Page 102 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

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CHAPTER XX.

The French flag question, 1899—1904:.
(i) Vigorous action taken by the Sultan in the Fronch Flag Question, 1900.
400. We have dealt above with tho early history of the Fronch Flag
question up to the close of the year 1890 (See Chapter XIV), the notion tnkon
by the British Government in demanding tho adoption of a distinctive ling
for Maskat in tho ultimatum presented to tho Sultan in February 1899, and
kalf-heartod action taken by him in the matter (paragraph 340, Chapter XVIII).
401. We shall now proceed with tho subsequent history of tho question.
In October 1899, the French Government complained through their
■«t e„ hpu-t., irn. Noi. MO. Ambassador in Loudon that Major Fagan
6ocret*ry of Stato's Deiyatch No. «5*Sccret, datod liacl Called in question tllQ Validity of
*HibiJCih.r6im' French protection accorded to Suri dhows
flying tho French flag and demanded
from the Sultan that he should enforce the discontinuauoo of the use of the
French flag by his subjects, promising the assistance of a British man-of-war.
As a consequence of this complaint, the Foreign Ollico requested that, with­
out previous reference to them, nothing should bo doue in tho way of forcible
intervention by British man-of-war.
* Telepram to Secretary of State, dated tbe 12th Tho complaint was reported* by Major
July 1899. Fagan to bo unfounded..
402. In liia despatch No. 47 (Secret), dated tho 24th November 1899, the
Secretary of State asked the Government of India’s opinion on certain sug­
gestions made as to the steps which might bo taken to neutralise the effeot of
the grant of the French flag. Tho suggestions were—
(1) That tho Sultan should make an ordinance compelling every subject
of Maskat who owns a ship to register it as a Maskat ship, and
sail it under the Maskat flag.
(2) That the Sultan should declare that ho would not in his terri­
tory, after a date to be fixed, recognise any protection or neutra­
lisation thereafter conferred on his subjects otherwise than with
his sanction or under the provisions of liis treaties.
(8) That the use of the British flag should be extended so as to outbid
tbe French Consul.

At the same time it was requested that, with a view to tho possibility of
coming* to an arrangement with the French Government, a more precise
account should be furnished of tbe modus operands of the French, and of the
evidence for the forthcoming to prove a connivance on their part in the slave
trade or tbe exact details in respeot of which they could bo held to fail in
their obligations under tbe Brussels Act, Articles 25 and 30.
403. Before the Political Agent could report on these points certain impor­
tant steps had been taken by the Sultan, which gave a fresh development of
the French flag question.
In his telegram, dated 17th May 1900, the Political Agent reported that
with a view to provide the British Govern-
ibn, No. 18. ment with the locus standi to move and
approach the French Government in the matter, which was pointed as wanting
in Foreign Office letter, dated 20th December 1898, the Sultan had offered. to
sign a letter definitely requesting the British Government to intervene with the
French Government and discuss tho question with them in his behalf, witn
a view to effecting the removal of the flags now in use and discontinuance o
tbe practice.
404. The Secretary of State was asked by tho Viceroy in bis telegram,
dated 22nd May, whether tbs Foreign
Ibid, No. w.
Office would now act, as it seemed to ms