'Muscat: 1908-1928' [‎48r] (17/18)

17
•control of Muscat the point d'appui of the consolidation of British influence
on the north Arabian littoral, but the danger, in its absence, of active foreign
interest in the State cannot be overlooked, while should it ultimately prove
that the difficulties in the way of an Imperial air route through Persian
territory are insuperable, Muscat, with its dependency Gwadur, may prove to
^ be of great importance for air reasons. From the naval point of view, should
a decision favourable to the establishment of a naval base in the Musandim
Peninsula at any stage be taken, and should it prove possible to reconcile
the acquisition of a site for such a base with the terms of the Anglo-French
Declaration of ISbd, the principality would acquire an additional importance.
78. To sum up. The predominant influence in Muscat of His Majesty’s
Government is in the interest of the State itself. The commitments involved
in its maintenance are not, in existing circumstances, heavy, though the
presence of a British Adviser and the exclusion of foreign interference imposes
on His Majesty’s Government a measure of responsibility for the progress, or
lack of progress, of the State. The predominant influence of His Majestv’s
Government is equally, and more especially in present circumstances, an
Imperial interest, whether from the commercial or the strategical standpoint.
It can be maintained without undue “Westernisation,” and, while it can
never be popular with the fanatical tribes of the interior, its withdrawal is
unlikely to be desired so long as the country internally remains divided as
it has been for many years, and so long as no ruler arises with a personality
so outstanding as to show himself capable of disposing effectively, single-
handed, of the problems presented by the government of his State.
VIII.—Points referred to in connection with Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Sub-Committee.
79. The points in connection with Muscat which have been specifically
mentioned in connection with the deliberations of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Sub-
• Committee are as follow :—
( 1 ) Is the maintenance of the independence of Muscat (which is also
threatened, though less immediately, by Ibn Saud) necessary for
British purposes, and, if so, how is it to be secured? (P.G. 3 (viii).)
(2) Steps necessary on the north Arabian coast in connection with
slavery and the arms traffic. (P.G. G, 2 (c) 3.)
(3) Extent to which British influence is to be maintained in Muscat:
question of relations between the Sultan and the Amirs of Jaalan
(Sur): position vis-a-vis the French. (P.G. 6 , 2 (c) 5.)
IX.—Views expressed by Government of India.
SO. The Government of India have expressed the view that “ the
maintenance of independence of Muscat, Koweit, Bahrein and the Trucial
Chief is necessary. Our veiled protectorate over them suffices against Tel. from viceroy
European encroachments. So long as we do not alienate Arab opinion by 23 ms * 1 ’
attempting undue Westernisation, it suffices also against encroachments by p. sss#, p.g’ 9 .
the Wahabi State. At need it can be more explicitly asserted.”
India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. ,
25th August 1928.
J. G. L.