File 2902/1916 ‘Treaties and Engagements between the British Government and the Chiefs of the Arabian Coast of the Persian Gulf’ [‎15r] (40/448)

(i) In 1891 an agreement was also signed by the Sultan, pledging him
ne\ei to cede, sell, mortgage or otherwise give in occupation any of his
dominions or dependencies, save to the British Government.
(j) I 11 1895 a guarantee was given to the Sultan that, whatever the
differences between the Sheikhs of Oman and the Sultan, Government would
1 not allow the former to attack the two towns of Muscat and Mattrah. The
Sultan issued a notification m these terms. The warning was renewed
in 1913.
(k) In 1898 a proclamation was issued giving British and Persian vessels
the right to search British, Persian or Muscat vessels in Muscat waters, and
Muscat vessels in British or Persian waters, for arms and ammunition.
(?) In 1902 the Sultan undertook to grant His Majesty's Government the
first option on mining rights in the Sur coalfields.
^/?0 In 1903 the Sultan issued a notification authorising the searching by
British and Italian ships, both on the high seas and in Muscat waters, of
Muscat vessels suspected of carrying arms to certain prohibited African
areas.
(n) In 1923 the Sultan undertook not to give any oil concession without
the consent of His Majesty’s Government.
(ii) Treaties with other Powers.
(а) In 1833 the Sultan concluded a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with
the United States of America providing for perpetual peace, unrestricted
trading (except that muskets and ammunition might not be sold to private
persons in Zanzibar), limitation of import duties to 5 per cent., reciprocal
most-favoured-nation treatment in regard to trading charges, and appointment
of consuls.
(б) In 1844 a Treaty of Commerce was concluded with France in terms
almost identical with the British Treaty of 1839.
(c) In 1877 a short Treaty with Holland provided reciprocal most-favoured
nation treatment for the nationals of each country, both generally and in
respect of import duty and the regulations regarding export and transit.
SUMMARY.
1. The following are common to the engagements of all the above Arab
States to the British Government:—
The undertaking not to cede, sell, mortgage, &c., any of their territory
except to the British Government, or to give any oil concession without
permission.
The undertaking to prohibit the traffic of arms in their territories, and
(except in the case of Koweit) the undertaking to suppress slave trade.
2. The following is common to all, except Muscat
The undertaking to have no negotiations with, or receive the repre
sentative of, any Power other than the British Government, except with the
consent of the British Government, and the undertaking not to give an}^
pearling or sponge fishing concession without permission.
3. The following is common to all except Koweit, and it is implied in
the case of Koweit: —
The undertaking to maintain peace in perpetuity with the British
Government.
4. To all, except Muscat, the British Government promises protection
from aggression by sea, either explicitly or, as to the Trucial Chiefs, by
implication.
5. To El-Katr the British Government promises also “good offices ” in
the case of aggression by land.
6. To Koweit the British Government undertakes unqualified “ protection.”
Communication of Treaties.
1. To the Turkish Government in 1911.
All the treaties prior to 1911 regarding Koweit, El Katr, and the Trucial
Chiefs mentioned in this Memorandum, with the addition of one or two
3138 B
Aitchison, Vol. XII,
p. 240.
P. 2749/13.
Aitchison, Vol. XII,
p. 241.
Do., p. 242.
Memo. B, p. 172.
Do., p. CLX.
Do., p. CLXXX.