Abstract: This volume contains descriptions of the 'more important of the known routes in Arabia proper' produced by the General Staff in Simla, India. It is divided up as follows:Part I- Routes in North-Eastern, Eastern, and Southern Arabia.Part II- Routes in South-Western, Western, and North-Western Arabia.Part III- Miscellaneous Routes in Mesopotamia.Appendix A- Information about Routes etc in the Rowanduz District by Abdullah Pasha, Hereditary Chief of Rowanduz and ex-official of the Turkish Government.Appendix B- Information relating to Navigation etc of the Tigris between Mosul and Baghdad supplied by our Raftsmen.The volume contains a Glossary of Arabic Terms used in the route descriptions and a map of Arabia with the routes marked on it.Physical description: Condition: A bound, printed volume.Foliation: The file's 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. Please note that f 424 is housed inside f 425.Pagination: The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The file provides an account of the navigation of the rivers of Mesopotamia from 1640, with a series of extracts from despatches, letters, reports, a diary, a treaty, and an order. It details agreements between England and Turkey; the movements of British steamers within the region; the question of the payment of dues and navigation rights; the maintenance costs of steamers; and highlights disturbances hindering navigation.It was written by F De Lesseps, Foreign Department, India Office.The file includes three extracts in French.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 28, and terminates at f 31, 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 between ff 28-31; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This item consists mostly of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. It is the first of two items on the subject of the Euphrates expedition of 1835-37 (the other item is IOR/F/4/1701/68746).The item concerns the latter stages of the Euphrates expedition and the decision of the Government of Bombay to continue the expedition beyond its originally-assigned duration. It mostly consists of reports and letters prepared by Colonel Francis Rawdon Chesney, the leader of the expedition. The topics covered are:The ascent and descent of the Tigris river as far as Bagdad [Baghdad] by the
Euphratessteamer, from September to October 1836The ascent and descent of the Euphrates river by the
Euphratessteamer, from October to November 1836, including the damage suffered to one of the engines and the arrangements made for the mail being carried by the steamer to be conveyed onwards to BritainLocal reactions to the expeditionThe activities of the
Euphratesfollowing the departure of Colonel Francis Rawdon Chesney, the leader of the expedition, including the ascent and descent of the Karoon [Karun] river, and the return to BagdadThe assessments of Chesney and other members of the expedition of their achievements, and their recommendations for maintaining steamers on the Euphrates.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 86 and terminates at f 148, 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 volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
Abstract: This file contains two printed reports written by Sir George Buchanan, Director of Port Administration and Conservancy, Indian Expeditionary Force "D".The details of the reports are as follows:1)
'Report on the Conservancy of the Shatt-El-Arab River from the Port of Basra to the Persian Gulf'(folios 1-7);This report is separated into the following sub-headings:(a) General Description of the River.(b) Physical Characteristics.(c) Obstructions to Navigation.(d) Removal of the Outer Bar.(e) Lighting and Buoying.(f) Pilotage.(g) Financial.(h) Conclusion.A number of charts and plans referred to in the report are contained in a seperate pocket at the rear of the folder (folios 21-29).2)
'Report on the Development of the Port of Basra'(folios 8-18)This report is separated into the following sub-headings:1) Suitability of Basra as the Principal Port of Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf.2) Trade Prospects.3) Administration.4) Works and Equipment.5) Import Trade.6) Export Trade.7) Inland Vessels' Trade.8) Trade with Southern Persia.9) Miscellaneous private trades and industries.10) Finance.11) Charges on Vessels.12) Dues on Goods.13) Inland Vessels' Trade.14) Land Rents.15) Conclusion.This report includes an appendix entitled 'A brief note on the future development of the Port of Basra and its communications by land and water, by Sir George Buchanan, Kt., C.I.E., Director of Port Administration and Conservancy, Indian Expeditionary Force, "D" (folios 16-18).Physical description: A bound volume with a pocket attached to its inside rear cover containing nine fold-out maps.There is a foliation sequence, which is circled in pencil, in the top right corner of the recto of each folio. It begins on the first folio with text, on number 1, and ends on the last of the various maps that are inserted at the back of the volume, on number 29.
