IOR/F/4/2122/100077

The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence and minutes cited in, or enclosed with, extracts from Bombay [Mumbai] Political Consultations. The papers contained in this item are partial enclosures to a Political Letter sent from the Government of Bombay to the East India Company Court of Directors, 10 June 1845. A copy of this Political Letter can be found at IOR/F/4/2122/100076, alongside details of further enclosures.

The item relates to tension between the Chaab [Banū Ka‘b] tribe and the Beniyas [Banī Yās] tribe. Commodore John Croft Hawkins, Commander of the Indian Naval Squadron in the Persian Gulf, informs Samuel Hennell, Resident in the Persian Gulf, that he recently prevented Beniyas subjects from stealing a Chaab bugla [baggalah], which they said was in retaliation for the seizure of one of their ships by Shaik Faris [Shaikh Fāris bin Ghayth], Acting Governor of Chaab, in early 1845. Concerned that this dispute may develop into warfare, Hennell wishes to pass on a firman from the Shah of Persia [Iran] and letter from the Prime Minister [of Persia], both of which instruct Sooleyman Khan, the Persian Sirteep at Mohumrah [Sulaymān Khān, Sartīp at Khorramshahr], to facilitate the restitution of the Beniyas vessel. Hennell instructs Hawkins to send the Company ship, Constance, to Bussorah [Basra] to deliver the letter and firman and, if their instructions are accepted, superintend the return of the Beniyas vessel to Bussorah. Hennell also requests Major Rawlinson, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, to permit Parseigh Johannes, Native Agent at Bussorah, to assist the crew of the Constance with this task.

Correspondents: Hennell; Hawkins; the Government of Bombay; and Justin Sheil, HM Minister at the Court of Persia.

The title page of the item contains the following references: ‘Bombay Political Department’, ‘P.C. [Previous Communication] 5061, Draft 29/46, Coll[ection] 23, Vol: 2’, ‘Collection No. 1 of No. 62’ and ‘Examiner’s Office’.