"مسقط" [ظ‎‎١‎٦] (٤٠/٣٠)

10
Pol. 476/
1901.
many British ships as possible. This visit had, however, to be postponed
till March in the following year.
1901 .—Writing on the 3rd February, Captain Cox reported that up to
date the Sultan had maintained his firm attitude upon the flag question ;
391/1901. but that in view of the limited character of the support afforded to him by
His Majesty's Government, he was apprehensive of the consequences of
offending the French Government, while the French Consul was endeavour
ing to induce the Suris not to abide by their engagement. He further stated
that no attempt had been made by the French authorities to discuss with
the Sultan the title of any subject of his to fly the French flag. The
Foreign Office were therefore reminded (9th April) of Lard Lansdowne's
proposed communication with the French Ambassador (letter from the
Foreign Office, dated 23rd November 1900), and it was suggested to them
that the Sultan should again be advised to press for a statement in writing
of the French claims upon him.
On the 7th March a Belgian steam yacht, which was said to have been
chartered by a party, the leader of which was a French Government official,
arrived at Muscat, and the party was introduced by M. Ottavi to the Sultan.
They were reported to intend visiting Sohar and the ports of the Pirate Coast.
On the 9th March two Bussians, one of whom is reported to be a brother
of Major Leonticff of Abyssinian fame, arrived, and were, after some hesitation,
received by the Sultan. They subsequently applied for a written permit to
import arms, which was refused as unnecessary, and eventually left for
Bombay, whence they wrote a complimentary letter to the Sultan, informing
him of their intention to return to Muscat after visiting Jibuti. It may be
mentioned that in the beginning of April a letter was received at Muscat
addressed to the " Russian Vice-Consul." On the 16th the " Korniloff," the
pioneer vessel of the new Russian line to the Persian (jult, called at Muscat.
She gave, and (on the advice of Admiral Bosanquet) received, a salute, as a
special compliment on the occasion of her first visit.
In consequence of a report Irom Captain Cox (dated ISth January) that
coal of crood quality existed in the neighbourhood of Sur, the Government ot*
India deputed a geological expert. Dr. von Krafft, to inspect the coal fields.
He proceeded to Sur in May accompanied by Captain Cox, but found the
local Arabs obstructive. The Sultan proceeded to Sur to arrange matters,
and a gunboat was also ordered to proceed thither. It was suggested to the
Foreign Office by the India Office (10th May) that exclusive rights over
these coal fields should be secured. The Foreign Office saw no objection,
provided the rights were granted by the Sultan not to the Government ol
India but to a British firm.
In a letter of the 3rd April Captain Cox suggested that he should be
authorised to advise the Sultan to issue a further Edict, which should
practically extend the terms of the Edict communicated to the Foreign
Consuls on the 15th June 1900 {see p. 7), to the dhow-owners who had
already at that date received French protection. The object was to bring
pressure to bear on those dhow-owners to fulfil their undertaking given to
2012/01. the Sultan in June 1900. The Foreign Office, however, have expressed the
opinion that the issue of the proposed Edict by the Sultan would not be
judicious; and the Government of India have been instructed accordingly.
The Foreign Office have been once more pressed to discuss the situation at
Muscat with M. Cambon.
544/01.
1988/01.
611/01.
Political and Secret Department,
7 th June 1901.
C. G. C.