Abstract: Report compiled by Captain Albany Robert Savile of the 18th Royal Irish Regiment, in the Intelligence Branch, Quarter Master General’s Department, Horse Guards. The report was published and printed in London under the superintendence of HM’s Stationery Office in 1878. The report contains fourteen chapters, labelled I to XIV, as follows:I: a history of Cyprus, from ancient times to the occuption of the island by Britain in 1878II: geography and topographyIII: towns, villages, and antiquitiesIV: communications (inland, maritime, and telegraphic)V: coast, harboursVI: climateVII: natural historyVIII: agricultural productionIX: geology and mineralogyX: population and inhabitants, including their character, language, religion and educationXI: internal administration (civil, ecclesiastical, military)XII: manufacture and industryXIII: trade and revenueXIV: currency, weights and measures, list of authorities on Cyprus, cartography of CyprusThe volume includes a sketch map of Cyprus at the rear (f 91).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 92; 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 item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay, the Government of Bengal, and the Court of Directors of the East India Company.The item relates to the suggestion – first in 1828 by Captain David Wilson, the Resident in the Persian Gulf, and again in 1832 by David Anderson Blane, Wilson’s successor – to remove the Residency at Bushire [Būshehr] to the nearby island of Kharrack [Jazīreh-ye Khārk]. In particular the item concerns:The temporary removal in March 1832, due of the outbreak of plague, of the Residency at Bushire to the island of Corgo beside Kharrack, and Blane’s arguments in favour of making this move permanentThe Government of Bombay’s subsequent revisiting of the points raised during Wilson’s earlier suggestion in 1828Wilson’s research in 1828 into potential sites to which the Residency at Bushire could be relocated, with Kharrack found to be the most favourable optionDiscussions in 1828 of the allowances for numerous Residents and Agents throughout the Persian Gulf and options for reducing expensesResearch commissioned by the Supreme Government [Government of Bengal] in 1828 to ascertain comparative costs of establishing a footing on Kharrack and maintaining the Residencies at Bushire and Bussorah [Basra]Suggestion by the Calcutta Financial Committee in 1830 to abolish the Agency at Bussorah and consolidate the affairs of the Gulf under one authority which would be titled ‘Political Agent in the Gulf of Persia’Discussions of the viability of acquiring Kharrack from PersiaThe survey of Kharrack by Lieutenant Samuel Hennell, Assistant in Charge of the Residency in the Persian Gulf, in 1831 to ascertain costs of establishing military fortifications on the island.The principal correspondents in the item are: Wilson; Blane; the Court of Directors; and numerous secretaries heading various departments within the governments of Bombay and Bengal. Other correspondents include: Hennell; John Wedderburn, Civil Auditor and Accountant General, Bombay; Pasha of Bagdad [Dāwūd Pasha, Governor of Baghdad]; Lieutenant-Colonel David Barr, Military Auditor General, Bombay; Sir Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of the Indian Navy.The item also contains a lengthy Minute by John Malcolm, the Governor of Bombay, which mentions numerous policies applicable to the Residency at Bushire (f 49 recto – f 55 recto).The ‘Resident/Residency in the Persian Gulf’ is also referred to as the ‘Resident/Residency at Bushire’ throughout the item.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department No. 2’, ‘P.C. 1216, Draft 111, 1834' and 'Examiner's Office'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 4, and terminates at f 144, 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 note was compiled by Captain Charles Monk Gibbon (Division of the Chief of the Staff), and relates to survey work in Persia. Gibbon discusses the survey instruments and equipment which should be used, and offers advice on how to better undertake survey work in the area, for example, by appeasing local residents.The note was printed at the Government Monotype Press in Simla, and was intended to provide assistance to officers involved with intelligence work on the 'trans-frontier'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 9; 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.
