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413 Tho Frenoli Government appears now to have veered round and taken
MojrrCji’e letter to Oorcrnmont of India, No. another course. On the 4th March 3902,
120, tinted Sth March 1002. the French Consul and the Commandor of
Secret E, April 1902, Noa. 78 129 (No. 117),
. _ , the Catinat, which had been at Maskat
for some time, beforo leaving for Sur, informed tho Sultan that they wore goin»
" to inform tho flag-holders of tho Sultan’s sovereignty on land.” When Major
Cox was informed of this, ho enquired of M. Laronco what instructions tho
Frenoh Consul had received on his reference to his Government (see paragraph
442 above). Major Cox also referred to tho reported statement mado by
tho French Consul and Commander to tho Sultan. Tho reply was that tlio
french had ?io intention of subjecting Oman subjects to trench jurisdiction and
only claimed the right conferred on them by (he Brussels Jet, the right of
surveillance and police over vessels bearing the French flag.
444. In reporting these facts to tho Govormont of India (lotter No. 126,
dated 8th March 1902), Major Cox sug­
Ibid, No. 117.
gested issue of notification by tho Sultan
to the effect that as result of discussion between His Highness and the Govern­
ments of Groat Britian and Franco, it had been decided that in Maskat terri­
tory| tho rights of foreign flag-holders are the same as those of other Muskat
subjects. Tho Vicoroy did not think that such a notification was necessary,
but enquired of the Secretary of State if tho French Consul’s action was con-
sideredby tho French Government (telegram, dated 25th March 1902).
445. The French Flagship Catinat was ordored to be detained at Maskat at
this time, probably, as it was surmised in connection with the supervision of
Suri dhows flying tho flag of France.
446. As regards tho surveillance and polico of dhows flying French flag,
Captain Cox proposed that tlio Sultan should suggest to M. Laronco that it
would bo more convenient if the inspection was held in the Maskat harbour,
instead of tho French Consul spending a month annually among His Highness*
subjects at Sur—a proceeding which was likely to be misunderstood by them
(Major Cox's No. 126, dated 8th March).

(vii) Correspondence and communications in Europe, 1902.
417. On 12th March 1902, the French Ambassador made a communication
to Lord Lansdowno to the effect that a
Secret E , September 1903, Noi. 240-363.
Foreign Ofl'C- Iicrpatch to Sir E. 11 onion. careful watch had been kept on the Suri
No 104, dated 12'h March 1902. dhows flying tho French flag, and that
Ibid, No 240, Enckiuic 6,
it had been proved that there was no
ground for suspecting them of being engaged in slave traffic, and that
“ the French Consuls had, moreover, been engaged for some time in carefully revising
all these papers. The work was nearly finished and no new certificates would be granted. ’
448. Referring to this communication it was observed in the India Office
letter, dated 25th March 1902, to the Foreign Office :—
" It is presumed that this assurance confirms that previously given to Lord Salisbury by
M. Camion on 2Gth June 1900, and that no cerlificates will be recognized which may
have been granted for the first time at a date subsequent to 2Gf.h June 1900. On this under*
- standing, the points at issue are confined to the certificates granted before 96th Juno 1900,
and to the effect of those certificates. I am to suggest that, if possible, a test of thoro
certificate holders should be obtained, as it is of the utmost importance to learn tho extent
to which this form of French protection has been carried. I am to observe that our Treaty
engagements regarding Maskat seem to justify a protest on our part against action by France,
which is not compatible with tho independence of tho Sultan.”
449. On 16th April 1902, Lord Lansdowne handed over to the French
Ambassador a memorandum based on Major Cox’s report above summarised
(paragraph 439) in reply to tho communication made by M. Cambon on
14th August 1901. In conclusion it was observed
u These matters are, however, only of subsidiary importance, and while His Majesty a
Government bavo thought it right to offer the foregoing observations and explanations in ropfy
to M. Gambon's communication they are happy to perceive that, on the main points of the
qu«stion, the two Governments are practically io accord :
(<») They understand that both Governments agree in desiring to maintain the in depend*
enee of the bull ant and to aid him in consolidating his authority.