'File 8/21 II SUR'

IOR/R/15/6/205

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The record is made up of 1 volume (253 folios). It was created in 3 May 1931-20 Nov 1939. It was written in English and Arabic. 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 volume relates to measures taken by the Government of Muscat and Oman (with the assistance of the British Government) to assert its authority over the town of Sur and the nearby village of Aiqa [Al ‘Ayjah].

The correspondence largely concerns customs control and the tense relations between the Muscat Government and the shaikhs of Sur and Aiqa, who are stated as belonging to the Jennebeh [Janabah] and Bani Bu Ali [Banī Bū ‘Alī] tribes respectively. Discussed at length is the issue of ensuring the collection of customs and the registration of dhows at Aiqa.

Most of the correspondence is between 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. and Consul at Muscat and 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. . Other notable correspondents include the following: the Secretary of State for India; the Commanding Officer at Air Headquarters, Iraq Command; Saiyid Said bin Taimur [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd], President of the Council of Ministers, and later Sultan of Muscat and Oman; Shaikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Hamudah, Amir of Ja'alan [Emir of Ja‘lān] and Shaikh of Aiqa.

Related matters of discussion include the following: the reported prolonged evasion of customs by the Bani Bu Ali in Aiqa; the level of assistance that should be provided by the British in order to help Muscat assert control in Sur and Aiqa (e.g. whether it is necessary to send HMS sloops to Sur); the interception of an Aiqa dhow A term adopted by British officials to refer to local sailing vessels in the western Indian Ocean. by a Muscat State patrol vessel on 12 November 1931; preparations for 'punitive action' against Aiqa by the British – including a planned reconnaissance mission ahead of possible aerial bombardment, and discussion of naval bombardment – in the event of the Shaikh opposing the establishment of a customs post there.

The Arabic language material mainly consists of correspondence between 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. , the Shaikh of Aiqa, and Saiyid Said bin Taimur (English translations are present in most cases).

All the material dates from the period 1931-1932, with the exception of some brief notes at the end of the volume, which are dated November 1939.

Extent and format
1 volume (253 folios)
Arrangement

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

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 255; 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. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.

Written in
English and Arabic in Latin and Arabic 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/15/6/205
Former external reference(s)
Subject files: File 8/21 II

History of this record

Date(s)
3 May 1931-20 Nov 1939 (CE, Gregorian)

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'File 8/21 II SUR', British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/R/15/6/205, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100000000831.0x0003d4> [accessed 28 March 2024]

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