"Oren" wrote in message
The gasket should go between the outside of the tub and the overflow drain
pipe.
If there is none, it may leak, which could explain why the drain holes were
caulked shut.


With the proper gasket in place, the OP can caulk around the plate.
Look at the bottom of the plate for a weep slot .... do not caulk that
shut or the tub will overflow.


Why would he want to?