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with our demand. Ho therefore suggested that, in that event, ho might be
authorized to excrciso his judgment and compel compliance even to the length
of employing naval force, if necessary, as delay in coercing the Sultan would
bo misunderstood; that if possible Abdul Aziz should bo deported, as ho would
retain his pernicious influence 09 long as ho remained.
33-1 In repeating this message to the Secretary of State, the Viceroy recom­
mended the course suggested by Colonel Meade, subject to the caution about
avoiding collision with tho French, as wo bad prooeeded too far to allow the
Sultan to dofy us.
3115. Tho following telegraphic correspondence then passed between the
Seoretary of State and tho Vicoroy :—
Scrrol E., Marob 1899. Noi. 104-213.
(l)
Telegram P., dated the 0th Fobruary 1880.
From—Her Majesty’• Socrotnrj of State for Indio,
To—Hi* Exoollencj tho Viooroy, Calcutta.
Your Secret telegram of 9th, Mask at. Mcado in demanding cancelling of leaso has some-
„{i N 14_ what exceeded limits of my previous telegram;
but if tho demand has been presented, I approve
of your giving him authority to oompel compliance on condition that there must be no
oollfsion with tho French. I assumo that forcible deportation of Abdul Aziz has not yet
been mentioned, in which case you must consider whethor such action against the Sultan’s
protests would not raise the question of independence under joint declaration. Sco telegram
of 3rd January from me.

(2)
Telegram P., No. 227-F.A., dated tho 10th February 1809.
From—Hie Excellency the Viceroy, Calcutta,
To—Her Majesty's Secrotary of State for India, London.
Ibid, No. 143. Your telegram not quite clear.
Meade has been instructed to present memorandum to Sultan containing following
demands: *' Dismissal of Abdul Aziz from employment under Sultan's authority, and settlement
of outstanding questions concerning indemnity to British subjects for losses in 1895, and
cessation of illegal taxes. To these he was instructed by mo to add cancelling of Jisoeh lease,
Sultan having admitted lease to French Government, which wo had already announced to him
was violation of 1891 engagement, and could not bo permitted. To present an ■ultimatum
which omitted the chief ground of offence seemed to me indefensible. These are the demands
which Meade asks leave if necessary to enforce. Does your telegram authorise compulsion to
enforce the whole of these demands or only in case of refusal to cancel Jiasch lease? I
submit that it would be best to settle the whole matter whilo wo can. Admiral leaves
Bombay to-morrow for Maskat, and will bo th*ro to advise Meade and to superintend any
measures that are required. I am advised that deportation of Abdul Aziz might raise question
of international law, and 1 do not propose to authorise it. ”

Telegram P., dated tho 11th February 1899.
From—Her Majesty's Secretary of Stato for Iadia, London,
To—Hie Excellenoy the Viceroy, Caloutta.
Your telegram of 10th February. Foreign—Secret. Maskat. My tolegram of 0th
.... v ... February authorised Meade to compel compliance
i vrith all demands known by us to have been
addressed to Sultan including dismissal of Abdul Aziz. Cancelling of lease seems to both
Prime Minister and myself to have somewhat outrun limits of instructions, as I have explained
by letter, but we agree to its enforcement. Condition attached to enforcement of demands
was no personal collision with French. Failure of payment of indemnity to British 6ubjeots
though part of our case against the Sultan stands on a difforeut footing ; its enforcement
might raise local feeling against us. Meade should, therefore, oxercise his discretion as to
how far it is now politio to enforce its complete fulfilment. Your telegram is understood to
••ay Meade ia authorised to require dismissal of Abdul Aziz, hut not his deportation. I
approve of this course.

Telegram P., No. 231-E. A., datod the 12th Fobroary 1899.
From—Hie Excellenoy the Viceroy, Caloutta,
To—Her Majesty's Seoretary of State for India, London.
Your telegram 11th February. I regret if I exceeded your instructions ; but am grateful
for authority now given. Concerning arrears or
Ibid, No. 167. indemnity Meade has not been instructed to