Page 105 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

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419 Then as regards tlio tliroo alternative proposals—tho first one that
the Saltan should issue a notification repudiating the protection afforded by a
foreign flag on his subjects, etc., was met, in Captain Cox’s opinion, by the
Sultan’s edict of Juno 1990 (paragraph 408 abovo).
420. The second proposal that the Sultan should is^ue an ordinance com­
pelling overy Maskat ship to bo registered as such and sail undor the Maskat
(lag, presumes the institution of a distinctive national flag, which tho Sultan did
not yot sco his way to adopt.
421. Tho third proposal as regards the extension of the use of the British
flag, so as to anticipato and outbid the French flag, would, in Captain Cox’s
opinion, place us in a false position. For tho primary and chief excuse of tho
Arabs seeking the French flag is the harassing attentions of our me.u-of-war to
their vessels, our objection to the use of the French flag is tho cover tlioy give
to slave running, while from the Sultan’s point of view tho French protection
which the Suri French flag-holders claimed oven within his territory and terri­
torial waters was derogatory to his sovereignty. Now to go and make use of the
French device of giving flags and in consequence our protection to Maskat
subjects would exposo us to the same objections which are raised against the
French practice.
422. In submitting Captain Cox’s report to the Seorotary of State, the
Government of India in their despatch
It id, No. G3.
No. 702, dated 26th July 1900, observed
that the proclamation recently issued by the Sultan in which ho refuses to re­
cognize in his territory French flags and papers given to his subjeots without his
permission had obviated to somo extent the necessity for further action. But
in order to provide against recurrence of the abuses in grantiug the French flags
and in their use pointed out by Captain Cox, the Goveruuient of India pro­
posed that the attention of the French Government should be drawn to them by
the ordinary diplomatic channel with a view to their correction.

(iii) Increasing French influence at Sur, the principal head-quarters of French
flag-holders, and measures proposed for counteracting its influence.

423. The subject of the increase of French influence in Oman was again
brought into prominence in June 1901,
Secret E., August 1901, Nos. 121-203.
when Captain Cox, with a geological expert,
deputed by the Government of India visited the neighbourhood of Sur (Kalbat
and Rufsheh) to examine a coal reef there. The exploration was conducted
with the full knowledge and consent of the Sultan, but it met with considerable
opposition from the local tribes, which Captain Cox attributed to the intrigues
of the French Consul and Abdul Aziz. The Sultan then came down five weeks
later at the urgent request of the British Consul to get him out of the difficulties.
As soon as the geologist’s work was finished, the Sultau returned with the
exploring party to Maskat (Captain Cox’s report No. 232, dated 15th June
1901). For more details see Chapter XXI, p. 112, post.

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