'SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS AND MEASURES OF THE VICEROYALTY OF HIS EXCELLENCY LORD CURZON OF KEDLESTON, VICEROY AND GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF INDIA IN THE FOREIGN DEPARTMENT. I. JANUARY 1899-APRIL 1904. II. DECEMBER 1904-NOVEMBER 1905. VOLUME IV. PERSIA AND THE PERSIAN GULF.' [‎178r] (360/386)

*
97
from this that for none of the claims put forward by 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. is there
"v iustification, and that he should not attempt to apply interference or
nr ensure in the various forms which he suggests with a view to forcing the
Sheikh to adopt premature reforms, but that he should devote himself to the busi
ness of acquiring the confidence of the ruler. Instructions m this sense should
be given to Captain Prideaux, with a view to his building up a position which
will enable him to tender advice for the gradual amelioration of the internal
administration. The one point upon which the Government of India are com
pelled at the present stage to offer authoritative advice is that of Customs
reform which, after the previous declarations rrade to sheikh Esa on the subject,
L not a matter which can be allowed to rest until the Chief chooses to take
action. On this matter they are prepared to await jour advice as to the man r
in which, and the moment when, a communication should be made to Sheikh
Esa and it will be for vou to consider whether the best course would not e
to have a frank explanation with the Chief, and to let him know that his
dependence upon the British Government is not consistent with the permanen
disregard^ the advice so frequently tendered to him m this matter ; advice
which when thus seriously repeated, must be regarded as possessing the
authoritative character referred to in the ultimatum presented to him
February last.
51
India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. , London ;
10th November 1905.
Secret,
Ko. 31.
To His Excellency the Eight Honourable the Governor-General of
India in Council.
My Loud, - , for of the Government of India in the
1 have considered e September last, No. 178, forwarding papers
guidance of 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. . ■. i. v j.
j. i„ n. f. “ “»!*£• SgttJtiS
£Si l0 .'b. d " “KV
«* - f‘ b s“s s'S—' s&ssari* u. 4 -
it .iil .J«S.e th.t th '»“» » “' b P 37;; a G ,S
should be instructed to act, as .s P ro P ose , d . in l cr easing their
letter, by steadily, and, as { a 5 h ®g^°kh in’their advice and power to direct
influence and tlie confidence ot the blieikn in men
and control his external affalrs - management of the Customs, I
3. With regard to the Resident in the Gulf as to
observe that it is proposed in t w hicb you may submit on the
the steps to be taken. The recommendations, wtocP you m y
receipt of his views, will receive full consrderati^ ^ , with
* To Foreign Office, dated 20th October 1905, file Eoreign Office OH the Subject
From Foreign Office, dated 27th October 190 . gncloSfjd
I have the honour to he,
My Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient, humble servant,
Si. JOHN B ROD RICK.