Abstract: This item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, and consultations cited in, or enclosed with, a Marine and Forest Letter from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai].The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; Henry Meriton, Superintendent of Marine; the East India Company Court of Directors; the Bombay Marine; and Captain Phillip Maughan.The item concerns a survey of the western side of the Persian Gulph [Gulf]. It includes:A recommendation from the Court of Directors, in 1815, for the Government of Bombay to undertake a survey of the western side of the GulfThe arrival, in 1820, of the survey ship
Margaret and Francisin Bombay, and the suggestion that it might be employed to carry out the previously-mentioned surveyThe carrying out of repairs to the
Margaret and Francis, its renaming as the
Discovery, and the appointment of Captain Maughan as CommanderThe preparations for the survey, including the supply of surveying instruments, and the question of the allowances that should be granted to the officers employedMaughan’s relinquishing of his command of the
Discoverydue to illness, with the ship subsequently being refitted and placed under the command of Lieutenant John Michael GuyDiscussions regarding the types of vessel most suitable for carrying out survey workThe methods suggested by Maughan for the completion of the survey.The title page contains the following references: ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 86, Dr[a]ft 359, 22/3’ and ‘Examiner’s Office Sept. 1822’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 5 and terminates at f 71, 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 file comprises two sets of correspondence relating to the provision of dock facilities at Bahrain. The principal correspondents in the file are: the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf (Lieutenant-Colonel Arnold Crawshaw Galloway); the Political Agent at Bahrain (Cornelius James Pelly; Lieutenant-Colonel Arnold Crawshaw Galloway; Captain Hugh Rance); the Adviser to the Government of Bahrain (Charles Dalrymple Belgrave); and representatives of Gray, Mackenzie and Company Limited.The file’s contents are as follows:correspondence dated May to June 1945 relating to Gray, Mackenzie & Company’s commissioning of Messrs Holloway Brothers to survey Bahrain Island with a view to the construction of repair workshops and docks, including a request from Holloway Brothers, forwarded by the Political Agent, for maps of the island, and the Bahrain Government’s assent to and comments on the request (ff 4-9);correspondence dated November to December 1946, concerning an offer made by Directorate General of Disposals of the Transportation Directorate, New Delhi, to the Government of Bahrain, of one or more 750-ton Admiralty floating docks for use at Bahrain (technical details of the docks given on f 11); an offer not taken up by the Government, although Gray, Mackenzie and Company registered their interest in a smaller floating dock if one were available from the Directorate (ff 10-18).The file notes at the end of the file make reference to correspondence dated up until 15 February 1947, which is no longer contained in the file.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 21; 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 2-18; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence.
Abstract: The file contains correspondence related to the establishment of a wire connection between Kuwait and the Bushire-Fao cable. The correspondence is mainly about the site where the wireless telegraph station at Kuwait would be, the measurements, and the cost. In 1914 construction started, and in 1916 the wireless station opened at Kuwait. The file also contains correspondence about surveying work taking place around Kuwait, as well as correspondence about the recruitment of a surveyor to undertake the work.The file includes an introductory booklet (folios 256-269) under the title, ‘The Indo-European Telegraph Department’, written by Maurice G Simpson, Director-in-Chief, Indo-European Telegraph Department, and published in 1928.The main correspondence is between the following: the Political Agency, Kuwait; the Foreign Department for the Government of India; the British Residency and Consulate General, Bushire; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Political Office, Basra; and the Basra Survey Party.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 272; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Two additional foliation sequences are also present in parallel between ff 1-271 and ff 3-80; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: This file contains correspondence and various papers relating to the survey and construction of the Mohammerah-Khoremabad Railway between the British Consul General in Mohammerah. the Political Agent in Kuwait, and the Political Resident in Bushire. The majority of the papers address the need to secure safe passage for the survey team carrying out the work for the proposed railway.The file also contains numerous agreements to be signed with tribal elders and chiefs in areas surrounding the proposed railway. The agreements principally consist of stipends and allowances in return for safe passage and conduct.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 175; 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 correspondence in the form of letters, telegrams and reports related to the Air Headquarters, Iraq, planning to carry out ground reconnaissance for landing grounds and refuelling stations mid-way between Masirah and Murbat. The volume also includes instructions for landing ground reconnaissance at Sauqrah Bay [also referred to as Sukra Bay or Khor Gharum]. The instructions include descriptions of two possible landing grounds at the site.The volume also contains correspondence regarding the following:Obtaining the Sultan of Muscat and Oman’s permission in order for the work to take placeArrangement for a member of the Muscat and Oman, Council of Regency, as well as some Shaikhs, particularly the Shaikh of Masirah, Khamis bin Hilal, and other individuals to accompany the reconnaissance teamThe building of oil and petrol store at MurbatThe proceeding of two
dhowsfrom Muscat to Masirah with a supervisor, labour and materials to carry out the remarking of Masirah Island landing ground, and two
dhowsfrom Muscat to rendezvous with the sloop for the marking of landing grounds in Sauqrah BayReports on the reconnaissance took place in February and November 1934. The February work report contains information about Masirah Island that have been gathered from Shaikh Salim bin Nasir Al-Maj‘ali.Folios 280 to 298 of the volume consist of 19 black and white photographs which are placed in one envelope (f 299a). These are aerial photographs, and they are most likely related to the Royal Air Force (RAF) reconnaissance for landing grounds in the area between Masirah and Murbat. The front side of these photographs is dated November 1933, and the reverse side of each of them has a Royal Air Force stamp dated December 1934.The main correspondents in the volume are the Air Headquarters, Iraq; the Political Agent, Muscat; the Political Resident, Bushire; and the Government of Muscat and Oman.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 299; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading flyleaves.
