Page 730 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

682 SLAVE TRADE.

SOHAR.

Engagement entered into by Syud Suif bin Humood, Chief of Sohar,
for the Abolition of the Slave Trade at his Ports, dated the
22nd May 1849.
Article I.
It having been intimated to me by Major Hennell, the Resident in
the Persian Gulf, that certain Conventions have lately been entered
into by the Ottoman Porte, and other Powers, with the British Govern­
ment, for the purpose of preventing the exportation of Slaves from the
Coast of Africa and elsewhere; and it having moreover been explained
to me, that in order to the full attainment of the objects contemplated
by the aforesaid Conventions, the concurrence and co-operation of the
chiefs of the several ports situated on the Arabian Coast of the Persian
Gulf are required : accordingly I, Syud Suif bin Humood, Chief of
Sohar, with a view to strengthen the bonds of friendship existing be­
tween me and the British Government, do hereby engage to prohibit the
exportation of slaves from the Coasts of Africa and elsewhere, on board
of my vessels, and those belonging to my subjects or dependents ; such
prohibition to take effect from the 29th Rujub 1265 (or the 21st June
1849, a. d.).
Article II.
And I do further consent, that whenever the cruisers of the British
Government fall in with any of my vessels, or those belonging to my
subjects or dependents, suspected of being engaged in the Slave Trade,
they may detain and search them, and in case of their finding that any
of the vessels aforesaid have violated the engagement, by the exporta­
tion of slaves from the Coasts of Africa or elsewhere, upon any pretext
whatever, they (the Government cruisers) shall seize and confiscate the
same.
Dated this 2Oth day of Jumadee-ool-Akhur 1265 a. h. (or 22nd day of
May 1849 a. d.).

(Signed) Syud Suif bin Humood.

(True translation)
(Signed) S. Hennell,
Resident, &c.