IOR/R/15/2/67

The file consists of miscellaneous official and demi-official correspondence relating to the outbreak of World War One and its impact on Bahrain (which is generally referred to in the papers as Bahrein). Most of the correspondence dates from 1914.

The papers largely consist of correspondence from the Political Agent, Bahrain and the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, but also includes correspondence in Arabic and English between Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa [Sheikh ‘Īsá bin ‘Alī Āl Khalīfah], Ruler of Bahrain and the Political Agent. The papers include regular reports by the Political Agent on general conditions in Bahrain. Specific topics include: proposed increase in Agency guard, June 1914; proposed regulations covering foodstuffs, pearls and security [1914]; Turkey, and the possibility of Turkish support for Bin Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd (Ibn Sa‘ūd)], July 1914; the pearl trade, August 1914; prohibition of export of foodstuffs, August 1914; food prices, August, October 1914; effect on customs receipts, September 1914; problems caused by unemployed Kurds and Basris in Bahrain, September - October 1914; distress among pearl divers, September 1914; currency issues, October 1914; rumours of German ships in the Persian Gulf, October 1914; the services rendered by Sheikh Abdullah [Sheikh ‘Abdullāh bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah] to the British, the statement that he had been the moving spirit behind the donation of 9600 rupees by Sheikh Isa's family to British charitable war funds, and the recommendation that he receive an honour, November 1914; and hardship caused by the infrequent arrival of mails, March 1917.