Page 416 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

ADMINISTRATION REPORT OF THE PERSIAN GOLF
6
(it) the acquisition by the Dutch Syndicate above referred to of an
option, obtained from the Persian Government, for an exten­
sive irrigation project from the Karun River. In view of the
firm attitude adopted by His Majesty’s Government towards
the scheme, there are good grounds to hope that we shall not
be seriously troubled by the activities of the Syndicate:
(tii) though no tangible result has yet been noticed from the visit of
the German Vice-Consul at Bushire, to Arabistan, for the pur­
pose of making a report on the oil industry, Herr Wassmuss’s
excursion affords interesting evidence of the readiness of Ger­
many to concern herself with all questions of commercial deve­
lopment in the region of the Persian Gulf.
Turning to Tribal politics, I would mention the breach which has occur­
red between the Wali of Pusht-i-Kuh and his son, Amanullah Khan, which
may have important results upon the politics of Luristan and North Arabi­
stan.
Finally, I would allude to the interesting and valuable tour accom­
plished by His Majesty’s Consul in the Kuhgelu country. It is a satisfactory
step to have broken the ice with this tribe, and to have made the acquain­
tance with some other tribal elders.
The internal affairs of Oman call for
Maskat.
no special comment.
As regards the burning question of the arms traffic to Mekran, it is
satisfactory at any rate to find that there has been considerable diminution
in the imports into Maskat during the year; but it is noted that the German
steamers are now credited with slightly more than half the sea-borne traffic.
With 27 thousand and odd rifles exported to Mekran, and other large quanti­
ties believed to have gone to Katr, Kuwait, Bahrain and Persian ports, it is
clear how comparatively exiguous are the genuine requirements of Oman
itself. It is encouraging to learn at the end of the year that me’asures for
a fully effective blockade are to commence with the new year; and, in the
meanwhile, it is to be hoped that the French Government, when they realise
that we are in the position to kill the trade if we so have the mind, will find it
worth while to come to reasonable terms. The protracted continuance of
the present conditions cannot fail to have a most demoralizing effect on His
Highness the Sultan and his relations with us.
The “ Kadra ” Dhow incident related by Mr. Holland was an unfor­
tunate one. The Italian Government appear to have acted in regard to it
with no little arbitrariness and severity, and if they prove disposed to main­
tain their present attitude, His Majesty’s Government is likely to experience
a good deal of trouble in getting the case settled in a way satisfactory to His
Highness.
The inception of the new hospital is a matter for much congratulation,
and the readiness with which local subscriptions were forthcoming, and the
liberal scale of them, must be attributed to the zeal and good influence
brought to bear by Mr. Holland in promoting* the project.
The pearling season was a prosperous one, the year passed without any
dissensions to speak of among the
Trocial Coast.
Trucial Chiefs. The aged Chief of Abu
Thabi died on the 19th of May, and was succeeded by his second son Tabnoon
bin Zaid, whose succession was recognised in due course by the Government
of India.
The Abu Musa Oxide dispute with the Gerpan Government was in a
state of suspension during the year, pending the receipt by His Majesty’s
Government of the German reply to our arguments of July 1908. This reply
is understood to have been received in London at the end of December.
Major Prideaux relinquished the Bahrain Agency on his departure od
Bahrain. furlough in May after * holding the
appointment for \\ years. Under his
firm control the British position in Bahrain has been greatly improved and
consolidated. It remains for his successor to maintain the position which
he has acquired for the British Representative.