'Muscat' [‎14r] (25/40)

of M. Ottavi, ■who resented the action of the TTazir in May 1897; and it left 2490/98.
the Sultan practically in the hands of the French, acting through Abdul
Aziz.
In November Colonel Meade recommended that he should be empowered
to insist upon the Sultan dismissing Abdul Aziz ; but before orders could
be given on this proposal it was reported in a French newspaper (" Journal
des Debats" of 20th November 1898) that a French man-of-war had
established a coaling station at Bender Gissah in the Gulf of Oman. It
subsequently transpired that the Sultan had consented to this arrangement
in March 1898. This was regarded by the Government of India as a
breach of the engagement entered into by Saiyid Faisul in 1891 ; and Tier
Majesty's Government, with a caveat as to observance of the Declaration of
1862, approved any measures which the Government of India might think 1162/98.
likely to be effective, provided they should not require French concurrence.
(Tel. 3rd January 1899.)
1899. —In January M.' Ottavi was specially promoted by the French 5(54/99.
Government to the rank of Consul.
On the 19th January the Viceroy reported (1) that the Sultan had
admitted that lie had promised the French a place for storing coal, but ^
denied that the locality was settled ; (2) that, there being no doubt Bander
Gisseh was the place, H.M.S. " Sphinx " had landed a boat's crew there,
with instructions to hoist the British flag if a French man-of-war appeared
in the harbour; (3) that he proposed to withhold payment of the Muscat
subsidy. These proceedings were approved, subjeut to the proviso that
hoisting the British flag did not mean appropriation of territory, but merely
prevention of an infringement of the Sultan's Agreement of 1891. The neces
sity for hoisting the flag did noc arise; but on the 25th January the Government 180/99.
of India were authorised to instruct Colonel Meade on the occasion of his
approaching visit to Muscat to present an ultimatum to the Snltan. This
document was to demand from the Sultan a revocation of his agreement with 238/99.
the French regarding Bunder Gisseh, the dismissal of Abdul Aziz from his em
ployment by the Saltan (but not his deportation), the cessation of unauthorised
taxes on British trade, and payment of interest on the overdue indemnity for
the losses incurred by British subjects in 1895. The Sultan Avas also to
be advised to order his subjects to use a distinctive flag. The ultimatum
was presented to the Sultan by Colonel Meade on the 9th February with a
demand for a reply within 48 hours. His Highness procrastinated ; but on 345/99.
the Idth February Admiral Douglas arrived in his flagship, having been
authorised to enforce Colonel Meade's demand, if necessary, provided that
there must be no personal collision with the French. The Sultan was
summoned to attend on board II.M.S. "Eclipse" oh the 15th, and after
some hesitation decided to obey. Ue had previously sent to Colonel Meade
a notification revoking his gift to the French Government; but he now
consented to place himself unreservedly in the hands of the British Govern
ment and to comply fully with all their demands. It may be mentioned
that the demands actually made upon the Sultan differed in two respects
from those which had received the previous sanction of the Government
of India (1) Colonel Meade insisted upon a public announcement of the
cancellation of the French agreement. His acting in this respect without 345/99.
instructions was not approved by Her Majesty's Government; (2) He
insisted not only on the dismissal of Abdul Aziz by the Saltan, but
on His Highness promising no longer to receive that individual. Colonel
Meade had proposed to add another condition, viz., that the Sultan should
agree not to receive representatives of other Powers. This was understood to 190/99.
mean Powers which had no treaty rights and to refer to a rumoured
intention on the part of llussia to establish a consulate at Muscat; but he
was instructed that, under the Declaration of 18f32, we had no right to
require the Sultan not to receive representatives of other Powers. On the 251/99.
18th February Colonel Meade reported that the Sultan had fully complied with
the demands made upon him, including cancellation of the French agreement,
prescription to his subjects of the exclusive use of a distinctive flag, and an
intimation to the French Consul that he would not receive Abdul Aziz as
French Agent. Colonel Meade was authorised to assure the Sultan of our 251/99.
S. 13. B