the traffic at Aden, an account of measures taken both by the British Somaliland authorities and by the Italian authorities, and an evaluation of the naval measures taken by the British since 1901. The file concludes by noting that one possible solution to the problem could be the deployment of armed dhows, a measure which previously has been advocated by the naval authorities, the Viceroy and the Resident at Aden.The document is attributed to P H D [P H Dumbell, Reading Clerk to the Council, India Office].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 file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The volume comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes for the period of February 1925 to December 1927 relating to the Najd-Transjordan boundary.Topics discussed include:The Najd-Transjordanian boundary and raiding between Iraq and Najd.The mission of Sir Gilbert Clayton Mission to Ibn Sa`ud.Najd-Iraq Frontier Agreement (Bahra Agreement), signed in 1925.Included in the volume is a copy of the English version (folios 36 to 37) of the ten articles of the Bahra Agreement signed by the Sultan of Najd and Dependencies and Sir Gilbert Clayton on behalf of the 'Mesopotamia Government' to regulate raiding. The file also includes letters in Arabic from Ibn Sa'ud to British officials.The principal correspondents include: the Secretary of State for the Colonies, London; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Bushire (Francis Beville Prideaux); the High Commissioner, Baghdad; the Political Agent, Kuwait; HM Consul, Jeddah; and the Sultan of Najd and Dependencies (Ibn Sa'ud).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 177; 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 5-173; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from both the President in Council (22 March 1855, Numbers 20-21) and the Government of Bombay (2 April 1855, Numbers 26-28). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The subject matter of the letters from the Governor General (folios 91-94) includes instructions to Major Allen to adopt conciliatory measures towards tribes along the frontier between British India and Burma, and an attempted assassination attempt against a European officer in Afghanistan.The section from Bombay (folios 95-96) is mainly concerned with Britain's policy at Aden: the line to be taken with the Foutheli Chief in response to his attempt to stop traffic to Aden, and the facilitation of trade with Abyssinia/Ethiopia.Physical description: 1 item (6 folios)
Abstract: This bundle consists of summaries, and partial transcripts, of secret letters received from the Governor General of India (8 February 1855, Number 14), the President in Council (22 February 1855, Numbers 15-17) and the Government of Bombay (28 February 1855, Numbers 18-19). The amount of detail for each entry therefore varies.The letter from the Governor General consists of two folios only (folios 65-66r) and is concerned with the policy to be pursued at Aden.The letters from the President in Council make up the bulk of the bundle (folios 66v-74r) and the subject matter includes the following: reports from Afghanistan regarding relations with Persia, opinions amongst Afghans on a proposed treaty of friendship with the Government of India, and reports on preparations – causing discontent – in Nepal for military action against Thibet [Tibet].The section from Bombay consists of three folios only (folios 74v-76). It is predominantly concerned with the risk of the Sultan of Lahedge [Lahej] being overpowered by his enemies, and the question of whether the Political Resident at Aden should be empowered to provide small sums in financial aid.Physical description: 1 item (12 folios)
Abstract: A summary of British involvement at Aden and administrative arrangements in place there. The booklet begins with an introductory description of the geography of Aden and the surrounding region, followed by a summary of historical events leading up to and including the Cabinet Decision of 16 December 1926, by which a single chief authority was appointed in control at Aden by the Imperial Government. A description of administrative arrangements follows, divided into sections, including those entitled:ResidentSuperior Administrative StaffAdministration of JusticePolice and Police ArrangementsMiscellaneous and Subordinate StaffIncome TaxArms and AmmunitionThe Royal Air Force EstablishmentThe booklet ends with a memorandum drawn up by the Colonial Office relating to financial charges against the funds of the United Kingdom.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 12; 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.