IOR/F/4/650/17853

This item consists mostly of copies of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the governments of Bombay and Bengal. It is the fourth in a series of eight items on the subject of the alleged piracy of the Joasmee [al-Qawāsim, also referred to as Joassmee] (the others are: IOR/F/4/648/17850, IOR/F/4/649/17851 and 17852, IOR/F/4/650/17854, IOR/F/4/651/17855, and IOR/F/4/652/17856 and 17857). The main topics covered are:

The arrangements for the expedition (carried out in 1819) to destroy the maritime forces of the Arab tribes on the coasts of the Persian Gulf that are accused of piracy, including:

• The proposed date for the expedition
• Assessments of the forces of these tribes and of their ports, and of the defences of Rasel Khyma [Ra’s al-Khaymah]
• Suggestions for the size, composition and equipping of the attacking force
• The contributions to be made by the Imam of Muscat to the expedition
• The need to obtain the approval of Persia [Iran] for the expedition, particularly as there are allies of the Joasmees located on the Persian shore of the Gulf

The arrangements to be put in place following the completion of the expedition, including:

• The question of whether a British establishment should be formed in the Gulf, with Kishme [Qeshm] suggested as the most desirable base for this
• The proposal to give the Imam of Muscat control over the territories of the ‘piratical tribes’
• The need to balance the claims of the Ottoman Empire, Persia, and the various Arab tribes, and to seek their cooperation in ensuring the Gulf remains free from piracy
• Reports on the historical development and current economic, social and political situations of Oman, Bahrein [Bahrain], the Arab tribes of the Gulf coast and their main ports, the Persian coast of the Gulf, and of several islands in the Gulf.

The situation of Bahrein, the alleged assistance it has been providing to the Joasmees, and whether its ruler should be divested of his authority as a result.

The military campaign of Ibrahim Pacha [Ibrahim Pasha Kavalali], Commander-in-Chief of Egyptian Forces, against the forces of the Wahabee [Wahabi] chief [Emir of Diriyah], including:

• The progress of the campaign and the implications of this for the British expedition to the Gulf
• The sending of Captain George Forster Sadlier [Sadleir] to propose that Ibrahim Pacha cooperate with Britain in an attack against Rasel Khyma.

The primary correspondents are: Sir Evan Nepean, President and Governor of Bombay in Council; Francis Warden, Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay; William Newnham, Acting Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay; William Bruce, Resident at Bushire; and Captain Sadleir.

The title page (f 5) of the item contains the following references: ‘PC 16, Draft 383, 1821/2’; ‘Vol: 4’; and ‘Examiner’s Office 1821’.