Page 275 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

MUSK AT. 233

truly serious; for not only was His Highness threatened with ruin by tho
confederacy in league against him, but great fears also existed lest a
renewal of the Maritime Truce, about to expire, should not be efFected ere
hostilities commenced. The Resident had proceeded to the coast for the
express purpose of arranging a firm and lasting peace among the Arab
Tribes, and now so engrossed was their attention with the designs of the
Wahabccs, that not one of their number found himself either able or
willing to return to his post. It seemed highly probable, therefore, that
unless the crisis had passed ere the coming month of June, either His
Highness would fall a prey to his enemies, and maritime disorder in
every shape and form arise, or else the British representative must act,
on his own responsibility, with a degree of coercion entirely opposed
to the rules of British policy.
Such was the position of affairs when the Resident reached the Coast
of Arabia,—a position) it must be admitted, highly difficult and embar­
rassing. He at once addressed a letter of strong remonstrance to
Shaikh Sultan bin Suggur, charging him in the name of the British
Government to abstain from intriguing, and desiring him to return to
his seat, to meet the British representative, who awaited his coming.
Syud Soweynee was likewise apprised of his presence) and his intern*
tion, if dangers thickened, to repair to Muskat in person, for the purpose
of assisting him. To Abdoolla bin Fysul was conveyed the extreme
surprise of the Resident that any circumstances whatsoever should
induce him to prevent the Shaikhs from obeying his call. These
measures, backed by the presence of a vessel of war sent to cruise on
the Arabian Coast, together with the decided tone of opposition adopted
by Shaikh Syud bin Tahnoon, tended greatly to restrain the Wahabees.
His Excellency hastened to Sohar, placed the fort in a state of defence,
and assumed a hostile attitude.
After some display of hesitation) the plan of attacking Batinah Was
abandoned) and a series of negotiations entered upon, which ended in a
treaty of alliance, offensive and defensive, between Syud Soweynee and
Abdoolla bin Fysul, whereby the Muskat Government agreed to pay to
the Wahabee Ameer an annual tribute of 12,000 crowns, besides arrears
to the extent of 60,000 crowns, and the usual supply of provisions
and stores. The Wahabee likewise pledged himself to assist His
Excellency in every hour of difficulty; and the boundaries of the do­
minions of either remained as heretofore.
Matters remained in this condition for a length of time, when fresh
difficulties presented themselves. So strong was
a. d. 1853.
the ill-feeling of the tribes of Batinah towards
Syud Soweynee, that they nearly one and all refused to disburse one
farthing of tribute. Disturbances raged on every side: the Wahabee