Abstract: The report was printed for the Committee of Imperial Defence, November 1911, and approved on 14 December 1911. It concerns the situation in the Persian Gulf regarding the extent to which Turkish claims aligned with British interests, and engagements already made with the Sheikh of Koweit [Kuwait] and other chiefs.It includes the following:Report - The Standing Sub-Committee advise on the terminus of the Baghdad Railway, control of the navigation of the Shat-Al-Arab [Shatt al Arab], and the limits of Turkish sovereignty in the Shat-Al-Arab and on the shores of the Gulf.Proceedings - minutes of the First Meeting, 24 May 1911; and minutes of the Second Meeting, 15 June 1911.The following appendices are also contained in the report:I. Memorandum on Turkish aggression in the Persian Gulf, by the Foreign Office.II. Memorandum on local action in the Persian Gulf, by the General Staff, War Office.III. Letter on the Shat-Al-Arab and Koweit, from the Naval Commander-in-chief, East Indies, to the Government of India.IV. Report of the Inter-Departmental Conference on the Baghdad Railway terminus, by the Foreign Office, 1907.V. Foreign Office correspondence on the frontier of Muhamrah (Mohammerah)[Khorramshahr].VI. Memorandum on the Turco-Persian boundary question 1833-1906, by the Foreign Office.VII. Foreign Office correspondence on the frontier of Mohammerah, 1906-1911.Some treaty extracts and agreements are in French.Also contains three maps:f 25: 'MAP OF MOHAMMERAH AND DISTRICT PREPARED IN 1850'f 43: 'Sketch of APPROACHES TO KUWEIT HARBOUR AND SHATT AL ARAB'f 44: 'PERSIAN GULF AND ADJACENT COUNTRIES'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 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: This item consists mostly of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, letters to and from the governments of Bombay [Mumbai] and Bengal. It is the second of two items on the subject of the Euphrates expedition of 1835-37 (the other item is IOR/F/4/1701/68745).The item relates to the breaking up of the Euphrates expedition. It includes:Submissions from Colonel Francis Rawdon Chesney, the leader of the expedition, to the governments of Bombay and Bengal, reporting the most recent progress of the expedition and making suggestions for future activitiesThe decision of the Government of Bengal to end the expeditionArrangements for the disposal of the
Euphratessteamer, details of the vessel’s remaining stores and their value, and a final accounting of the expedition.The title page (f 149) of the item contains the following references: ‘P.C. 2217, Draft 538 of 1838’; ‘Collection No 2, PC 2217’ and ‘Secretary Office, Marine Branch, January 1838’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 149 and terminates at f 187, 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 volume also contains an original 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 item consists of a collection of documents signed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Edward Grey) and the Grand Vizier of Ottoman Empire (Ibrahim Hakki Pasha) on 29 July 1913.It contains the following: a convention concerning the establishment of a commission to improve the conditions of navigation from Shatt al-Arab; a list of lighthouses and buoys on Shatt al-Arab; a series of declarations concerning the question of the border that separates the Persian and Ottoman territories from the region of Haouizé [Hoveyzeh] to the sea, and navigation on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers; and agreements between the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the Grand Vizier of Ottoman Empire on Koueit [Kuwait], El Katr [Qatar], Bahreine [Bahrain], Golfe Persique [Persian Gulf], and the commission of delimitation.It also includes translations of agreements with the Sheikh of Koweit [Shaikh of Kuwait] dated 1899, 1900, and 1904, on protecting British interests, along with correspondence between Edward Grey and Tewfik Pasha regarding these agreements and railways in Asiatic Turkey.The majority of text is in French, with some English.Also includes two maps:IOR/W/L/PS/18/B381 (i) – 'MAP TO SHOW THE LIMITS OF KOWEIT AND ADJACENT COUNTRY'.IOR/W/L/PS/18/B381 (ii) – 'SKETCH MAP OF THE PERSIAN GULF & ARABIAN COAST'.Physical description: 1 item (8 folios)
Abstract: The item consists of a concession for navigation on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which sets out terms and conditions.It was signed by the Grand Vizier of Ottoman Empire (Ibrahim Hakki Pasha) and Baron Inchcape (James Lyle Mackay) – on behalf of the Secretary of State for India, on 12 December 1913.The main body of the document is in French.Physical description: 1 item (7 folios)
