Page 37 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

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The French interest in the Persian Gulf had revived, a French Vice-
Consul had been appointed at Maskat and French cruiser had been sent in
connection with the recent disturbances. The warning to the Sheikhs proposed
was, the Government of India argued, only for the protection of the existing
political interest and need not be objected to as constituting a practical step
in advance towards protectorate in effect though not in name; such a rosult,
however, would only be to our advantage. The oourso proposed was only a
modification of Lord Duflerin’s policy adopted in 1886, which directly in
SayyidTurki’s reign aud indirectly uutil recoutly gave Oman unparallolled rest,
from internal dissensions.
76. In the event of the assent of Franco to a British Protectorate over
Maskat being unobtainable, Lord George
Secret E„ April 1806, Noa. 123.82. •
Hamilton proposed that Her Majesty’s
Government should undertako to protect Maskat and Mattrah from the attacks
of rebel Arab tribesmen in the defence of existing commercial interests.
(India Office to the Foreign Office, dated 12th August 1895.)
76. Lord Salisbury concurred in tho 3rd proposal (Secretary of State’s
Despatch No. 32-S., dated 30th August 1895).
77. The following telegram was des­
Ibid, No. 166.
patched to the Resident:—
Telegram No. 1867-E., dated the 8th October 1896.
From—The Foreign Secretary, Simla,
To—The Political Rciidont in tho Peraian Gnlf, Doahire.
Her Ma]etty's Government have approved issue of warning to leading Oman Sheikhs that,
consideration of important British interests, no attack on Maskat be allowed in future, whatever
differences Sheikhs may have with their Sultan. You are authorised to communicate this to
Sultan for notification to Sheikhs) but Sultan must not consider himself thereby absolved from
taking proper measures for protecting these towns. Draft Notification by Sultan to Sheikhs
should be approved by you.
78. The following report of Colonel
Ibid, No. 167.
Wilson of his proceedings may be read
No. 116, dated Doahire, the 10th November 1896.
Proin—Colohbl F. A. Wiuoir, Political Bceldcat io tho Pereiaa Gulf,
To—Tho Secrc’.ary to tho Government of India, Foreign Department.
"With reference to your telegram of the 8th October, I have the honour to report, for the
information of Government, that having proceeded to Maskat, I paid a visit to the Sultan on
the 1st instant, and received a return visit ou the following day.
I communicated to Hie Highness the decision of Govornmont, that having regard to
the important British interests at stake in MaskatandMattrah.no attacks upon those towns
would in future be permitted whatever differences might arise between the Sheikhs of Oman
and their Ruler.
2. Ihis intimation was not received by the Sultan with the cordial satisfaction that I had
expected, and / was somewhat surprised to observe that His Highness seemed to regard the policy
which I had been directed to announce io him, as a matter of course. Having regard to the fact
that whatever the reasons determining this policy, it is evidently of supreme importance to him
in practically giving to his position and authority the most valuable support of whioh the
circuit stance* admit, I am at a loss to explain the spirit in which the Sultan appeared to receive
the announcement of it. To my further suggestion, in accordance with what 1 understood to
be the views of Government, that occasion should be afforded me to make the communication
in a more publioly formal manner, in view to its general appreciation, and especially of its
unreserved acceptance by tho Sheikhs principally concerned, His Highness replied that none
of the important Sheikhs, or those especially contemplated being present in Maskat, the neces­
sary arrangements could not at onco be made. It was accordingly understood that whoa
certain of the tribal representatives could be assembled, the Political Agent should have an
opportunity of repeating tho announcement whioh has already been made to tho Saltan.
3. A number of the principal Hindu traders, who presented themselves for an interview
with me, expressed lively satisfaction at the present policy of Government, whioh affords them
so valuable an assurance of future immunity from the perils and losses to which they were
recently exposed. A copy of their letter, expressing their sense of the benefit secured to them,
ie enclosed.
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