Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a secret despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secret Committee, Number 53 of 1856, dated 22 October 1856. The enclosures are numbered 3-12 and are dated 16 September to 4 October 1856.They consist of correspondence relating to the British force being prepared for service in the Persian Gulf, for the proposed occupation of Karrack [Kharg Island] and the district of Bushire [Bushehr].The correspondents are the following: the Secretary to the Government of India Foreign Department; the Officiating Superintendent of Marine; the Secretary to the Government of Bombay in the Military Department; and the Peninsula and Oriental Steam Navigation Company.Physical description: 1 item (13 folios)
Abstract: A translation of an intelligence paper dated Amrutsur [Amritsar], 1 Safar 1216 AH [14 June 1801], concerning conflict in Afghanistan between Zemaun Shah [Zamān Shāh Durrāni] and the supporters of Mahmood Shah [Mahmūd Shāh Durrāni]. The paper reports the defection of Ahmed Khan Noorzee [Nūrzai], the flight and capture of Zemaun, and the detention of his supporters including his son Shujah ul Mulk [Shujā’ al-Mulk Durrāni] at Peshawur [Peshawar].The paper was translated and transmitted by William Scott, Resident at Lucknow.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)
Abstract: The item comprises one enclosure to a despatch from the Government of Bombay [Mumbai] Secret Department to the Secret Committee: Bombay Secret Letter 13 July 1830.The enclosure consists of a memorandum by Governor in Council, John Malcolm, entitled ‘Notes on the Invasion of India by Russia’, being his remarks on Sir John Macdonald’s report on the subject (who was commenting on the views of Lieutenant-Colonel Evans). The memorandum includes Malcolm’s views on the history of Russia’s interest and activity in India (which he states have not changed significantly since his submission of a memorandum on the same topic in 1800, and generally accord with those of MacDonald and Evans); and an analysis of the possibility of Russia invading India in terms of Russia’s policy, capability, possible routes, and influence over Persia [Iran]. The account was written at Dapooree [Dapuri], dated 4 July 1830.Physical description: The despatch comprises one enclosure (unnumbered).
Abstract: The file contains correspondence between the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Office, HM Ambassador at Tehran and the Military Attaché, Tehran, regarding the positive reaction in Iran to the German invasion of the Soviet Union, and describing an attempt by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to impress upon the Iranian Minister to the UK the consequent danger to Iran of invasion by Germany in the longer term.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence 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.
Abstract: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a secret despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secret Committee, Number 48 of 1856, dated 8 October 1856. The enclosures are numbered 3-5 and are dated 20 to 23 September 1856.The enclosures consist of: a translation of a letter from the Governor-General of India, Charles Canning, to the Ameer of Cabul [Amīr of Kabul], Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy]; and a minute by Canning and letter from the Secretary to the Government of India to the Chief Commissioner in the Punjab, relating to Canning’s letter.Canning informs Dost Mahomed Khan that a formal note has been addressed to the Sudr Azim of Persia [Ṣadr-i Aʿẓam, Prime Minister of Iran], stating that the Persian invasion of the territory of Herat, siege of the city of Herat, and ‘interference’ in the internal affairs of Herat, is an infraction of the 1853 agreement between the United Kingdom and Persia regarding Herat, and Britain will take measures against Persia unless it makes reparations and withdraws its troops from Herat. Canning also informs the Ameer that the Government of India has a force at Bombay [Mumbai] ready to proceed to the Persian Gulf if Persia refuses to comply with these demands.Physical description: 1 item (4 folios)
Abstract: The file contains papers relating to the Committee of Imperial Defence (CID) Standing Official Sub-Committee for Questions concerning the Middle East. The Sub-Committee had been charged by the Committee of Imperial Defence to 'investigate and report on the measures which might be taken, either before or on the outbreak of war, to influence those Minor Powers and Arab States whose assistance or even benevolent neutrality might be of value to us in time of war' (folio 77). The work of the Sub-Committee focussed on Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Transjordan, Saudi Arabia, the Yemen, and the Arab States of the Persian Gulf, and the papers contain reports and discussions of British policy in relation to all those countries.The papers contain memoranda drawn up by the Foreign Office, the India Office, the War Office, and other British Government departments, and by British representatives in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Aden, etc. for submission to the Sub-Committee; agenda and minutes of meetings of the Sub-Committee; reports of the Sub-Committee; and India Office minutes.The Arab shaikhdoms of the Persian Gulf and Muscat were said by the India Office to be of importance to the British Government because of their situation on the air route to India, and in their significance as actual and potential sources for the supply of oil (folio 285); folio 327, folios 285-289, folio 98, and folios 4-44 relate particularly to the Persian