Abstract: This file contains correspondence between Sayyid `Abd al-Aziz bin Sa'id, the Sultan of Oman's cousin and competitor, and the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf about Oman affairs. Specifically, the exchanges discuss whether the Sultan at the time, Faisal bin Turki, was fit to rule. The file also contains letters about a dispute between Arabs of Khasab and Kumzar and the 1882 Administration report and trade returns.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 63; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: Two copies of a report, marked as secret, on Koweit [Kuwait]. The report was compiled in the Intelligence Branch, Quarter Master General's Department, by Captain H H Dowding, The Essex Regiment. It was printed at the Government Central Printing Office, Simla, 1903.The report contains information on the geography, history, politics, military strength, administration, resources, climate, and communications of Kuwait. It includes appendices on routes and prominent families in the region.The volume also contains a number of photographs and maps:A photograph of the foreshore of Kuwait (folio 3)A photograph of Mobarek-Bin-Subah [Mubārak bin Ṣabāḥ Āl Ṣabāḥ], Shaikh of Kuwait, and his youngest son Naser (folio 9)A photograph of the residence of the Shaikh of Kuwait (folio 17)A rough diagram of the village of Jehara (folio 31)A map of Kuwait Harbour (folio 32)A map of Kuwait and surrounding country (folio 33).At the rear of the volume is an index, arranged alphabetically and with reference to the original pagination (folios 26-28).Folio references given are for the first of the two copies. The second, identical copy runs from folio 34 to 66.Physical description: Foliation: this file consists of two physical volumes. The foliation sequence commences at the front cover of volume one (ff 1-33) and terminates at the inside back cover of volume two (ff 34-66); these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The volume contains printed monthly memoranda of information received by the Government of India 'regarding external affairs other than those relating to the North-West Frontier, Afghanistan, and Persia' for the months of January to March 1905 inclusive (folios 4-17); memoranda of information received 'regarding external affairs relating to Arabia' for the months of April to December 1905 inclusive (folios 18-54); and memoranda of information received 'regarding external affairs relating to the North-East Frontier, Burma, Siam, and China', for the months of April to December 1905 inclusive (folios 55-108). A note accompanying each memorandum states that they are 'based upon reports, the accuracy of which it is not always possible to guarantee'.The combined 'other external affairs' reports (folios 4-17) relate to Arabia (Aden), Turkish Arabia, the Persian Gulf, China, Tibet, and Bhutan; the Arabia memoranda (folios 18-54) relate to Aden, Turkish Arabia, and the Persian Gulf; and the North-East Frontier etc. memoranda (folios 55-108) relate to Tibet, Bhutan, China, Siam [Thailand], Nepal, Burma, and Assam.Memoranda covering the Persian Gulf include intelligence reports concerning Maskat [Muscat], Koweit [Kuwait], Nejd [Najd], Bahrein [Bahrain], Katif [Al-Qatif], El Katr/Katar [Qatar], the Arab Coast, Musandim [Musandam], and the Pirate Coast.The memoranda relating to Arabia include references to the following subjects: political intelligence, tribal affairs, relations with the Ottoman Government, frontier settlement, pearl fisheries, quarantine, and slavery.The memoranda regarding affairs on and beyond the North-East Frontier of India cover a similar broad range of political and economic intelligence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 112; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The volume contains three administrative reports submitted by the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Captain (James) Felix Jones, to the Government of Bombay. The first report (folios 6-36) covers events occurring within the key towns and tribes of the Arab coast of the Gulf between the period 1 May 1855 to 30 April 1856. The second report (folios 41-95) covers events occurring with key towns and tribes of the Arab coast of the Gulf between the period 1 May 1856 to 30 April 1858. The third report (folios 98-99) covers events associated with Persia and the Persian coast between 1856 and 1858. The third report is heavily truncated.Physical description: Foliation: The volume is foliated from the front cover to inside back cover, using pencil numbers in the top-right corner of each recto. The following foliation anomalies occur: 1, 1A, 35, 35a, 96, 96A.There is extensive insect damage throughout the volume, in the form of small holes in most pages. This damage is not sufficiently extensive to impair the legibility of the volume’s contents.
Abstract: The file consists of numerous injury reports and minutes of meetings held at the Bahrain Political Agency to discuss compensation for work-related injuries and accidents in the Bahrain Petroleum Company Limited (BAPCO) refinery and offices.Physical description: The foliation is written in pencil, encircled, and can be found in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The numbering commences at the front cover with 1, 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D and continues until 290, which is the last number on the back cover of the file. There is also another foliation sequence, which is incomplete.
