Notes Prepared for Reference during Curzon’s Tour of the Persian Gulf, and Other Papers on Persia and the Persian Gulf [‎front-i] (2/678)

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PR0P0Sx4LS OP LIEUTENANT-COLONEL KEMBALL, C.I.E , AND MAJOR COX,
C.I.E., POR ANNOUNCEMENTJO BE MADE BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE
VICEROY IN THE PERSIAN GULF The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
Extract from a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel C. A. Kemball, 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. , dated the 29th August 1903.
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With regard to the political aspect of the case. I fear I must ask you to
let me have time to think over this matter. So far as I can say at present,
I do not think that, so far as the Trucial Chiefs and the Chief of Bahrein are
concerned, any fresh arrangements in the way of new forms of engagement
will be desired. Maskat enjoys a different status, and perhaps some modifica
tion or expansion of the status quo may he desirable, but I would like to
consult Cox in this matter. The Chief of Koweit may very possibly desire
riofinitp asreement.
* *
OFFICE OF THE
PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE VICEROY.
♦
P
follow, the Viceroy mignt leei a Die to UlclJXC tti OUCiUOXXJLVAJJli
tion therewith.
Maskat, dated the
*
e the visit of the
anything in the
rwadur Customs,
or others might
*
ion with a view
which would be
not seem to be
it would seem
jame time increase
, the proposals that
in Durbar A public or private audience held by a high-ranking British colonial representative (e.g. Viceroy, Governor-General, or member of the British royal family). in connec-
1
If
1. Having been unmoved spectators of the attack on Maskat in 1895,
during which the property of our subjects was looted and destroyed, and the
Sultan himself lost everything he had, His Majesty’s Government realised that
thoii commercial and political interests in Maskat were such that they could
not afford to see the incident repeated. The Sheikhs of Oman were, therefore,
imormed that in future the British Government would not permit Maskat or
Matra to be attacked. That is the present positi on, and the intimation to the
k. icikhs of Oman has proved quite sufficient hith erto so far as Maskat is con
cerned. Could not the present opportunity be used to inform the Oman
public that the above policy will be extended in future to all ports in Oman
waere there are communities of British traders, and consequently British inter-
ests. M e have every reasonable ground for assuming such an attitude as it
is in the interests of all peaceable traders alike, whether they be British or
native. As a case in point, at the present moment while there is trouble at
itostak,. I cannot but be anxious for the safety of our subjects at the ports of
, e ^ a tineh Coast, and have arranged for a man-of-war to remain here for
the present;-but if the tribes had been informed in the sense that I now sug-
go» , ey would accept the intimation, and the danger of trouble to our sub
jects would be very much less.
m jpht even be possible to go beyond the limits of the above intimation,
but 1 am less confident on the latter point, which I will now explain.