‘Persia – especially Seistan’ [‎266r] (530/949)

7
Generally speaking, it would seem to be our best policy, for the present and
Within limits, to keep Saiyid Feisal under obligations to us for favours received
as much as we possibly can. If we see him safely through the Ha^ue Arbi
tration and if, as I would fain hope, the verdict is given in his favour the
French, unless their trade increases very much, should cease to be a source of
any anxiety to us, and they would have little scope for intrigue. Then we can
if necessary, tighten our hold and put on pressure where we wish. Till then
it seems to me that the “ velvet glove ” should remain in use.
The foregoing paragraphs comprise my humble ideas regarding the poli
tical possibilities of the visit; there remain one or two matters of detail, which
as time is so short may well be mentioned now.
Hitherto no one of higher rank than an Admiral has visited Maskat and
Ceremonial visits and salutes. Admirals have called first on the Sultan.
What are the Viceroy’s views on this
point ?
In the case of the visit to the Sultan, how would the Vicerov's and
Admiral’s salutes be fired ? J
Foreign Consular Officials will no doubt wish to pay their respects to His
Excellency by writing their names in his Visitor’s Book. They would have to
be saluted.
If the Viceroy arrived in the morning or forenoon and if the approximate
Time of arrival. * 10ur was known beforehand, one visit
might be got over very shortly after ar
rival and the return visit in the afternoon.
The first night perhaps the foreshore and part of the Harbour could be
illuminated and some fireworks might take place, and the next day, in the
forenoon, the Viceroy might wish to invite the Sultan and selected subjects
of his and ours to a 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). on his Flagship and would make any enunciation
of policy that might by that time have been decided on.
The evening of the first day, after sundown, and the early morning of the
second day would be free for the inspection of parts of Maskat which His Ex
cellency might wish to visit.
I would propose to suggest to the Sultan that he should invite bis leading
Bedouin Sheikhs into Maskat for the occasion j but as regards this and the
illuminations, you will understand that I am at present reckoning without mv
host. J
I fear the above is a somewhat untidy letter, but if I type it a°*ain, I shall
miss the mail, so I trust the shortcomings will be overlooked. I am sending a
copy to Colonel Kemball. °
Telegram, No. 2190 E. A., dated the 15th September 1903.
From—The Foreign Secretary, Simla,
To Colonel Kemball, C.T.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. , Shiraz.
Viceroy will be accompanied to Gulf by Admiral and at least four ships of
oquadron. Sir A. Hardinge is coming down to accompany His Excellency on
cruise, but as we do not propose to touch at Jask or Chahbar, he will probably
30m party at Bunder Abbas. Leaving Karachi November 16 th, Viceroy would
arrive Maskat morning of 18 th. Stay there 18 th and 19 th, leaving evening of
19 th. On 20th visit harbours of Mussandim. On 21st hold ° 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). 5 on
Rardinge at Shargah. Arrive Bunder Abbas early 22 nd. Stay there 22nd
and 23 rd, visiting Hormuz and Kislim. Visit Henjam and Bassidore on 24 th
and Lingah on 25 th. Arrive Bahrein afternoon of 26 th. Stay there 27 th and
28 th. Arrive Koweit afternoon of 29 th. Stay there 30 th and 1 st. Arrive
Bushire on 2nd. Stay there 2nd and 3 rd. Leave Bushire on return to Karachi
3 rd or 4 th. Are these plans suitable ? Bushire could be taken before Koweit,
if desirable. Please keep all details confidential except Bunder Abbas, Lmoah,*
and Bushire. Hardinge is informing Persian Government. Please submit by
telegram suitable list of recipients of presents and value and class of gifts
required; also whether Indian decorations would be desirable for Chiefs of
Maskat, Bahrein, Koweit, or for Governor, Bushire.