‘File 28/52 Landing of U.S. seamen at Bahrain’

Content

The file contains copies of correspondence concerning the presence of United States (US) merchant seamen at Bahrain, in particular questions of facilities for and supervision of US crews while on shore leave, and jurisdiction of US citizens at Bahrain.

The first part of the file contains correspondence dated June 1944 from the Senior Naval Officer in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. (Commodore John Montagu Howson) and the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. at Bahrain (Major Tom Hickinbotham), responding to concerns raised by US naval officials at Bahrain (in light of the increasing frequency of US tanker visits to the islands) over the lack of facilities for US seamen at Bahrain, as well as pilfering from US vessels being unloaded by Gray Mackenzie & Co. (ff 2-12).

The second part of the file consists of copies of correspondence exchanged between India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. and Foreign Office officials in London during July to September 1944, in response to the Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf’s recommendations for canteen facilities at Sitrah Island for US seamen, with the proviso that US seamen do not attempt to enter the towns of Manama or Muharraq. This correspondence also discusses a request from the US Department of State (relayed through the US Embassy in London, f 18) for the appointment of a non-American with legal qualifications to act as a judge over US citizens in Bahrain; a request that, in the eyes of India and Foreign Office officials, challenges Britain’s right of jurisdiction over all foreigners at Bahrain (ff 13-24).

Extent and format

1 file (24 folios)

Arrangement

The file’s contents are arranged in approximate chronological order, from the earliest item at the front to the latest at the end. The file notes at the end of the file (f 25) mirror the chronological arrangement.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 26; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 2-22; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence.

Written in

English in Latin script

Type

Archival file

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

IOR/R/15/2/744

Former external reference(s)

Confidential Files: 28/52

History of this record

Date(s)

13 Jun 1944-19 Aug 1944 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

Merchant shippingMerchant seamenJurisdictionExportsPetroleum products

Places

Sitrah

People & organisations

United States Naval Observer, BahrainUnited States Navy

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Cite this record in your research

‘File 28/52 Landing of U.S. seamen at Bahrain’, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/R/15/2/744, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100000000241.0x00008c> [accessed 25 April 2024]

Link to this record

https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100000000241.0x00008c

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