File 4684/1913 'Pt 1 Muscat rebellion' [‎41r] (90/332)

Pocket ielcgram, No. 10B, dated the 25th April 19]*4.
From—The Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , Maskat,
To—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 the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
Please see mv telegram No. 93 of 18th April. Sultan has now informed
me that, the three French guns he purchased were machine guns. Two of
these were of the “Mitrailleuse Automatique Hochkiss M pattern (cooled by
air), of which he showed me illustrations in a French catalogue,and one which
is described in an illustrated pamphlet supplied by Louis Dieu as “ The new
German Machine Gun.” Pamphlet was in English, hut printed abroad.
In this connection please see your Maskat letter No. 38 of 21st February
1914 to Captain Birdwood, in charge of current duties, Bushire, with its
enclosure. Sultan is having difficulties with Messrs. Claborough & Johnstone of
Birmingham who are unable to supply pattern of gun asked for by His
Highness and are trying to substitute another pattern which His Highness
does not want. His Highness has now cabled home cancelling his order
with Ciaborongh & Johnstone, and has asked me to obtain from
Armstrong, Whitworth details of cost, landed at Maskat, of their 75 m/m
(2-953 inch) Quick-Firing Gun on Mountain Carriage, of which he has a
specification and coloured illustration issued by Armstrong, Whitworth and
marked “Confidential”. This was furnished to him by Claborough &
Johnstone, who wish to obtain His Highness’s order for it. His Highness,
however, wishes to deal direct and avoid middleman’s expenses. Price quoted
by Claborough for this gun with pack saddles and accessories is £1,400 and
ammunition £350 per 100 shells. Is there any objection to ray obtaining the
necessary information from Armstrong for His Highness ? I doubt if His
Highness seriously intends to buy this expensive gun. He remarked that
British guns, as compared with French, were very expensive, and he seems to
have taken a great fancy to the French pattern which he says be cannot
obtain in the English market. Claborough’s attitude too has caused him
some annoyance. H is Highness also complains that he is unable to obtain
from British firms the detailed and fullv illustrated e-eneral catalogues which
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the French firms always supply and of which he showed me a great number.
The impression left on my mind by His Highness’s conversation was that
ho was anxious to show, in amplification of his last explanation on the subject,
wiiat good reasons he had for placing his order with a French firm.
A copy of this docket telegram has been forwarded to the Government of
India in the Foreign nnd Political Department.