'Correspondence re the Establishment of a Wireless Telegraph Station in Bahrain'

Content

The file relates to the establishment and operation of the wireless telegraph station (later also radio station) in Bahrain [frequently referred to in the papers as Bahrein]. The papers include correspondence from 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. , Bahrain; 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 The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ; the Government of India; the Ruler of Bahrain, Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifah [‘Īsá bin ‘Alī Āl Khalīfah, Hakim of Bahrain] (in Arabic with translations in English); and other British officials.

The papers include:

• proposal from 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. , Bahrain for the establishment of telegraphic communication with India, showing that the initiative had come from British Indian traders in Bahrain, and the response from the Government of India, September 1902 - March 1903;
• renewal of the proposal by 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 The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , advancing many reasons for the increased desirability of a telegraph service, March 1908;
• papers concerning a site for the wireless station, including sketch map (ff. 16-17), May - August 1912;
• papers relating to cost of building, testing of the ground, and preparation of estimates, August - September 1912;
• proposed removal of stone from Phoenician tombs for use in building the station, and use of stone from old Portuguese fort, July - December 1914;
• construction, May 1915;
• completion of station, appointment and payment of naturs (watchmen) to supervise the site, installation of more powerful apparatus, and letters and telegrams of congratulation on the opening of the station, March - July 1916;
• request from Sheikh Isa for a special concessionary wireless rate for himself and his sons, August 1916;
• proposals for the construction of a wall or fence around the site, August - November 1916; and,
• correspondence with the Commodore, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , concerning the need for officials of the wireless station to notify movement of Royal Navy ships more accurately, November 1916.

Extent and format

1 file (152 folios)

Arrangement

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

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at 1, on the third folio after the front cover, and terminates at 155, on the last folio before the back cover. The numbers are written in pencil, and appear in the top right hand corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. page of each folio. Foliation anomalies: ff. 75, 75A, 75B; ff. 89, 89A. The following folio numbers do not appear: 12, 22, 42, 44, 46, 55, 74, 106.

Written in

English and Arabic in Latin and Arabic 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/15/2/20

Former external reference(s)

Confidential Files: D/10

History of this record

Date(s)

7 Sep 1902-19 Feb 1917 (CE, Gregorian)

Related material

Subjects

Wireless telegraphy

People & organisations

King of BahrainBahrain Political AgencyPolitical Agent, BahrainShaikh 'Alī bin Aḥmad Āl KhalīfahĀl Khalīfah (Family)

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Cite this record in your research

'Correspondence re the Establishment of a Wireless Telegraph Station in Bahrain', British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/R/15/2/20, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100000000193.0x0002f3> [accessed 19 April 2024]

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