'14/115 II B. 5. Abu Musa. Abu Musa oxide contracts and concession. Hassan Samaiyeh's dealings with the Germans.' [‎110v] (226/467)

4. The 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 his letter No. 456, dated 28th February
1907) stated that, on ascertaining the terms of the contract which had been
entered into with Herr Wonckhaus, both the Sheikh and the concessionaire
Esa-bin-Abdul Latif, were unwilling that it should stand. Ultimately, the
Sheikh decided, in view of Hassan Ali Samaiyeh's unauthorised action, to
withdraw the concession from the three concessionaires, and intimated that
he desired to make fresh provisions for the working of the red oxide mines
under the advice of the Government of India.
5. On 21st May the 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. telegraphed that the Sheikh had
taken active steps to prevent further mining operations by the concessionaires'
men, and that Messrs. Strick, the British lessees of the Hormuz red oxide mines
seemed inclined to commence negotiations with a view to the purchase of Abu
Musa oxide. We considered it undesirable, however, that the rights of which
Herr Wonckhaus had been dispossessed should simultaneously be transferred to
Messrs, Strick, as such an arrangement might create a false impression, that
the Sheikh's action had been inspired by us with a view to benefit the British
merchant. We therefore replied to Major Cox that Messrs. Strick's Bushire
Agent should be asked to inform his principals that it would be convenient if
they deferred any action with regard to the Abu Musa mines for the present.
6. We trust that you approve the action taken by us in the matter,
and, if so, we venture to suggest that Messrs. Strick should be advised to post
pone bringing into force till the end of the current year, any contract that
they may contemplate making with the Sheikh of Shargah.
We may add that the 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. has been instructed to be careful
to assume no responsibility for action already taken by the Sheikh, and he has
advised the latter to show him the draft of any new contract which it may be
proposed to grant in place of the old concession.
We have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servants,
MINTO.
KITCHENER.
H. ERLE RICHARDS.
E. N. BAKER.
C. H. SCOTT.
H. ADAMSON.
J. E. EINLAY.
(Signed)
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J. 0. MILLER.