Abstract: Enclosures no. 2-3 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Bombay [Mumbai] Castle, dated 28 February 1848. The enclosures are dated 7 December 1847-15 January 1848. The enclosures consist of copies of despatches from the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia relating to affairs in and around Bagdad [Baghdad], including:A British merchant who was beaten and arrested while attempting to enter Bagdad and attempts to bring charges against the soldiers responsibleThe defeat of ‘brigands’ by the Governor of KermanshahA complaint against Khurshid Agha [Khorshid Aga], Governor of Bussorah [Basra], for the unauthorised boarding of a British vessel and his later removal from office and arrestThe immunity from British interference of Persian [Iranian] ships transporting enslaved persons in the Gulf and the difficulty of securing the release of those brought to Bussorah by them.Physical description: 1 item (15 folios)
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] to the East India Company Court of Directors. The item relates to activities of Sampson Naylor, Packet Agent (also called Steam Packet Agent) to the Company and HM Vice Consul for Mocha (also written Mocka). In particular, the item makes mention of:The refusal of Commander Joseph Henry Rowband, Commanding the Company ship
Hugh Lindsay, to provide passage to Naylor from Suez to Mocha due to the latter’s alleged intoxication and ‘delirium’Doubt on the part of the Government of Bombay as to Naylor’s authenticity as they have no official record of his appointments, and their further concerns about the suitability of Naylor for the position of Packet AgentTheir additional request for clarity on the position of Captain Lyons, Resident and Deputy Agent at SuezCorrespondence from Colonel Patrick Campbell, HM Consul General at Alexandria, which confirms both Naylor’s and Lyons’s respective appointmentsA report from Commander Nott, Acting Commander of the Company ship
Euphrates, regarding the uncivil treatment of Sheik Tyeb [Mīrzā Shaikh Tayyib Ibrāhimji, former Native Agent at Mocha] by NaylorSheik Tyeb’s report that Naylor has employed Ujmee Abdool Russool [‘Abd al-Rasul ‘Ajami], an agent of Ibrahim Pacha [Ibrāhīm Pasha], as an assistant and has permitted him to read copies of all correspondence sent between Sheik Tyeb and the Government of Bombay during Sheik Tyeb’s employment as Native Agent at MochaA protest against Naylor by Syed Abdoola bin Assom of Colundy [Sayyid ‘Abdullah bin ‘Assam of Quilandi] following the detention of his ship,
Sahala, at Mocha by Naylor, a copy of which can be found at folios 106-107.Nott’s report also contains an update on the Egyptian forces in Yeomen [Yemen] at Taidjh [Ta’izz, also written Taidgh]. The item’s content dates from 1838, except from a certificate of registration for the ship,
Sahala, which is dated 4 January 1830.As well as the above individuals, correspondents include: Rear Admiral Sir Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of the Indian Navy; and Acton S Ayrton, Notary Public at Bombay.There are multiple spellings given for the names Ujmee Abdool Russool and Syed Abdool bin Assam of Colundy, as well as for the ship,
Sahala.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 2540, Draft 81, 1840, Collection No. 7’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 70, and terminates at f 114, 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: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the governments of Bombay [Mumbai], Madras [Chennai] and Bengal. The item is principally concerned with the news that Syed Syeed bin Sultan [Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Sulṭān Āl Bū Sa‘īd], the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat, has signed a Treaty with the United States of America. In particular the item relates to:Discussions by the above governments as to whether the Imaum has broken existing treaties with the British by signing this new treatyThe Imaum's offer to amend or break the treaty with the Americans if the British are displeased, and his offer of a vessel, the
Liverpool, to the King of England [King of the United Kingdom] as a presentThe Imaum's 'complaints' that the British take a long time to reply to his correspondence and also do not support him against his enemiesFurther news that a French frigate has arrived at Zanzibar with the object of negotiating new treaties with the Imaum.The item includes a report (folios 34-52) by Captain Henry Hart, commanding HMS
Imogene, on his dealings with the Imaum at Zanzibar. The report contains information on the Imaum's power, influence and trade in his dominions and neighbouring territories (notably Madagascar), as well as details of the treaty with the USA.As well as a copy of the treaty with the USA (folios 52-55), the item also includes copies of treaties between the Imaum of Muscat's predecessor, Syeed Sultan [Sayyid Sulṭān bin Ahmad Āl Bū Sa‘īd], and the East India Company signed in 1798 (folios 16-17) and 1800 (folio 18).In addition to numerous secretaries to the above governments, other correspondents include: William Henry Wathen and A N Shaw, successive Persian Secretaries to the Government of Bombay; Vice Admiral Sir John Gore, Naval Commander in Chief; Lord William Cavendish Bentinck, Governor General; Captain Henry Hart, HMS