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D between 1 May and 31 May 1915. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: letters, telegrams, notes, tables, and memoranda.A summary of the contents of this volume can be found at folio 9, and the volume concerns:Incidents of firing at Qurnah [Al Qurnah]Provision of river craftDespatch of aeroplanes and personnel from England and AustraliaOfficer reinforcements for Force DMovements of General George Gorringe’s columnDetails of punitive crop burningAppreciations [reports] and intelligence summaries from the Directorate of Military Operations, mostly concerning the movements of Turkish [Ottoman] and Russian troopsMilitary supplies including medical suppliesProposals for a test examination in Arabic and Turkish, to be called the ‘Field Service Test’Discussion of a potential offensive up the Tigris from QurnahThe status of oil pipe lines.A statement of the strength of reinforcements for Force D is present on folios 269-274.Summaries of the contents of previous volumes can be found at folios 3-8.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 276; 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 10-274; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21x33cm
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 1 August and 31 August 1915. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: letters, telegrams, notes, tables, draft army orders, and memoranda.A summary of the contents of this volume can be found at folios 13-14, and the volume concerns:Appreciations [reports] and intelligence summaries from the Directorate of Military OperationsRequests for military supplies including supplies of winter clothing and spare parts for military vehiclesThe supply of various types of aeroplanes to Force D, including seaplanes, and a discussion of the organisation of the Flying Service in IndiaGeneral Walter Sinclair Delamain’s occupation of Filaifilah [Fulayfilah] and Ali-al-Gharbi [Ali Al-Gharbi]Progress of Turkish [Ottoman] railways in Asia MinorProspective British railway construction, especially the lines connecting Basrah [Basra] to Nasiriyah, Magil [Al Ma‘qil] to Zubair [Az Zubayr], and Zubair Gate [Khor Al Zubair] to Fort George, including political, military, and economic considerationsDiscussions on the advisability of advancing to Kut-al-Amarah [al-Kut] and the occupation of NasiriyahProvision of river craftReports of sickness, especially malaria, and preventative measuresSupply of mechanics from Australia and New ZealandLetters from Abdul Aziz bin Abdur Rahman, Al-Faisal bin Sa’ud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd] concerning a treaty of friendship, a draft copy of the treaty (folios 203-205) and British notes on alterations made by bin Sa’ud.The following tables appear:A statement of the strength of reinforcements for Force D on folios 328-334The distribution of the Turkish Army on folios 230-235Admissions to hospital on folio 327The distribution of the troops in Force D on folios 37, 105, 184-185, 259-260, 321The strength of Force D on folios 82-84, 140, 236-238, 307-308.Summaries of the contents of previous volumes can be found at folios 3-12.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 336; 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 15-334; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 16 and 31 January 1916. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: letters, telegrams, notes, tables, and memoranda.A summary of the contents of this volume can be found at the start of IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3244. The volume concerns:Appreciations [reports] and intelligence summaries from the Directorate of Military OperationsThe advance of General Fenton AylmerBattle of Umm-ul-Hannah [Hanna] and subsequent evacuation of the woundedConsideration of a proposal to introduce French troops into MesopotamiaSupply of river craft and other military supplies including aircraftOil exportsReinforcements for Force D, especially reinforcements for the Royal Flying CorpsConsideration of how the Tigris flood season would affect operationsConclusions from an interview between Lieutenant-Colonel Percy Zachariah Cox, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, and Bin Sa’ud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd] and the Shaikh of Kuwait [Shaikh Jābir II al-Mubārak Āl Ṣabāḥ] in December 1915Speculation about how long General Charles Townsend’s supplies inside Kut would lastA discussion about the speed of post to and from MesopotamiaProposed future re-organisation of Force D.The following tables appear:The distribution of the troops in Force D on folios 14-18 and 154-155The strength of Force D on folios 67-68, 98, and 137Distribution of the Turkish [Ottoman] Army on folios 106-111Embarkation statement for troops which embarked at Bombay [Mumbai] and Karachi for Basrah [Basra], in January 1916 on folios 169-178.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 180; 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 3-178; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm