Abstract: The file consists of a memorandum from the Political Intelligence Department of the Foreign Office concerning British commitments to the Idrisi Saiyid and Amir of Sabia [Saiyid Muhammad-bin-Ali-al-Idrīsi]. It contains quotes from correspondence by the Political Resident at Aden, the India Office, the Viceroy of India, and the Government of India.It covers: the Anglo-Turkish Conventions of 1913 and 1914; His Majesty's Government's attitude towards the Idrisi; the establishment of relations with the Idrisi; and the terms of a treaty with the Idrisi for co-operation against the Turks in return for independence. A copy of the treaty of 30 April 1915 is included in an appendix, with a summary of the main points in the memorandum. A further section is included headed 'Relation of Commitments to the Idrisi to British Desiderata' regarding the extension of the British Trucial System to the whole of the Arabian Peninsula, and the maintenance and improvement of their position at Aden.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) for this description commences at f 112, 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 top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 112-114; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The file consists of a memorandum from Sir John William Schneider, Politcal Resident at Aden, on British interests in Socotra.It includes opinions on Lieutenant-Colonel Kitchener's misapprehensions with regards to British influence at Socotra [Suquṭrā]; discusses the treaty or agreement concluded in 1876 which bound the Sultan Ali Bin Abdulla El-Alfreer and his successors, and the necessity of acquiring certain rights over the island and its dependencies. It also notes the need for the construction and maintenance of a lighthouse at Cape Gardafui or Fas Hufoon; and raises the question of fortifying the island of Perim [Jazīrat Mayyūn] against attacks from the tribes on the African and Arabian coasts, and to protect the lighthouse.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 74, and terminates at f 74, 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; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: The memorandum comprises summaries and précis of the treaties signed between the British Government and the Arab rulers and chiefs on the Arabian Peninsula and in the Persian Gulf. The first part of the memorandum, prepared by J P Gibson and dated 21 July 1927, provides overviews of the various treaties for: Koweit [Kuwait]; Bahrein [Bahrain] and the Trucial Coast; Qatar; Muscat; Mavia (in Yemen); and the Idrisi Treaties. The second part of the memorandum, prepared by David Taylor Monteath and dated 9 August 1926, offers a more detailed précis of most treaties: Koweit; Bahrein; El-Katr [Qatar]; the Trucial Coast; Oman (Muscat). A summary at the end of the précis condenses the key points common to all treaties.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 booklet contains an original typed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This memorandum by Ronald William Graham, Foreign Office, London, was printed for the use of the Foreign Office in January 1906 and concerns the grant of French flags to Muscat dhows.The memorandum outlines the background of key relevant treaties: the 1844 Treaty between France and Muscat granting extraterritorial rights and the 1891 Treaty between Great Britain and Muscat granting similar rights and most favoured, nation treatment for British subjects in France; also the 1862 British-French declaration engaging reciprocally to respect the independence of the Sultan of Muscat.As France had only partially ratified the Brussels General Act in 1892 it preserved its claim to resist the right of search. Men from Sur involved in the oversea slave trade used this policy to obtain the benefit of the French flag, and avoid detention and search on the high seas.The memorandum details two incidents in 1903 which brought the matter to a head. A French flagholder named Mubarak took his dhow out of the harbour in order to avoid a fine. His vessel was fired upon and a shot went through its flag leading to a protest from the French.On 8th April 1903 five Arabs from Sur, arrived at Muscat from Bombay. As Bombay was an infected port, the men were placed in quarantine. The next day they broke quarantine and the Sultan had them arrested and imprisoned. The French consul and Commander of the French warship
Infernetprotested.These incidents led to the submission to arbitration of the International Court at The Hague. The memorandum gives brief details of the British and French arguments to the tribunal.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 booklet also contains an original typed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This confidential file contains correspondence printed for the use of the Foreign Office in May 1876.The letters are sent and received between 28 November 1874 and 6 May 1876 by representatives of the Foreign Office and India Office who, asked to prepare a draft of an Order in Council on the subject of British consular jurisdiction in Persia and the Arab states (see IOR/L/PS/18/B7/1), requested that any Order in Council concerning Persia should be based on a separate Convention.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at f 146 and terminates at f 156, 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. The main foliation sequence commences at the front cover, and terminates at the 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. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 5-155; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the lower right corner of the recto side of each folio. Pagination: The volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This confidential file is a collection of documents printed for the use of the Foreign Office in January 1875.The collection contains letters and enclosed memoranda sent and received by Sir Lewis Pelly and other employees and representatives of the Government of India between 27 March 1873 and 4 November 1874, with some earlier letters in enclosure (27 December 1870- 30 September 1872), to prepare a draft of an Order in Council on the subject of British consular jurisdiction in Persia and the Persian Gulf.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at f 122 and terminates at f 145, 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. The main foliation sequence commences at the front cover, and terminates at the 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. