Page 127 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

Ill
Thoy proposed to authorise Major Grey to invito Air. Laronco to co-operate in
drawing up a list of persons now authorised to liy the Fronch flag and tbo
proclamation to bo issued by the Saltan announcing the result of the arbitra­
tion. The list and proclamation would bo subject to tho approval of the British
and French Governments, to whom would bo roforred doubtful points arising in
cour60 of preparation.
61G—22. At the same tirao tho Government of India addressed tho Political
Resident in the Persian Gulf on the 6teps
Ibtd, No. 320.
which ho proposed should be taken to give
offoct to tho award (No. 38G8-E.B., dated 17th October 1905).
They agreed with him that it might ultimately bo necessary to oxer-
ciso somo vigilance with a view to securing the assertion by the Sultan of his
full rights under the award; but thoy pointed out to him that the first step to
bo taken should be for Major Grey and M. Laronco to endeavour to arrive at
an understanding on all points of doubtful interpretation, and also on the public
notification which it was proposed should be issued by tho Sultan. When
necessary, reference could be made to the Government of India for guidanco.
In regard to a proposal made by that the French flag should not be flown in
the creek which divides tho two settlement at Sur, tho Government of India
stated that they could hardly see their way, with the present data before thorn,
to express any opinion on tho proposal. They thought that tho right to fly tho
French flag would presumably contiuue to bo the same in all parts of the terri­
torial waters of Maskat, and it was unlikely that tho French Government, who
had already been deprived of a substantial portion of the rights claimed by them,
would consent to a further diminution of these without a quid pro quo. A more
detailed report on this question was accordingly called for; as also on the proposal
to appoint a British officer at Sur.
On 31st October, tho Secretary of State telegraphed that a proposal
had been made to the French Government that the British and French consular
representatives should confer as to the best way to notify tho award to the
subjects of His Highness tho Sultan, and that they should prepare a list of
those of his subjects who were entitled to fly the French flag, the results of the
conference being referred to both Governments for approval. On the 21st
November another telegram was despatched from tho India Office stating that
the Frenoh Government had instructed M. Laronco to prepare a list of French
proteges for communication to Major Grey and to discuss with him the manner
of announcing the award.