Page 97 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

81
CHAPTER XIX.
Resumption of friendly relations between the Sultan and the British
Consul, 1900.
381. With the arrival of Captain Cox at Maslcat, the way was further paved
for a more friendly relations between the Sultan and the British Consulate,
lio was well received by His Highness. On the 23rd October Captain Cox bad a
long interview with the Sultan, in which the ground was considerably cleared i
for arriving at a good understanding. It was made clear to the Sultan that the
resumption of the subsidy did not absolutely depend upon his customs ma­
nagement being handed over to the British Government, and that in insisting on
the adoption of a distinctive flag for Maskat, wo only wished to see the Sultan’s I
independence respected by all foreigners, and that what wo sincerely wished was j
the prosperity of his dominions while he strictly carried out his obligations I
towards us, and maintained friendly relations with our representative and
paid reasonable heed to bis advice.
382. We shall now detail the various stops by which the old friendly
relations wore resumed between the Sultan and our agent.

(i) Partition of the coaling station in the Makalla Covo, Maskat, between the
■
British and French Governments.*
383. The Secretary of State, on the 39th January 1900, telegraphed stating
that the Trench Ambassador objected to
Secret E, October lUOO, Nos 67-103.
the British offer of a coal shed in Makalla
and had renewed his request for a site upon the same conditions as those the
British enjoyed in Maskat harbour, also that M. Cambon seemed ready to
accept the Cove of ICalbuh and enquired whether the Government of India
had any suggestions to make.
The following telegram was sent to the Resident:—
*' French Government have now suggested Kalbuh as site of proposed French coal depdt
at Maskat, subject to as^urauce that they will neither hoist flag nor claim any right of
sovereignty or property. Please report yourself and consult Cox as to whether the objections
already raised to Itiyam and the statements made to Sultan apply equally to Kalbuh or
whether it affords possible solution/’
384. Both Captain Cox and Colonel Meade considered Kalbuh, which is
outside Maskat Harbour, as open to the same objection as the Itiyam Cove,
but they saw no objection to offer the French a part of Makalla Cove for a
coal shed. The Govommont of ludia concurring in the view, the Secretary of
State was informed accordingly and in reply, he asked for an accurate descrip­
tion of the two pieces of land in Makalla Cove between which the French were
to ohooso for the coaling station, also whether, if the Ereuch selected our shed
No. 1, it could be made over to them without delay. Major Fagan was asked
to send the plan of Makalla Cove which he had showed to His Excellency and
also certain information regarding the coal-shed. In forwarding 4 sketches
drawn by bis wife, Major Fagan proposed that the smallest coal shed (marked
C) and the site on which it stuod should be made over to the French.
385. The following telegram was then issued
Telegram No. 702-E. A., dated the 17th March 1900.
From—Hie Excellency the Viceroy, Calcutta.
To—Her Majesty’s Secretary of State for India, London.
“ Makalla Cove contains two sites—firstly, tho north site ou which are
situated our large shed No. 1 of French memorandum, and a small adjoining
shed No. 2 on the north side of No. 1; and, secoadly, the south site on which
at a little distance is our other small shod No. 3.

• For previous histvry ico paragraphs 341, 345, 360A , 362, 303, 361,306, 308, 370, 373-377, ante.
[C073FD]