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 5-155; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the lower 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, political letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. It is the second in a series of seven items on the trade in enslaved people (the others are IOR/F/4/2014/89996, 89998, 89999, 90000, 90001, and 90002). The correspondents are: the Government of Bombay; Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Robertson, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; and Khojah Rouben [Khawājah Rūbin bin Aṣlān], the British Agent at Muscat.The item concerns a query from Robertson about what to do with British subjects at Muscat engaging in the slave trade, with examples provided by Khojah Rouben. The Government of Bombay considered the question in relation to previous treaties with Muscat, and referred it to the Governor-General.The item includes a contents page, and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Draft 666, P.C. [Previous Communication] 4079, [Season 18]43’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 165, and terminates at f 177, 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 item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, extracts of a Political Letter sent between the Government of Bombay and the East India Company Court of Directors, dated 14 January 1847.The item relates to attempts by the Company to get the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat [also rendered in text as Muskat] to agree to a similar arrangement that they have with the Guicowar [Gaekwad] in Kattiwar [Kathiawar, also rendered in text as Kattywar and Katteewar] and the Rao of Cutch [Kachchh]. The arrangement relates to the duties levied on vessels which are forced to dock at ports due to bad weather or needing repairs.Captain Atkins Hamerton, HM Consul and Company Agent in the Dominions of His Highness the Imaum of Muscat, reports on the Imaum's current attitude to such cases and the arrangement currently existing between the Imaum and the Government of the United States of North America. Copies of Hamerton’s letters are ordered to be sent out to numerous offices within the Government of Bombay.The item also includes correspondence from Major Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, on whether an article in the current treaty existing between the British Government and the Imaum is applicable in the cases noted above.As well as the above, the item’s correspondents also include the Court of Directors.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 5595, Draft 346/47’, ‘Collection No. 36 of No. 2’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 235, and terminates at f 252, 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 and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, a letter from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] to the East India Company Court of Directors, dated 20 September 1845. The item contains correspondence from Captain Atkins Hamerton, HM Consul and the Honourable Company's Agent in the Dominions of His Highness the Imam of Muscat, to the Government of Bombay, with enclosed copies of treaties signed between Britain and His Highness Sultan Seid Seyeed Bin Sultan [Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Sulṭān Āl Bū Sa‘īd], Imaum [Imam] of Muscat. The copies include:The commercial treaty concluded on 31 May 1839, ff 8-14Additional comments made in 1840 on the above treaty, ff 14-15Requisitions made by Captain Moresby of HMS
Menai,with respect to the treaty concluded 10 September 1822, and the Imam’s responses, ff 16-20.Moresby’s full title is given as ‘Commissioner vested with the full powers by His Excellency Sir Robert T Farquhar, Baronet, Governor of the island of Mauritius’. Sultan Seid Seyeed Bin Sultan is also rendered as ‘Seid Said bin Sultan’.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 5264, Draft 494/46’, ‘Collection N. 3 of N. 100’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’. The title page also features a list of reference numbers for each collection within the volume IOR/F/4/2142, written in pencil.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 4, and terminates at f 22, 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 item consists of copies of correspondence, minutes, and consultations, cited in, or enclosed with, political letters from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai]. It is the sixth in a series of seven items on the trade in enslaved people (the others are IOR/F/4/2014/89996, 89997, 89998, 89999, 90000, and 90002). The correspondents are the Government of Bombay and Major Atkins Hamerton, Her Majesty’s Consul and Agent in the dominions of His Highness the Imam of Muscat.This item concerns the visit of Jules-Charles-Marie Le Mauff de Kerdudal, Lieutenant de Vaisseau, from Bourbon [Réunion] to Muscat, and his negotiations with the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat [Sayyid Sa‘īd bin Sulṭān Āl Bū Sa‘īd]. This resulted in an agreement which is reproduced in French in the item about labourers from the Imaum’s territories working in the French colonies. Hamerton had concerns that this agreement would perpetuate the trade in enslaved people.The item includes a contents page, and the title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Draft 666, P.C. [Previous Communication] 4079, [Season 18]43’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 243 and terminates at f 255, 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 item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes, which are enclosures to a Political Letter from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, dated 30 January 1846. A copy of this letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2157/103838.The item relates to a discrepancy between the English and Arabic versions of a treaty signed between Captain Moresby and the Imam of Muskat [Muscat, also rendered in text as Maskat] in 1822, regarding the obligations of the Imam to assist in the seizure of British subjects engaging in the ‘slave trade’ [trade in enslaved people]. The item contains correspondence between the Imam and Captain Atkins Hamerton, HM Consul and the Company’s Agent in the Dominions of the Imam of Muskat, which relates to attempts to clarify this discrepancy.The item also contains a minute by the Governor of Bombay which orders the correspondence to be sent to the Government of India, to ascertain whether the Imam’s letter can be considered as having the same authority as a treaty or agreement.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 5410, Draft 786/46’, ‘Vol: 5’, ‘Collection N. 1 of N. 16’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’. The ‘N. 1’ has been crossed out with different ink.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 857, and terminates at f 861, 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 and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, extracts from a Bombay [Mumbai] Political Consultation, 2 July 1845. The papers contained in this item are partial enclosures to a Political Letter sent from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 14 July 1845. A copy of this Political Letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2122/100076, alongside details of further enclosures.The item relates to the Imaum [Imam] of Muscat’s complaint that his merchants are being unfairly treated at numerous Customs Houses in India and that, in particular, ‘Arab merchants’ are affected by this perceived mistreatment. Following confirmation from the Collector of Customs at Bombay that the Imaum’s vessels are charged the same as ‘British bottoms’ [goods carried on British ships], the matter is referred to the Government of Madras (also called Government of Fort St George [Chennai]) since an example given by the Imaum of this mistreatment mentions the Malabar Coast. The Government of Madras is reminded that the 1839 commercial treaty concluded between the Imaum and Her Britannic Majesty the Queen states that the Imaum’s vessels are to be charged the same amount of customs duty as British bottoms.The correspondents are: Captain Atkins Hamerton, HM Consul and the Company’s Agent in the Dominions of the Imaum of Muscat; H W Glass, Collector of Customs, Bombay; and the Government of Bombay.The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 5061, Draft 29/46, Coll[ection]: 23, Vol: 13’, ‘Collection No. 1 of No. 76’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 513, and terminates at f 518, 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.