Page 95 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

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the precise situation desired for the French coal depot at Maskat, avoiding
written communications. Major Fagan replied that tho situation was not decided
and that ho was told by M. Ottavi that when the French man-of-war next
vieitod Maskat, tho Captain would bo asked to choose tho place. The Viceroy
protested to the Secretary of Stato against settlement of matter in London in
goncral terms, particular application being left to tho Sultan (telegram dated
17th May). The Government of India wired to Major Fagan, inquiring sites
for Fronoh coaling shed least open to objoction (telegram dated 23rd May).
371. The Government of India agreed that no further formal demands need he
made on tho Sultan at present and that tho Resident might exercise discretion as
to payment of the subsidy, that payment might bo recommenced if tho Sultan’s
attitude had substantially improved or the Sultan speoilically applied to the Poli­
tical Agent for payment; or if there wero a real risk of Sultan turning to the French
for pecuniary aid or selling concession to foreign adventure. It was desirable,
however, if possible to sottlo customs question in advance (letter to Resident,
No. 747-E.A., dated 25th May l>r09). Major Fagan mentioned Gobetnell cove,
Makalla, and Maskat town as sites for French coaling stations ; first had a bad
approach, expensive to improve ; the third, dangerous to the town ; the second,
the best and could he arranged by one out of three British sheds being 6old
to the French (telegram dated 27th March),
372. As the result of correspondence between 17th April and 9th May, in
which Major Fagm offered to move in renewal of subsidy, Sultan declined to
do more than take into consideration the Agent’s advice and that only when not
likely to be injurious to himself or to cause trouble to his subjects. The Resi­
dent recommended tho continued withholding of the subsidy whioh would prob­
ably oauso the Sultan’s Government to collapse (Resident’s No. 78, dated 29th
May 1899).
873. Major Fagan was instructed under orders from the Secretary of State
to tell the 8ultan that if the French applied for a site for coaling shed
within Maskat harbour, on the same conditions as the English, without flag or
fortification, tho British Government would not opose ; but suoh concession
elsewhere could not be acquiesced in, that Major Fagan was to muintain his
right to he consulted by the Sultan, but to show every consideration to French
susceptibilities and meet Freuch wishes as far as possible (telegram dated 3rd
June). Major Fagan reiterated the condition about consulting Indian Govern­
ment in announcement to the Sultan about the terms on which the British Gov­
ernment approved the grant of a place to the French.
374. The Government of India pointed out to tho Resident the mistake of
Major Fagan in substituting reference to Government of India for reference to
himself on two occasions. The intention was that Major Fagan should pot make
difficulties and should inform tho Sultan beforehand of the approval of the British
Government on certain conditions : he was nevertheless to let it be known that
he expected to be informed of, and consulted about, any proposition the F'renoh
Agent might make. Major Fagan was to be informed for guidance in order
that he might make the point clear in future conversation with the Sultan
(telegram dated 8th Junej.
375. The Foreign Office, London, acquitted Major Fagan of intentionally
exceeding instructions and recognised the
Beerel Bn Anguet 1899, No*. 164-209.
difficulty and delicacy of his position in
consequence of declaration of 1862; but thought he had not recognised importance
of avoiding language inconsistent with the Sultan’s independence : e.g.t his
statement that he would forward French proposal to the Government of India
through the usual channel, for approval. The Foreign Office also commented on
his asking the Sultan for explanation why he received Abdul Aziz (Foreign Office
to India Office, dated 4th July). •
376. On the 25th July 1899, the Secretary of State telegraphed that the
French Ambassador stated that while the
Hid. No*. 167 and 206.
British Government would not give its large
shed, either of the two smaller sheds would be inadequate for French require­
ments, and therefore asked for the creek of Rujam or liejam. On Major Fagan’s
report the following telegram was addressed to the Secretary of State

Telegram P, No. 1109-E.*A., dated the 6th Anguit 1899.
From—Hie Eioellonoy the Vioeroj, Simla,
To—Hie hlajeety’a Secretary of State for India, London.
My telegram, 29th July. Fagan reports that French contention that there is not sufficient
room for thorn at Makalla is oontrary to faot, and that at little trouble and expense they