Notes Prepared for Reference during Curzon’s Tour of the Persian Gulf, and Other Papers on Persia and the Persian Gulf [‎209r] (417/678)

[In 1896 Sir P. Currie had reported that the Russian Embassy in
Constantinople had been using very strong language at the Porte regarding
England’s grasping policy vis a vis to Turkey, whether in Cyprus, Egypt, or
the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .]
1899.
About this time came news that Count Kapnist’s application for a
concession to build a railway from Tripoli to Koweit was likely to prove
successful; and, in order to take precautions against any territorial claims
which Russia might possibly base upon that concession, it was decided
(without waiting for the reply of the Government of India to the telegram of
the 24th December) at the instance of the Foreign Odice (letter 4th January
1899) to instruct the Viceroy to procure an engagement from the Sheikh
“ not to cede, lease, mortgage, or otherwise alienate or give for occupation
“ any portion of his territories to the Government or subjects of any other
“ Power without previously obtaining the consent of Her Majesty’s Govern-
“ ment.’’ The consideration was to be a sum of 5,000/-. to be advanced by
India, the question of the ultimate incidence of the charge being reserved
(telegram to Viceroy, dated 6th January 1899). The Viceroy reported
that he had instructed rhe Resident accordingly (telegram, 9th January
1899) ; and added “ Proposed negotiations, if successful, seem to involve
ultimate protectorate.”
After some discussion as to the form of the engagement, the Government
of India were finally instructed (telegram, 17th January 1899) to adopt as a
model the Muscat Agreement of 20th March 1891, and Colonel Meade was
authorised to promise an annual subsidy of Rs. 3,000, if he considered it
desirable, instead of a lump sum of 5,000/. as originally proposed.
Colonel Meade reported his procedings in his letter of the 30th January
1899 (Enclosure in India Secret Letter, No. 7, 23rd February 1899). He
met Sheikh Mubarak on the 23rd January, and showed him the draft agree
ment,* in which (in excess of the Government of India’s instructions) a clause
had been inserted binding the Sheikh not to receive the representatives of
Foreign Powers. Before signing a document which might get him into
trouble with Turkey, the Sheikh asked for some assurance of British pro
tection and assistance, especially in regard to the family property situated in
Turkish territory. Colonel Meade promised him a letter assuring him of
“the good offices of Her Majesty’s Government” so long as he and his
successors observed the conditions of the bond, and promising him a sum of
Rs. 15,000. On receipt of this letter, the Sheikh signed the agreement. His
brothers, however, refused to sign in the absence of a distinct undertaking
that Her Majesty’s Government would protect the family estates.
The conclusion of the Agreement was notified in the Viceroy’s telegram of
the 30th January, and its terms were communicated in his further telegram
of the 12th February. This latter telegram asked (1) whether, with a view
to conciliate the Sheikh’s brothers, Colonel Meade should be instructed to
give an assurance that their “ interests in regard to the Turkish estates will
be looked after and receive consideration of Her Majesty’s Government;”
(2) whether the Agreement should be ratified. The Foreign Office (14th
February) agreed to Colonel Meade “ holding out a hope that Her Majesty’s
“ Government will do what they can to protect the family estates of the Sheikh
“ of Koweit at Fao,” and considered that the Agreement should be ratified.
This decision was communicated to the Viceroy by telegraph on the 14th
February. The Government of India were informed by Despatch of the 30th
March 1899 that Colonel Meade’s action was approved; but it was observed
that he had not been authorised to insert a proviso about the representatives
of other Powers. As this proviso had been introduced, it might remain in
force; but its operation, especially with reference to the Sheikh’s relations
with the Turkish Government, would require careful attention.
Meanwhile, on the 3rd February, the Government of India, having learned
that there was a possibility of armed interference by the Turks, asked for
permission to instruct the naval authorities to forbid it. This was granted;
and the Admiral reported that, if time were given to collect ships, Koweit
Kapnist
concession.
Political,
1657 nn
151/99.
155/99.
319,99.
Political,
189/99.
219/99.
1751/99.
1835/99.
192/1900.
Hee Appendix.