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Whilst negotiations are proceeding perhaps the less said about the

details the better. We may point out, however, that it is absurd to talk as if the British position were a weak one. Not only do our treaties with the Sultan of Koweit make our consent necessary, if Koweit is chosen as the terminus of the railway, but our consent also is necessary for the increase of the Turkish Customs dues. Further, since we have it in our power to send or not to send the Indian mails by the railway, we can give or withhold a very large share of custom to the railway. Again, a settlement with us will very greatly facilitate the raising of the money for the completion of the railway.

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