Gulf.The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 339; 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: The file concerns the supply by the Government of India of railway material to the Government of Iran. The supply of such material was seen by the British Government as a means of influencing certain minor powers in the Middle East in favour of the British on the outbreak of war [the Second World War, 1939-45]. Supplying the material was viewed as being easier for the Government of India than HM Government in the United Kingdom.The file contains correspondence from the Government of India External Affairs Department, and the Government of India Department of Supply.The papers show that the Government of India were prepared to supply Iran with 102,000 tons of rails with accessories.The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 23; 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 file contains correspondence and notes regarding the development of the draft Aden Defence Scheme, and the authority under which the Resident (later Chief Commissioner) of Aden was able to exercise emergency powers, for example relating to censorship, arrest, and control of economic security.The point at issue was whether the emergency regulations should be issued by the Resident (later Chief Commissioner) under authority given by: an Order in Council; under powers granted by the Governor-General in Council; or through the Indian Legislature. It was eventually decided that powers for the Aden Settlement could be granted under the Indian (Foreign Jurisdiction) Order in Council of 1902, through the Governor General in Council. It was also decided that the Aden Protectorate would best be served through the issuance of a Regulation under Section 71 of the Government of India Act.Subsequent correspondence for 1935 concerns the Defence of Aden Regulations (1935), and the potential for retrospective approval of emergency rules issued by the Chief Commissioner, in light of worsening relations with Italy.The principal correspondents in the file are as follows: the India Office Political Department (Sir John Laithwaite, Sir Horace Algernon Rumbold); the Legal Adviser to the Secretary of State for India (Sir Edward Chamier); the Air Ministry (Charles Evans); the Foreign Secretary to the Government of India (Herbert Metcalfe); the Resident (later Chief Commissioner) at Aden; and the Under Secretary of State for the Colonial Office (Roland Vernon).The file includes a divider which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the end of the correspondence (folio one).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 120; these numbers are written pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Additional, sporadic foliation sequences are present throughout the file; these are also written in pencil, are circled and located at the top and centre of the recto side of each folio. These sequences have been superseded.
Abstract: The file concerns British Government measures to implement an oil denial scheme in the Persian Gulf, by asking oil companies operating in the region to temporarily plug, or permanently destroy existing oil wells, thus denying oil resources to the enemy [during the Second World War]. The oil wells concerned were in Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait.The file includes correspondence from the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO); Commander-in-Chief, Middle East; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Petroleum Department; and the War Office. Correspondence dated 1943-44 includes plans by BAPCO to reopen plugged oil wells in Bahrain.The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 183; 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: This part of the volume consists of copies of enclosures to a despatch from the Government of Bombay Secret Department to the Secret Committee, Number 38 of 1850, dated 25 July 1850. The enclosures are numbered 3-13 and are dated 21 January to 25 July 1850.The majority of the item consists of a memoir on Egypt by Lieutenant-Colonel James Outram, enclosed in a letter to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Arthur Malet (enclosure No. 7), for the attention of the Governor in Council of Bombay, Viscount Falkland. Outram’s memoir concerns the military resources of Egypt and the danger of overland communication between Great Britain and India through Egypt being prevented in the event of war between Britain and France.The memoir contains a preface, twelve sections, a conclusion and twenty-seven appendices. The plans, maps and drawings which Outram mentions in his letter are not included in this item (the only plans included are the plans on f 513 and f 514 in appendix 10, as listed below).The sections relate to the following:Section I Fortifications of AlexandriaSection II Resources of EgyptSection III Defensive measures likely to be adopted by the FrenchSection IV Preliminary proceedings of the British fleet. Measures to be adopted to prevent reinforcements reaching the French armySection V Descent by the British on Egypt, from the MediterraneanSection VI Seige of the Baghaz Forts and Fort LesbehSection VII Policy to be pursued when the British have established a footing in EgyptSection VIII Preliminary measures of the Indian GovernmentSection IX First proceedings of the Indian Army. Capture of Suez, and the operations to be conducted from that baseSection X Invasion of Upper Egypt from Cosseir [El Qoseir]Section XI Siege of CairoSection XII Blockade of Alexandria.The appendices are as follows:Appendix 1: Letter from Outram to the British Consul General in Egypt, Charles Augustus Murray, dated 17 December 1849, describing