'File 53/32 IV (D 100) Kuwait Miscellaneous'

Content

This file contains correspondence concerning a number of different topics, all of which are related to Kuwait.

The ruler of Kuwait, Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ is mentioned throughout the volume and much of the file's content relates to his character and his travels within the region including visits to Bahrain (f 51), Riath [Riyadh] (ff 62-64) and Baghdad (ff 82-85). More broadly, Shaikh Aḥmad's relations with Iraq and Britain are frequently discussed.

The file contains translations of - and discussion concerning - several articles published in the Iraqi press regarding the relationship between Iraq and Kuwait, several of which call for Kuwait to be annexed by Iraq (ff 112-120, ff 141-148, and ff 174-178).

Other topics of particular interest include:

• A letter from students from the United States of America requesting information about, and pictures of, Kuwait, December 1931 (ff 37-39).
• A letter from the American Medical Association requesting a copy of laws regulating medical practice in Kuwait, April 1932 (f 66).
• Correspondence regarding a visit to Kuwait made by a troop of Boy Scouts from Basra and a group of school masters from Baghdad, March 1933 (ff 110-111).
• Correspondence concerning an enquiry made by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding when Kuwaiti and Bahraini nationalities were formed (as distinct from Ottoman nationality), December 1933, (ff 162-164).
• Correspondence regarding attempts by a US firm named Otto Kafka to induce Shaikh Ahmad to order armoured cars/tanks from them, January 1934. This includes a copy of an Otto Kafka promotional pamphlet (ff 174-178).
• A visit made to Kuwait by French and German officials, April 1934 (ff 206-216).

Extent and format

1 volume (246 folios)

Arrangement

File is arranged in chronological order, from earliest at beginning of the file to most recent at end.

An index of topics discussed in the file is contained on folio 2.

Serial numbers refer to entries in the notes at the rear of the file: red for incoming, blue for outgoing correspondence.

Physical characteristics

Condition: A bound correspondence volume.

Foliation: The file's main foliation sequence commences at the title page and terminates at the last folio; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and can be found 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 second incomplete foliation sequence is present between ff. 1-227; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.

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/15/1/505

Former external reference(s)

A Series: 53/32 IV Confidential Series: D 100

History of this record

Date(s)

8 Dec 1929-3 May 1934 (CE, Gregorian)

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'File 53/32 IV (D 100) Kuwait Miscellaneous', British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/R/15/1/505, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100000000193.0x0001de> [accessed 5 February 2025]

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