Imogene; and Captain Hanway Plumbridge, HMS
Magicienne.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 1453 Draft 267. 1835.’ and 'Examiner's Office 1835'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 4, and terminates at f 83, 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: This volume is a report by Samuel Butcher, a superintendent and clerk in the Indo-European Telegraph Department, documenting the route from Rishir, a village near Bushire, to Bunder Abbas [Bandar-e ʻAbbās]. The report describes the different cities that Butcher went through on his way to Bunder Abbas. Each description contains information on supplies, water, fuel, cultivation, grazing and camping grounds.Folio 2 of the volume contains a dedication from the author, Samuel Butcher, to George Curzon. The report was the property of Curzon.The volume contains five lithographic prints of drawings (folios 13, 16, 19, 21, and 25) and one map in a pocket at the end of the book (f 33).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates on a map with 33, 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: Paper No.7 written by Colonel Augustus Le Messurier of the Bombay Engineers, being a diary of a journey through Persia [Iran] from Rasht to Bushire, undertaken between 24 October and 9 December 1887. The volume was published in Calcutta [Kolkota] in 1888, in Government of India Quarter Master General's Department.At the front of the volume (f 4) is a list of illustrations and tables numbered 7A-7Z, and two further items numbered 25-26. Items 7A-7E are a map, section plans, route table and equipment list, which are included in the volume (ff 16-20). Items 7F-7Z refer to photographs taken by Antoin Sevruguin, included in a separate album published by Le Messurier (Photo 198). Items 25 and 26 are drawings, included at the end of the album of Sevruguin’s photographs.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 22; 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 memorandum consists of a copy of a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Arnold Talbot Wilson, Officiating Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, addressed to the Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign and Political Department, Simla. It is reporting on a recent tour made by Sir Arnold of Arabistan prior to handing over the Residency to his successor. The report provides an overview of developments in the region over the past three years, which includes comments respecting the authority of the Shaikh of Mohammerah [Khorramshahr] and an update on Bakhtiari affairs. In addition, it also provides a brief update on postal and telegraph arrangements.The report also provides an outline of the current arrangement of consular and political agencies in Arabistan, and outlines proposals for a reorganisation.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 3; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence enclosed within letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai], the India Board, and the Foreign Office. The item relates to:Suggestions by the above correspondents for suppressing the trade in enslaved people from the coasts of Abyssinia [Ethiopia] and Burbarra [Berbera] to the [other] ports in the Red SeaInformation supplied by Stafford Bettesworth Haines, Political Agent at Aden, in which he outlines Massowah [Massawa], Sauken [Sawākin], Tedjaura [Tadjourah], Zeyla [Saylac], and Burbarra as the principal ports in the Red Sea involved in the trade in enslaved people and provides his opinion on whether the rulers of these ports could be persuaded to abandon the trade (folios 198-200)A report by Commander Denton, Senior Naval Officer in the Red Sea, with the results of his enquiry into the allegation that Mallim Yousef Yacoob [Mu‘allim Yūsuf Yaʿqūb], Government Agent at Judda [Jeddah], and Hassain Effendi [Hasan Efendi], former Governor of Massowah, had sold enslaved people to a number of French men (folios 201 verso to 202 recto)A report by Commander A H Nott which provides details on the main ‘articles of export’ from the port of Massowah, namely: enslaved people; musk; ivory; ghee; gum; and hides. Particular attention is paid to where the enslaved people come from, how they are acquired, how much tax is levied for each individual, and the fact that many of them are Abyssinian Christians.Nott's report also provides brief details on the ‘annual yield’ of Dahlad Island [Dahlak Kebr] as well as the current political statuses of the ‘State of Abyssinia’ and Gondar [Gonder]. It can be found at folios 205-212.In addition to the above correspondents, the item includes correspondence from Rear Admiral Sir Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of the Indian Navy.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 3228, Draft 714, 1841’, ‘Collection No. 4 of No. 34’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 193, and terminates at f 213, 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.