'File 53/6 (D 2) Koweit [Kuwait] Affairs, 1898-1899' [‎232r] (462/554)

[This Document is the Property of Her Britannic Majesty's Government.]
[April 21.]
Section 1.
No. 1.
Sir N. O'Conor to the Marquess of Salisbury.—(Received April 24.)
(No. 194. Confidential.)
Mj Lord, Constantinople, April 20, 1899.
WITH reference to my despatch No. IS, Confidential, of the 18th January, I
have the honour to transmit copy of a Memorandum by Mr. Weakley, Commercial
Attache, on the negotiations which appear to he still proceeding with the Sublime
Forte for the grant of the Concession for the railway from Tripoli in Syria to the
^ Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
It is stated in this Memorandum that Mr. Meyers has retired from the concern ;
that the Company to which he belonged has been recast under the style of
Messrs. Williams, de Broe, and Co.; that a powerful Syndicate, enjoying the
support of Messrs. Eothschild and other well-known financiers, has promised its
co-operation, and that, in order to remove the apprehension of a Hussian control.
Count Kapnist is to be induced to sell his interest in the line.
M. Eechnitzer, an Austrian subject, represents the firm at Constantinople, and
the project is under examination in the Turkish Ministry of Public Works.
I have expressed my views fully on the subject of this scheme in my above-
mentioned despatch and in my previous reports. The withdrawal of the Russian
element puts a somewhat different complexion upon it, but the information at my
disposal is not yet sufficiently complete to enable me to form a final judgment. I
should be glad to learn from your Lordship whether the strong financial support of
which the Company boasts is really behind it.
I have, &c.
(Signed) N. R. O'CONOH.
ASIA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Memorandum by Mr. Weakley.
v Confidential.)
I HAVE been able to obtain the following information from Mr. Pears regarding
the present position of Count Kapnist's scheme for building a railway from Tripoli in
Syria to Koweit.
Mr. Meyers, of the firm of Messrs. Williams, Meyers, and Co., who, in conjunc
tion w T ith M. Hechnitzer, came to Constantinople last October to facilitate the
negotiations carried on by Count Kapnist with the Sublime Porte, has now ceased to be
a member of the firm. The new firm, under the style of Messrs. Williams, de Broe,
and Co., continue to take an active interest in the scheme, and have formed a
Syndicate composed of the following business houses established in London, to support
the project:—
The Exploration Company.
Messrs. Matheson and Co.
Messrs. Hosenthal and Co.
Messrs, S. Neumann and Co.
Messrs. A. G. Schiff and Co.
These houses have also been able to enlist the support and co-operation of the
following financial people :—
N. M. Ptothschild.
Lord Bevelstoke (of Baring's).
Morgafl's.
Bleichroder.
Disconto Gesellschaft.
Banque de Paris et des Pays-Bas.
This Syndicate is represented by M. Eeclmitzer in Constantinople. "
[1787 ? -l]