File 2764/1904 Pt 5 'Baghdad Railway: Anglo-Turkish negotiations; concessions proposed in respect of Kowait; negotations with Hakki Pasha in London; Anglo-Turkish agreement.' [‎226v] (475/536)

ENCLOSURES.
Enclosure No. 1.
Suggestions on Draft Note to Turkish Government.
(Amended Copy.)
ParaGraph 4.—It seems undesirable to liint, as the words up (? clown)
to a recent date ” do, that British steam tonnage is declining. ould it not
be better to give the actual figure for last year ? The Board of Iracle would
furnish it exactly—it is apparently about 81 per cent.
ParaGraph 5.—It is noted that only commercial interests are mentioned.
In order to present the full magnitude of the sacrifice His Majesty s Govern
ment are making, it would be necessary to mention our political and even
strategical interests. Possibly this is thonght inexpedient In that case
the first two lines might run: “The magnitude ot Great Britain s mamfo d
“ interests clearly render it desirable.” (The meaning of “ also ” in the text is
obscure, and it might be omitted.;
Four lines from end of paragraph, omit “ undue.
Paragraph 6 (e).—It might be well to add at the end “ This convention
« must be read in conjunction with a memorandum—which, as stated below,
“ will shortly be communicated to the Porte—on the subject of the frontier of
“ Mohammera.”
Paragraph 6 (/).—Is this sufficiently explicit; and may it anytime be
quoted against us as an admission. Does the word “ navigating ” include
cabotage flamale ?
Paragraph 7.—Begin as followsHis Majesty’s Government note
“ w ith satisfaction that the Turkish Government renounce their claims to
“ Bahrein on conditions which there should be no difficulty in accepting. But
“ they have learnt with disappointment the attitude,” &c.
Paragraph 10.--If, as suggested in the letter, the annex about El Katr is
omitted, this paragraph might begin His Majesty’s Government maintain
“ that prior to Midhat Pasha’s expedition there were on the_ Arabian
“ coast no symbols of Turkish authority, no Turkish jurisdiction or
occupation, effective or ineffective. And while they are now prepared to
“ recognise Turkish sovereignty between the southernmost limits of K owe it
“ (as hereinafter defined) and Ojeir, they are unable to admit that any of the
“ arguments,” &c.
And the following sentence might be added at the end of the paragraph :—-
“ For themselves, relying no less on the obvious facts than on the Turkish
“ assurances mentioned above, they have never so regarded it, and they have
“ repeatedly informed the Porte accordingly.”
Paragraph 11, last three lines. —It seems unnecessary to say why we are
bound to continue to oppose, and a statement of reasons may provoke a
rejoinder or counter proposals.
Paragraph 12, line 8 .—After “ Koweit ” insert “(as defined in their
“ memorandum of 29th July 1911).”
The views of the Government of India on the suggestion that our agree
ments with the Sheikh should be confirmed by the Porte have not yet been
received. It would be better if this could be held in reserve.
Paragraph 14. After this insert : “ His Majesty’s Government must
therefore ask the Turkish Government to recognise the right of Great
Britain in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. (a) to control surveying, lighting, buoying, and
pilotage; (6) to police its waters; and (c) to conduct all quarantine
arrangements.