Page 19 - The Persian Gulf Historical Summaries (1907-1953) Vol IV_Neat

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boon desirous of placing the Muscat Customs
uudur the superintendence of a British oflicinl.
In 1005 they suggested that an arrangement
should he proposed (o the Sultan of Muscat for
the appointment of a British head Customs
officer. This official was to he nominated by the
Indian Government and appointed by the Sultan.
But, although a servant of the Sultan, it was to
ho stipulated that, in eases of important differences
of opiniou between him and IIis Highness, the
latter should agree to accept the friendly arbitra­
tion of the British Political Agent.
Another feature of the proposal was a guarantee
by India of the Muscat Customs revenue to the
extent of 20,000 dollars a month.
Circumstances were apparently favourable for
such an arrangement, ns the Sultan had become
dissatisfied with his own administration of the
Customs. Owing to disputes he was unable to
obtain from that source sufficient funds even to
To India Oniec, scud a steamer to Zanzibar. It appeared, how­
March 23, 1005.
ever, to Lord Lansdownc that any considerable
change in the internal administration of Muscat
would afford the French Government grounds
of complaint or a pretext for a counter-move,
lie considered that an arrangement might he
made of a less far-reaching character than that
proposed by the Government of India; and, in
any ease, he thought that the matter should bo
deferred until the conclusion of the Muscat
arbitration.
India Ofliee, Later in the year the Sultan applied to the
Novemljer 28,
1005. Indian Government for a loan, and it was sug­
gested that compliance with this request might
afford a reason for bringing up the question of a
reorganization of the Customs. Negotiations
were, however, then in progress for carrying into
effect the Muscat Arbitration Award, and Lord
To India Ofliee, Lansdownc considered that, pending their con­
December C, 1005.
clusion, it was inadvisable to deal with tho loan on
To India Office, the proposed basis. Ite limited his approval to
March 20, 100G
[10128]. the grant of a small advance, in relief of the
Sultan’s pressing financial difficulties, repayable
from bis subsidy, without political conditions.0
• Tho following loans have been made to the Sultan of
Muscat from Indian revenues:—
191*2. 1,50,000 rupees (10,000/.), advanced to Sultan for
purchase of yacht.
1904. 30,000 rupees (2,000/.), on condition ho was uot to
lwrrow elsewhere.
190G. 20,000 rupees (1,333/.), sanctioned, butnpparcutly uot
taken advantage of, by Iiis Highness.