Abstract: The volume contains correspondence related to the Air Staff Intelligence, Air Headquarters, Baghdad’s request for information to be obtained from Muscat regarding the possible establishment of a subsidiary air route from Iraq to India via the Arabian side of the Gulf. The required information was concerning the straight line Mirfah-Biraimi-Khaburah. Arrangements were made for some Royal Air Force (RAF) representatives to visit the region accompanied by a doctor, and Bertram Sidney Thomas, Financial Advisor to the Sultan of Muscat and Oman.The correspondence contains information on the estimates of the cost of the journey including hire of camels; cost of feeding men and camels; presents to be given to the Shaikhs; wages and foodstuffs, coffee etc.Letters were sent to various Shaikhs and Walis in Sohar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Baraimi [Buraimi] and other regions, asking them to assist the Royal Air Officers while conducting their work. The correspondence contains letters of certain Shaikhs such as Shaikh Salim bin Diyin [Dayyin] Al-Ka‘bi and Shaikh ‘Isa bin Salih Al-Ḥārithī [Al Harthi] negotiating the terms for them to accept the RAF work to take place. It also contains reports about the troubles made by some of the Bedouin tribes.Bertram Sidney Thomas reported on his observation on the proposed seaplane flight along the south Arabian coast. He also sent a report (ff 82- 130) to the Sultan and the Political Resident on the proceedings of the RAF Trans-Oman Expedition which he conducted from Sohar to Sharjah between 12 May and 3 June 1927. The report is in two parts covering the following: preliminary situation; itinerary of expedition; description of country passed through; tribal situation and Ibn Saud; personalities; tribal considerations and the air route.The volume also includes correspondence with the Sultan of Socotra regarding the construction of landing ground in his territory near Qishn. It also includes correspondence about the Air Ministry’s interest in extending the reconnaissance to establish landing grounds along the southern coast of Arabia.Among other correspondents in the volume are: the Political Agent, Muscat; Muscat and Oman, Council of Ministers; and C Hilton Keith, Squadron Leader RAF, Sohar.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 229; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: Correspondence concerning a proposal to land a survey party on the mainland of Oman in the vicinity of the Kuria Muria Islands. The papers cover the request for permission to make the landing and the advice that no such landing should be attempted due to the lawlessness of the area. The correspondence is between officials at the Political Residency in the Persian Gulf, the Political Agency in Muscat, the Government of India (Foreign and Political Department), and the Admiralty.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 8, these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: Correspondence concerning a preliminary survey of Ras al-Hadd and Ras al-Junaiz as potential lighthouse sites. The papers mostly cover the effort to obtain permission for the surveys from the Sultan of Muscat and Oman. Correspondence comes from: the Political Agent, Muscat; Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Port Directorate, Basrah; Basil Woods Ballard, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Muscat; and Said bin Taimur [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd], Sultan of Muscat and Oman. The survey is carried out by HMS
Nearchus.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) 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.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: Correspondence and other papers connected to a survey of the area around the Kuria Muria Islands, in connection with the development of the Muscat-Aden air route. The papers cover: the question of control and legal status of the islands; the effort to obtain permission for the survey from the Sultan of Muscat and Oman; and arrangements for the Political Agent, Muscat, to join the survey. At the back of the file are several reports on the survey work, interactions with the inhabitants of Masirah Island, and other information of a medical, political, meteorological, anthropological, geological, and ecological nature (folios 48-73).Correspondence comes from: the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; Political Agent, Muscat; the Residency, Aden; the India Office; the Colonial Office; the Government of India, External Affairs Department; the Senior Naval Officer in the Persian Gulf; the Admiralty; and the Air Officer Commanding, Iraq.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 74, these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.