Page 175 - Gulf Precis (VI)_Neat

Chapter VIII. 153
2d.G, Lord Salisbury, however, took a vory different view. He considered
that Colonel Nixon’s proceedings* both
• 2Gtli February 1878, Sir I.. Mallet.
in 1875 and recently were open to grave
objections. Ho pointed out that Mr. Robertson's substantive appointment was
Assistant Political Agent under the Government of India by whom ho was paid,
and that his appointment as Vico-Consul was merely cx-officio. If Mr.
ltobertson was unlit to bo Vice-Consul, a fortiori ho was unfit to hold the
superior post of Political Assistant. Lienee Colonel Nixon’s complaint should
have been addressed not to the Ambassador at Constantinople but to the Gov­
ernment of India. Lord Salisbury then observed that it was now for the first
time that lie had become aware of the fault found with Mr. Robertson in 1876,
and he apprehended that the Government of India were in a similar position,
which was the ease.
247. As regards the immediate complaint against Mr. Robertson, Lord
Salisbury pointed out the absence of any definite charge or even of any complaint
by the local Turkish authorities, and saw no grounds for taking in 1877
a step which Lord Derby did not consider justified in 1875. He advised that
Mr. Robertson should bo temporarily appointed Vice-Consul at Basrah pending
enquiries which he would direct the Government of India to institute. If
these enquiries showed any substantial objection to Mr. Robertson, it would
rest with that Government to make other arrangements, which would be duly
reported to Lord Derby. Accordingly Lord Salisbury wroto to the Government
of India:—
“ It docs not appear to mo that anything has been established against Mr. Robertson
which would justify his removal from his appointment; but it is desirable that enquiries into
the matter should lie instituted by your Government. The duties of the Political Agent in
Turkish Arabia, and his subordinates, arc at all times of a delicate nature, but, under
existing circumstances, it is especially necessary that the appointments in that country should
be held by officers of tact and judgment, who may be relied upon to co-operate cordially with
one anothor.”
24S. So far as Mr. Robertson was concerned, it was not clear what
enquiries wero necessary. The affair of 1S79 was a thing of tbo past and
besides bad been investigated. The only definite charge now made by Colonel
Nixon was that Mr. Robertson’s disposition was “ unconciliatory.” On the
contrary tbo Government of India had reason to movo to find fault with
Colonel Nixon’s administration. On more than one occasion Colonel Nixon’s
conduct at Baghdad had called for unfavourable notice. In November 1870
Colonol Nixon was severely reprimanded for bis conduct towards Captain
Warner (deceased), then Commanding the Comet. He was told that the tone
Foreign Department No. 2-177-G., dated 21st, of bis correspondence with that officer
November 187C. was “arrogant and offensive,” and that
his proceedings would have boon unjustifiable except in circumstances of the
gravest provocation. In tlie case of Koolsoonissa Begum, a Treaty Ward of
Government, his feeble and obstructive action bad been unfavourably criticis­
ed in the Foreign and Legislative Departments. Ho had entirely failed to give
effect to the wishes of Government.
He had recontly ignored the Government of India in tho recent appoint­
ment of Mr. Garter.
219. Tho Government of India therefore thought that time had come for
removal of Colonel Nixon from Baghdad ; if not, compel him to retire from
Government service.
250. The following telegram was addressed to the Government of India on
5tli Juno 1S78 :—
“ I propose sending Political Officer of standing to relieve Colonel Nixon, and enquire into
complaints against Mr. ltobertson. Colonel Nixon could havo vacated his appointment last
year under 55 years rule, but obtained two yoars’ extension upon special representation of
Foreign Office. Soon aftenvavds ho received censure for ignoring authority of Governor
General and has now again ignored it. llis retention is certainly not advantageous to Indian
Government. Therefore unless special reasons exist to tho contrary, we wish to cancel remainder
of extension.”
[SG1GFD]