‘Persia – especially Seistan’ [‎218v] (435/949)

Maskat’s authority thereover is of such a conveniently uncertain character that
it would seem possible for His Majesty’s Government to treat the question of its
existence according to the political exigencies of the moment. If we require a
base there, it might be possible to explain to the Sultan that his claim to assert
his authority there or power to make it effective is of such an unsubstantial
nature that His Majesty’s Government are unable to recognise it, but regard
the Shihooh (including the Kumazereh) as independent tribes.
I think this is in any case a measure with regard to which Saiyid Feysal
would not feel very strongly, seeing that he derives no practical or pecuniary
benefit from that part of Oman, and that he might be prevailed upon to
co-operate with us in it. On the other hand, it seems to me that, in the event
of any other Power endeavouring to gain a footing in the neighbourhood, we can
adduce sufficient grounds for maintaining the position that the locality in
question is part of the Sultanate of Oman. If to this end it should be
considered necessary to make Maskat influence more evident there, it could
easily be done by arranging with the Sultan to appoint Walis to one or two of
the ports—a measure which I do not think prima facie that the Shihooh would
resent, provided that the said Wali did not make any serious innovations in
the direction of collecting tribute. No doubt the most satisfactory way of
ascertaining the leanings of the Shihooh Sheikhs and tribesmen and evidence
as to the question of influence and jurisdiction is to make enquiries from the
inhabitants themselves on the spot, and in addition to the coast-line from
Khor Fakan to Lima, as you suggest, I would propose, with your approval, to
take an early opportunity of visiting the whole of the coast between Shinas
and Bokha, and quietly making enquiries locally at the various ports.
7. The map which I have used for reference in connection with this
report is Admiralty Chart headed “ Entrance to the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ” and dated
1883.
Uj /Co.
P<7
MEMORANDUM.
Proposed naval base in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
(1) Letter 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, No. 1233 E.-A., dated the 25th July 1901.
(2) Letter from 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. , No. 148, dated the 16th August 1901,
with enclosure.
(3) Letter 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, No. 1641 E.-A., dated the 25th September 1901.
(4) Letter from 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. , No. 166, dated the 10th September
1901, with enclosure.
The papers specified in the margin were
transmitted to the Secretary, Political
Department, 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, for the
information of His Majesty’s Secretary of
State for India, under cover of the Foreign
Secretary’s letter No. 40 M., dated the
3rd October 1901.
0
No. 173, dated Bushire, the 21st September 1901 (Confidential).
From— Lieutenant-Colonel C. A. Kemball, Ofliciating 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. ,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department.
In continuation of my confidential letter No. 148, dated 16th August 1901
submitting a report on a place called Khor Fakan on the Batineh Coast I have
the honour to forward, for the information of the Government of India an
extract from a report of proceedings which I have recently received from
Captain Phillipps, R.N., Commanding H. M. S. “Sphinx”.
a
Extract from a Report of Proceedings from Captain E. A. Phillipps, R.N., Commanding
11. M. S. Sphinx , to Lieutenant-Colonel C. A. Kemball, Officiating 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 Uth September 1901.
*******
infL * i tvi ? r0Cee f rr! to - Lima ’ I arrived at 9 a.m. on
the 10th, and also visited Dibba and Khor Fakan the same day.