Page 248 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

206 MUSKAT.

a degree of confidence in the minds of Ilis Highness’ adherents which
could not have been derived from any other source.
A review of the occurrences of the preceding few years, in connection
with this repetition of embarrassment, led to the formation of a very
unfavourable estimate of the situation of our ally, the Imaum, at this
time. It could not, indeed, be concealed, that our influence alone
prevented his immediate downfall; and if the policy of the Wahabees
had been less peaceable than all accounts concurred in representing it
from their attention being doubtless drawn to their own embarrassments,
we should probably have been forced into actual hostilities, for the
defence even of his capital itself.
The menacing power of the Wahabees, and the march of their army
into the province of Oman, at the invitation of
a. d. 1833.
most of the tribes, began now to excite the fears
of the Imaum for the integrity of his dominions, and he deemed it his
best policy to form a closer connection with them, under the cognis­
ance of the British authorities, who were at the same time fully
alive to the critical nature of his situation, and aware, that unless a
rupture with this fanatical and restless sect could be averted by the
conciliatory policy of the Imaum, British assistance, or a renewed
success of the Egyptian arms to the north, could alone enable him
effectually to resist their encroachments. It was even to be feared that
little confidence could be accorded to their forbearance, if circumstances
placed the town and shipping of Muskat within their reach, It was
agreed that the Imaum should pay 5,000 German crowns per annum as
Zukat to the Wahabee Chief; that each was to hold possession of his
own coast according to the limits then existing, the former’s extending
to Jaalan, the latter’s thence to Kateef; and further, an engagement
was entered into, binding the parties reciprocally to assist in putting
down any rebellions which might arise in their respective territories.
The fulfilment of this last article the Imaum assured the Resident,
when laying the matter before him by letter, and through his Agent
Hajee Hossein Goolam, would depend upon the wishes of the British
Government. The line of policy thus marked out and pursued by the
Imaum coincided exactly with the views of the British Government,
who considered it advisable that His Highness’ relations with the
Wahabees should remain friendly ; but with reference to his being
required to act in concert with them, under the terms of the engage­
ment, that he should avoid being led into hostilities on this account.
He was accordingly strongly urged against any participation in foreign
war, and cautioned against committing himself on points of magnitu e,
particularly on that of the supremacy of Mahomed Ali, Pasha of Egypt,
who might shortly, perhaps, be again at leisure to direct his attention