Page 56 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

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Hii) Levy of exorbitant taxes on the fish-yards at Gwadur, 1897.
18G. In August 1897, the officer in Political charge of the Mokran
Coast forwarded a petition from the
Gulf Administration Report, 1807-99.
British Indian traders at Gwadur, repre­
senting that an attempt was being mado by the Sultan to lovy exorbitant
taxes on the fish-yards owned by them, and suggesting that the taxos should
be rcducod by two-thirds.
Personal enquiries made by the Political Agont on the spot showed that the
complaints of the owners of tho fish-yards wore well founded, and that tho
taxos which it was sought to lovy wero out of all proportion to tho profits
mado by theso individuals, some of whom had already closed their yards in
consequence of its imposition.
187. On the matter being represented to the Sultan, His Highness was
at first indisposed to make any change, but ultimately ho waa induced to agreo
to the proposed reduction.

(iv) Mining concessions in Maskat and elsowhero in tho Persian Gulf, 1898.
187-A. In a letter addressed to tho British Residency at Bushire, dated 11th
May 1898, Messrs. A. and J. J. Malcolm enquired whether tho Ro9idoncy would
have any objection to their acquiring from tho Sultan of Maskat, the Sheikh of
8harjah and other similar independent Sheikhs, tho concession of mining
rights for a number of years on deposits of oxide of iron said to exist in
certain islands and seaboards such as Abu Musa, Musandum, etc., and
whether the British Government agents would extend their good offices on
furtherance of their objects.
188. The Government of India instructed the Resident to reply that the
Resident would view with pleasure any legitimate trading enterprise, but could
not show favour to individuals by exercising their good “ offices ” on their
behalf. The Resident was also asked to let tho Sultan of Maskat and the
various local Sheikhs know informally that ho would be ready to help them
with advice in respect of any proposals made to them for trading privileges,
making it clear to them that there was no desire to interfere with their discre­
tion, but that it would be to their advantage to consult the Residency before
granting concessions. In this manner the Resident would secure the oppor­
tunity of protecting the Chiefs from unscrupulous traders (Foreign Department
letter, dated 10th July 1898).