"ملف ٦/ ١ المصالح الأجنبية: الإرسالية الأمريكية في مسقط" [و‎‎٤‎٤] (٢١٠/٨٧)

S. o. P. L— 2109 P. 0.-11-124)9- 41
By all rules for the interpretation of treaties the practice of medicine is
included in the word “ trade ” as used in these two articles which grant to
American citizens the treatment accorded to the most-favoured nation. The
only point to determine is whether, as a matter of fact, citizens of any other
country are now, or have been in the past since the signing of the treaty,
allowed to practise medicine in Your Majesty’s Kingdom. That such is the
case admits of no doubt. Tor example, Dr. Norman Scott, a British subject,
now resides in Maskat, where he practises medicine and is in charge of a
hospital where the subjects of Your Majesty receive treatment. Dr. Scott
has even treated patients in Mutra. The British hospital now in course of
erection in Maskat has received the hearty approval and support of Your
Majesty. Some years ago, Dr. A. S. G. Jayakar, a British subject, retired
to Mutra, where he continued to practise medicine until he moved to India,
without any objection on the part of Your Majesty so far as I am able to
learn. Other examples might be adduced, if necessary.
The circumstance that Dr. Thoms is in the employ of an American
Missionary Society alters in no wise the aspect of the case. The American
Government has invariably held that missionaries are traders within the
sense of the word as employed in treaties. Missionaries are entitled to the
s ame protection as any other citizens of the United States of America.
In the previous correspondence, Your Majesty emphasized the point that
you considered a doctor unnecessary in Mutra. The wisdom of Dr. Thoms’
course in establishing a dispensary and hospital in Mutra is not a matter
which this Government is at present disposed to discuss, as it is not a
question of international law.
Under these circumstances, I am instructed to urge Your Majesty to
withdraw his objections to the establishment and operation of an Ainerican
hospital in Mutra.
Translated purport of a letter from His Highness the Sultan of Maskat, to the American
Consul, Maskat, dated the 22nd November 1909.
j4fter compliments .—Deceived your letter dated the 15th November and
understood all that was written in it regarding Dr. S. J. Thoms, the American.
The doctor of the British Government is appointed officially by his Adminis
tration for the work of a doctor while the American doctor works on behalf
of a community of mission and as such interferes with the creed of others.
Previous to this I do not remember of any doctor like this, and I am afraid that
he will do something which will come in the way of my friendship with the
American Government. I would agree if the American Government would
accredit him officially for the work of a doctor and would undertake the
responsibility that he will not interfere in matters of which we are afraid
that it may cause unpleasantness among us. In such a case I may perhaps
agree. We have done a lot for the American subjects here and have helped
their merchants and our friendship with the American Government has
continued. Whatever it was necessary to write I have written.