'P.2. 733/1904. Muscat Arbitration. (1906-09).' [‎97r] (200/680)

.
Telegram No. 24, dated the 10th (received 11th) January 1907.
From Major P. Z. Cox. C.I.E., Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department.
Please see your letter No. 4880-E.B., dated the 22nd December 1906.
Major Grey’s views are as follows :—
Begins. French flag. Foreign Department letter No. 4880-E.B., dated the
22nd December 1906, and enclosure. Point 1. I do not see why opinion of
French Consul should be final on a matter of fact in which I have made far more
thorough investigation and have been careful to include reliable information only
in my statement.
2. Unimportant, provided that concession is really limited to crime committed
at sea.
3. At least four of the Zanzibar men are undoubtedly Oman subjects who
were included in the 1904 agreement by a mistake or a trick. Would it not be
possible for the present to decline to consider the question of flying flag by subjects
of the Sultan of Mask at in the service of the French in connection with the
present case to which it seems to be separate, as it would be a pity to have any
clause of that kind in the Sultan’s notification. No such privilege has ever been
granted by us. Ends.
My views are as follows :—
Begins. Point 1. Further investigation may prove waste of time with
M. Laronce as sole judge. I suggest that both Consuls be instructed to consider
available evidence together, divide number of cases over which they cannot agree
and allow final odd man benefit of doubt.
2. I agree with Major Grey.
3. The creation in the case of six new men, who are clearly not entitled to it,
of the right to full French protection when in Oman, which will include title to fly
French flag over their houses, is much more prejudicial to the Sultan’s local
interests and our own than His Majesty’s Government perhaps realise. Apart from
this, the true status of the men must have been familiar to Mons. Ottavi from the
first, and their insertion as proteges at Zanzibar was effected one year after agree
ment of French and British Governments of May 1903 to refer flag question to
Hague Tribunal. Perhaps His Majesty’s Government could be moved to reconsider
their decision upon this point or at all events to obtain suitable quid pro quo, such
as mutual recognition of Sur creek as inland lagoon where protection of French flag
will not penetrate.
4. The French presumably rely on Article 4 of Treaty,, but it has never
been thus taken advantage of by them or us in the past and motive of introduction
now is patent. I endorse Major Grey’s views. The introduction of suggested 1
practice in the Gulf would be most inconvenient, and I trust can be altogether
resisted. If this is not possible, I suggest that in any case extension of privilege
be limited to boatmen belonging to recognised salaried servants of Consulates i
drawing pay of at least £6 sterling per mensem, and to occasions when owners
themselves are on board, lists of these being exchanged annually with us and
furnished to Sultan.
Repeated to Foreign with Viceroy.