the coast defences near Damietta and Rosetta, and providing supplementary information regarding the present state of the Alexandria fortificationsAppendix 2: Extracts from papers presented to the British Parliament in 1841, relating to affairs of the Levant in 1839-40, illustrating French ‘intrigues’ in EgyptAppendix 3: Translation of the firman of investiture of Mehmet Ali Pasha [Muḥammad ‘Alī Pāshā al-Mas‘ūd bin Āghā], on his being re-installed in the Pachalic [Pashalik] of Egypt, dated 20 May 1841Appendix 4: Extracts from papers on the affairs of the Levant laid before the British Parliament in 1841, showing the state of the Egyptian Army at the time of the Second Syrian WarAppendix 5: Census of the population of Egypt taken in 1847-48Appendix 6: Information regarding the strength and organisation of the Egyptian Army and Fleet at the end of 1849Appendix 7: Account of the British expedition to Egypt in 1807Appendix 8: Extract from a report of 1840 on the supply of war munitions in EgyptAppendix 9: Information regarding the revenues of Egypt, relating to grain produce, livestock, fish, and other articles of consumptionAppendix 10: Report on Lake Menzaleh [Birkat al Manzilah], which includes a ‘Plan of the Foum Dibe Corresponding with the ancient Mendesian Mouth of the Nile’ on folio 513, and ‘Plan of the Town of Menzaleh And its immediate vicinity’ on folio 514Appendix 11: Information on supplies of grain and boats in EgyptAppendix 12: Information regarding the ‘Arab tribes’ bordering Suez and Cosseir and their resourcesAppendix 13: Translations of letters addressed by General Reynier to General Menon, dated 4 March to 13 April 1801Appendix 14: Information on the strength and disposition of the French and English armies in Egypt in 1801Appendix 15: Information regarding coast routes from Tripoli to Bengazi [Benghazi, also spelled Bengasi in this item] and Derna [Darnah]Appendix 16: Information on coast routes from Alexandria to DernaAppendix 17: Extract from a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Outram to Lieutenant-Colonel Le Messurier, dated 14 March 1850, detailing certain points on the African coast regarding which further information is desirableAppendix 18: Meteorological observations taken at Alexandria in 1639, 1847, and 1848-49, Rosetta in 1777-78, and Cairo in 1777 and 1791Appendix 19: Nautical information derived from various sources, relating to the Mediterranean and northern coast of EgyptAppendix 20: Nautical information derived from various sources, relating to the Red Sea and Indian OceanAppendix 21: Table displaying the pay and allowances of the Indian and Egyptian ArmiesAppendix 22: Description of the routes between Keneh or Geneh [Qina] (on the Nile) and CosseirAppendix 23: Description of the routes between Cairo and SuezAppendix 24: Information regarding the coast route from Cosseir to Suez, and Cosseir to Cario, directAppendix 25: Enumeration of the commanding points on the Nile below KenehAppendix 26: Information regarding the southern route from Cairo to Suez via Bazatin [Al Basatin, also spelled Bazateen in this item], and from Atfieh [Atfih] to SuezAppendix 27: Information on the water supplied to Alexandria.The other enclosures in this item are minutes of the Governor and members of council of the Bombay Presidency, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Bombay Army, Willoughby Cotton, and letters from the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, relating to Outram’s memoir.These enclosures discuss matters including: the memoir being sent to Court of the Directors of the East India Company and the Government of India; the copying of the plans submitted with Outram’s memoir by an officer of the Bombay Engineers and his remuneration for this; and remuneration proposed to be granted to Outram for the period he was detained in the Bombay Presidency supervising and correcting the copies of his memoir to be sent to England. The enclosures also include: a minute by John Pollard Willoughby containing a condensed summary of Outram’s memoir (No. 8); and a letter from Malet to Outram conveying the thanks of the Government of Bombay and the highest commendations from the Governor in council for his memoir (No. 11).Physical description: 1 item (411 folios)
Abstract: This item consists of a copy of enclosures to a Political Despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department to the Secretary of State for India, dated 22 May 1874 and received 15 June 1874, relating to a letter received by Syud Toorkee [Turkī bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd, Sultan of Muscat], from Mohsin bin Abdoolla bin Ali [Muḥsin bin ʿAbd Alláh bin ʿAlī], an Arab Jemadar in the service of the Nizam of Hyderabad in the Deccan, requesting assistance and co-operation in the war between the Kayattees [Qu'aitis] and Katheerees [Kathiris] at Shuhur [Shihr].Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with f 67 and terminates at f 67a, 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 sequence contains one foliation anomaly: f 67a.
Abstract: A translated extract from an intelligence paper dated Amrutsur [Amritsar], 28 Moharram 1216 AH [10 June 1801], concerning conflict in Afghanistan between Zemaun Shah [Zamān Shāh Durrāni] and the supporters of Mahmood Shah [Mahmūd Shāh Durrāni]. The paper reports a battle near Ghizni [Ghaznī] leading to the defection of Ahmed Khan Noorzee [Nūrzai] to the side of Mahmood, the flight of Zemaun, and the detention of his supporters including his son Shujah ul Mulk [Shujā’ al-Mulk Durrāni] at Pishawer [Peshawar].The paper was translated and transmitted by William Scott, Resident at Lucknow.Physical description: 1 item (2 folios)