Page 180 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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to impose on the Sheikh conditions from which he had hitherto been free.
They hod considered it a matter for direct and friendly discussion with Iho
Porte, who now regarded the incidont as closed, and Count Mctternich was in­
formed of the assurances exchanged.
Lord Lansdowno on his return to London said to Count Mcttornich that it
was necessary to hear in mind that, where minor Eastern Slates were concerned,
it was not unusual to find that they owed a divided allegiance to moro than
ono Power.
The German Memorandum stated that Koweit has an importance for
Germany merely as the proposed terminus of the Baghdad Railway, and
gives an undertaking that tho Manager of the Railway Company will bo in­
structed to come to an understanding with the British Government when tho
time for purchasing land for railway terminus and a lauding-placc at Koweit
shall have como. Count Mottornich has since confirmed this assurance in con­
versation with Lord Lansdowno, adding that the railway might bo made fivo
years or fifty years hence, or not at all, but that, when it was made, it was
important for Germany to find a peaceful condition of things in that part of
tho Gulf.