'File 53/11 V (D 79) Date Gardens in Irag [Iraq] of the Shaikhs of Mohemmarah and Kuwait'

IOR/R/15/1/487

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The record is made up of 1 volume (266 folios). It was created in 23 Jul 1931-27 Aug 1932. It was written in English. The original is part of the 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. .

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Content

This file contains correspondence between British officials regarding date gardens in southern Iraq owned by the rulers of Mohammerah and Kuwait. The correspondence discusses changes in legislation proposed by the Government of Iraq regarding the collection of land rent and land produce duties, and the impact of these proposed changes on the Ruler of Kuwait (Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ). Copies of this legislation are contained in the file on folios 30-52.

Correspondence in the file explains that in November 1914, the British authorities had given a letter to the shaikhs of Mohammerah and Kuwait promising them perpetual exemption from taxation on their date gardens in Iraq in return for their assistance against the Ottoman Empire (f 177). Much of the correspondence in the file discusses whether or not this assurance previously given to the Shaikh can be upheld and how the British should react to the Iraqi Government's desire to tax the produce that is grown on Shaikh Ahmad's land and then exported to Kuwait. The broader regional implications of the issue are also discussed at length.

The file also contains details regarding a legal case brought against Shaikh Ahmad by members of the Al Zuhair family regarding the ownership of some of his date gardens in Iraq.

Extent and format
1 volume (266 folios)
Arrangement

The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 244; these numbers are written in pencil 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. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves. The sequence contains 14 foliation anomalies, 1a, 1b, 3a, 8a, 18a, 80a, 85a, 100a, 160a, 160b, 160c, 184a, 198a and 198b.

Written in
English in Latin script
Type
Archival file

Archive information for this record

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/15/1/487
Former external reference(s)
A Series: 53/11 V Confidential Series: D 79

History of this record

Date(s)
23 Jul 1931-27 Aug 1932 (CE, Gregorian)

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'File 53/11 V (D 79) Date Gardens in Irag [Iraq] of the Shaikhs of Mohemmarah and Kuwait', British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/R/15/1/487, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100000000193.0x0001cc> [accessed 19 April 2024]

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