Page 269 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

MUSKAT. 227

suffice it lo say that the provisions of the treaty were similar in extent
and purport to those contained in the convention concluded with His
Highness the Imaum in 1845, and that they came into operation on the
22nd of June 1849.
To preserve the connection of the British relations with the Sohar
and Muskat Governments, and for a right understanding of the subject
before us, it is necessary that we should, ere plunging into the thick of
the conflict that at this lime occurred, step back a little, and watch the
risings of jealousy that so shortly led to a rupture.
The reconciliation effected between His Highness the Imaum and
Syud Humood bin Azan by the Resident, in 1839, promised for a
length of time to keep firm and stable ; but the imbecility of His High­
ness’ representative, Syud Soweynee, the utter want of decision and
courage displayed by him during his late struggle with the Wahabees,
the little or no support he proffered when the Sohar Chief desired to
withstand the invaders, and sought his assistance,—all these things con­
tributed to alienate Syud Humood bin Azan, and drove him to disre­
gard his should-be ally, and look for aid from others.
It is mentioned in the early part of this narrative, that on the occa­
sion of the Sohar Chief entering into a confederacy with a number of
tribes against the Wahabees, he transferred his inland fortresses to
the charge and holding of the Muttowas. This measure gave much
offence to His Excellency Syud Soweynee, and greatly excited his
fears: he looked upon the proceeding as one full of danger to himself,
and forming but the commencement of a series of frauds ;—he thought
his kinsman was aspiring to the Imaumship. The instalment of the
Muttowas was shortly followed by the direct interference of Humood
bin Azan with the affairs of His Highness. He wrote to a number of
tribes, desiring them to associate themselves with his interests, and to
forsake their allegiance to the Imaum. This increased the apprehen­
sions of the Muskat Governor, and led him to pour forth his tale of
grievances to the Resident. The Sohar Chief was called upon to afford
explanation of his conduct, and received warning that any acts of
aggression by him upon the Imaum’s dominions would be viewed in a
most serious light by the British Government. Syud Humood’s reply
was highly characteristic, and portrayed the feelings he held towards
the Muskat authorities. He denied the accusation wherewith he was
charged, and assured the Resident that Syud Soweynee’s appeals should
never be attended to, for he was weak and fanciful as a child, and
incapable of discerning good from evil!
Presently, however, at the time when Syud Humood had been
deprived of power by his son, we find the integrity of the Sohar

i