'File 35/64 III Minerals in Oman. Madrasai geologists' researches' [‎15r] (38/276)

[Confidential.]
No. 1108 E .-A,
et
P kom '
J, B. WOOD, Esq., . • jj}
UNDER-SECEETART to the • k
1i
GOVERNMENT OP INDIA J 0 '
in the Foreign Departments
To
Captain P. Z. COX,
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. at MASKAT.
Dated Simla, the 9th July 1901.
Sir,
With reference to the correspondence ending with your confidential
letter No. 232, dated the 15th June 1901, I am directed to forward a copy of
• Dated the 2i.t June 1901. a re P or f by Dr. A. yon Krafft upon the
result of his examination of the coal seams
in the neighbourhood of Sur.
% 2. Although the quality of the samples which Dr. von Krafft brought
with him to India is satisfactory, the evidence for the occurrence of coal in any
considerable quantity is so meagre that the Government of India are quite
unable, upon the present data, either to invite capital for the working of the
supposed mines, or to embark money in the scheme themselves. Before any
such action is taken, it is necessary that a thorough and sustained geological
investigation of the locality should be made; and I am to request that you
will obtain the consent of the Sultan to the renewal of the examination at
some convenient date. In reporting, through 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. , the result of this reference to His Highness, with your suggestions
as to how and when the investigation should be carried out, you should also give
your opinion as to the form which, if it is eventually decided to work the coal,
the enterprise may properly assume. In your letter No. 202, dated the 29th h-IVLI.
May 1901, you were understood to suggest that the Sultan himself should work
the scheme, and should provide coal to the British Government according to
requirements at a fixed price per ton. It might, however, be preferable that
A he coal should be worked directly by the British Government or . through the
gency of a British firm upon specified conditions, and I am to invite an
expression of your views upon this suggestion.
3. The other subjects dealt with in your report No. 229, dated the 15th / - 2^
June 1901, are under separate consideration, and a communication will be
made to you later.
i : ■
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
(Sd.) J. B. WOOD,
Under-Secretary to the Government of India.
CX.CCni*j> l\
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