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‘File 28/1 C Ammunition for Bahrain Government’ [‎16r] (31/90)

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The record is made up of 1 file (43 folios). It was created in 5 Nov 1939-18 Oct 1945. 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. .

Transcription

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/Tx 1 jf*'
\;
U40
? & &
imiA OFFICE,,
WHITEHALL, S.W.1
\
l
p.z.7588/39.
Sir ’
, /v I am directed by the Secretary of State for India to forward,
fox the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of His 1/Jajesty’s
Treasury, a copy of a letter from 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
L Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. in which he submits a recommendation
dated 18th November 1939) ' that 100,000 rounds of .303 ammunition should
be presented by His hlajesty 1 s Government to the
Bahrein Government.
The Marquess of Zetland desires warmly to support this
recommendation, which he feels would form a graceful act of
recognition by His Majesty’s Government of the generous contribution
spontaneously offered by His Highness the Sheikh of Bahrein towards
the cost of the war. As the Resident states, no direct gift of arms
or ammunition is being made to the Sheikh under the defence schemes
for the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. States prepared early last year by the
Air Officer Commanding, Iraq, and although the disparity of
financial conditions necessitates a different policy elsewhere, and
notably in Muscat, Lord Zetland feels that it would be justifiable
to give some smell measure of assistance to the Sheikh of Bahrein
also in order to encourage him in the measures which he is taking
to improve his defences. It is understood that the Ministry of
Supply, who have been consulted, are prepared to authorise the
release of the ammunition from the Government of India's stocks,
and the price of the consignment, exclusive of packing and freight,
is believed to be approximately only £600. In all the circumstances
Lord Zetland hopes that Their Lordships may be moved at an early date
to give their approval to the Resident's recommendation.
Copies of this letter are being sent to the Foreign Office, War
Office, Air Ministry and Ministry of Supply.
x\
-X I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Sgd.) ft. PEB-
The Secretary,
Treasury,
S.W.1 .
COPY SENT TO tt-..

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Content

The file comprises copies of correspondence relating to a consignment of 100,000 rounds of ammunition given to the Government of Bahrain as a gift by the Government of India. The principal correspondents in the file are 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. in Bahrain (Hugh Weightman); 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. (Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Geoffrey Prior).

The file begins with a letter 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. to the Resident, dated 5 November 1939 (f 2), expressing concern that the Government of Bahrain’s recently acquired ammunition supplies are of First-World-War vintage, and not suitable for modern guns. 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. asks if India might be persuaded to make a present of 100,000 rounds to Bahrain, given that ‘Muscat is getting rifles and ammunition for nothing’ and with the Government of Bahrain having given £30,000 to the British Government as a contribution towards the costs of the war. The remaining correspondence relates to this gift of 100,000 rounds, sent during 1940 in two consignments of 15,000 rounds and 85,000 rounds, in June and July respectively. A letter 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. to the Ruler of Bahrain, Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah, dated 1 April 1940, informing him of the gift (f 19), and Shaikh Ḥamad’s reply, dated 3 April 1940 (f 20) are included in the file.

The file notes (f 44) indicate that the file contained correspondence up to October 1945, however the items of correspondence from 1945, as indicated in a note written in the margin of the file notes, were moved to file 4/25. As a result, the latest date of correspondence in the file is 25 January 1941.

Extent and format
1 file (43 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 44) mirror the chronological arrangement.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover and terminates at the back cover; 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 also present in parallel between ff 2-43; 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 and Arabic in Latin and Arabic script
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‘File 28/1 C Ammunition for Bahrain Government’ [‎16r] (31/90), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/R/15/2/654, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100024507746.0x000020> [accessed 24 April 2024]

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