Page 372 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

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(Xli). WRECK OF A BOAT CXDElt TOE FRENCH FUG IN THE TERRITORY OF
THE SHEIKH OF HER AI. COMMUNICATION OF THE TERMS OF THE
TREATY OF 189$ TO THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT, 1901.
190. In March 1904 the Political Agent at Maskat telegraphed that the
French Consul there had been pressing
Secret E., September 1901, Noe. 28-10.
the Sultan to forward a strongly worded
letter from him to the Sheikh of Debai on the Trucial Coast concerning a
boat sailing under the French flag, alleged to havo been wrecked and
plundered in Debai territory. The Infernct was expected at Maskat shortly,
and it was believed would proceed to Debai; Colonel Kemball believed that
the French Cousul was unaware of the engagements ot' March 1892, and pro­
posed to inform him expressing his willingness to make an enquiry and do his
best to settlo the matter if particulars were furnished.
191. The Government of India authorized the Political Agent to do as he
proposed; but suggested to the Secretary of State the advisability of the situ­
ation being explained to the French Government.
192. The French Government appears to have been unaware of the
Treaty with the Slieikh of Abu Thabi and agreed now to have the matter
settled by the British Government without their settlement (Secretary of
State’s telegram, dated 15th April 1904). This was done in accordance with
an award of a Kazi, fixing a certain amount of compensation.

(liii) DR. Eli RAHIM EFFENDI OF SnARGAII AND HIS OFFER TO MAKE SOME
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES ABOUT AFFAIRS IN THE PIRATE COAST.
192-A. In February 1904, one Dr. Ebrahim EfFendi visited Mr. Edgerleyr
Chief Secretary, Bombay Government,
Secret E., November 1904, Not. 162-159.
and offered to make some important dis­
closures affecting British prestige on the Pirate Coast, provided a guarantee
was given for the protoction of himself and his family and property. His
information referred to bribery of local people and intrigues with them by a
foreign Power.
192-B. On enquiry by the Resident and Political Agent at Maskat it was
found that the man, originally a Jew, had become a Christian and served under
the American Mission at Bahrein, had fallen out with the Missionaries and
turned then a Mahomedan, and after some adventures at Liugah and Ras-ul-
Kbima had settled as a doctor at Shargah. He appears to have been on bad
terms with tho Residency Agent there. He had sought from the Porte an
allowance for what he called his charitable work. It seemed doubtful
whether he could give auy valuable information beyond what is known to
Government, and no guarantee for his and his family’s safety could be given
him than that the Resident would not allow him to suffer in case he gave
information of value. This was not sufficient to encourage him further.

(xiv) REFUSAL OF AN OFFER MADE BY UERR TOEPPEN TO SECURE AN
ANGLO-INDIAN PROTECTORATE OVER AN UNNAMED CHIEF ON THE
PIRATE COAST, 1904.
193. In August 1904, one Herr Toeppen, a German by race, but con­
verted to Mahomedanism, wrote to Lord
Secret E., January 1905, Nos. 374.376.
Curzon in a letter directed to the India
Office, in which be laid stress upon his intimate acquaintance with the Arab
Chiefs on the Pirato Coast, and stated that one of them sought for German
protection, but that he (Herr Toeppen) could persuade this Chief to accept the
Anglo-Indian protection. Herr Toeppen therefore offered his services for the
purpose.
194. He was informed by tho India Office that his letter to Lord Curzon
had been placed before the Secretary of State for India, and that bis proposal
1904 DOt be aoCepted* (A* Godl°y t0 Herr Toeppen, dated 18th August