Mr. Iddings to Mr. Hay.
Rome, August 29, 1901.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your instruction No. 32, of July 31 last, directing me to obtain information in regard to the relations between Italy and the Sultan, Osman Mahmud.
Italy, since 1889, has included Somaliland within her sphere of influence in Africa, and the Sultan apparently accepted her sovereignty, but some months ago he rebelled, influenced, perhaps, by the Mad Mullah, who is making trouble within the neighboring English sphere. But soon after the Indra was wrecked, and before the Asturia went ashore near Cape Guardafin, Italy, backed by two gunboats, had persuaded Osman so effectively that, when the Asturía foundered, the [Page 300] Sultan had so far returned to his allegiance that his aid was used, it is alleged, in protecting the stranded ship and cargo.
Within two or three days the Italian Government has received from S. Pestalozza, its consul-general at Zanzibar, who has charge of this region, dispatches indicating that Osman Mahmud has quieted down to loyalty, and fully recognizes Italian sovereignty. He has signed an agreement which binds him to protect, by all means in his power, wrecked ships and their cargoes; to prevent trade in firearms and intoxicating liquors; to consent to the erection of light-houses on his coast, and to fly the Italian flag over all his people’s vessels—the sambucii—sailing boats of 300 or 400 tons. For this work and submission Italy will allow him about $5,000 a year in monthly payments.
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I am, etc.,