IOR/R/15/2/1403

The file contains numerous letters of introduction and recommendation issued by the Political Agent, Bahrain, in response to letters of request he received from Bahrain subjects and foreign residents of Bahrain intending to travel abroad for business, pleasure or for medical treatment.

The letters of request, which are also included in the file, were made by Arab and Indian merchants of Bahrain and others intending to travel to India, other Arabian countries and England mostly. The letters of introduction and recommendation from the Political Agent, Bahrain, which they took with them on their travels, were intended to secure them assistance from British officials abroad, in the event that they encountered difficulties on arrival at their destination or en route.

There are several letters of request in English or Arabic, from or on behalf of the Ruler of Bahrain and other Arab rulers. These requests are usually in connection with the travel plans of ruling family members, servants and employees, or subjects who had asked their ruler for assistance in obtaining a letter of introduction.

There are several letters of introduction and recommendation received by the Political Agent, Bahrain, from the Political Agent, Kuwait, and others, about Arab and other foreign visitors travelling to Bahrain.

There are also notes in the file about rules for the importation and exportation of arms and ammunition by private individuals, for their own use and protection when travelling abroad (folio 52).