'File 14/115 VII Annex (B 9) Abu Musa oxide: collected background material on the case' [‎37v] (85/1904)

68
- Annex 39.
Translation of a letter from Nakhoda Ali Tigran
Bushire. (Undated hut writte
After Compliments.
As regards the Sir Island, if you can make arrangements with, some one in
Calcutta besides the firm of Sassoon, it will, in my opinion, be better. No one will
then raise any claim in Calcutta and the claimant's statement will not be listened
to. There are many words which cannot be written. The circumstances in con
nection with the Calcutta oxide are all due to the London firm, because one year
ago they rumoured at Lingah that we are no longer able to work the oxide in the
Bin Musa Island; and it was written from London that they should spend as much
as they can and take the Island out of our hands. In my opinion, an opportunity
has now been offered to them, because I was myself at Calcutta and a Hindu offer
ed to buy all the oxide and the value was also arranged. He also paid Rs. 1,000
and was to pay Rs. 4,000 more and take delivery of the goods. They cancelled it
(however) for the sake of one month's respite. So far four months have elapsed
and the oxide has remained unsold. Had 1 not been afraid of the Bank, I would
have gone myself to Calcutta and disposed of the oxide in any way. When I was
at Calcutta there were many buyers. The oxide will now remain (unsold) like a
horse in Bombay which will eat so much that it will be lost at length.
You will of course say that I knew this from the beginning. The oxide which
was shipped has been consigned to Mr. Brady. If you had brought to their office
it had to be consigned to them.
According to what Abdullah has written to Haji Hasan and myself the Cal
cutta office says " tell Malcolm not to write any letters to the Bombay office' 5 .
It becomes evident that as you know well the courses of affairs and the answers
due to every one, and as you grasp facts, it is for this reason that he says you should
write no letters for us {Le., on our behalf). Otherwise what is the object I Every
letter requires an answer.
I do not know what to write concerning the state ol things which has been
brought about. It is now about three or four years that despite all my endea
vours to get oxide shipped to London, as a sample, it cannot be done.
What further should I represent to you, and sahams.