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10lh March 1864.—On the western coast of Mussendom promontory aro
Kumzar, Ghumnm, Gliubba Ghussa. Tho first is at' the northern ond and the
two next arc subordinate to it. Ghussa is under Khussab, and all thc>e through
the Sheikhs of Kumzar and Khussab acknowledge the sovereignty of the Imaum
of Muscat. On the eastern coast, l learn Irotn one of the Fillamites on board
to-day, that there are Shisn, 100 inhabitants, Slwbus, 50 inhabitants, Fillara, 200
inhabitants, all of wh'ch acknowledge the authority of Sultan bin Saygur
during the period of the yearly date season, becauso they then migrate to
his territory at Dibbn, where ilieir dates are situated. Out of thatseasoa, they
profess no more than a nominal allegiance to thai Chief and consider themselves
tolerably independent of any Sovereign’s control.”
105. The Political Agent at Maskat in his letter No. 04, dated the 3rd May
1*64, submitted for approval a copy of
Vol. Y-71,of 1864, p. 88.
the Regulations issued by him on the
Telegraph Islands in the Elphinstone Inlet, aud reported the establishment of
a police force for the preservation of peace and property on those Elands, the
community of which has increased considerably owing to the importation of
artificers and workmen from Kurraohee.
106. The Bombay Government recorded the following Resolution No. 1987,
dated the 5th July 18*o4:—
“The Telegraph Islands in the Elphinstone Inlet are part of the Muscat territory.
Lieutenant-Colonel Disbrowe should therefore be informed that he should be guided by his
Consular instructions in dealmsr with offences ommitied by British subjects. If no measures
have beon adopted by the Sultan < f Muscat foi the punishment of his own or other subjects
not being British, the Political Agent should apply to His Highness for the requisite
authority, and deal with them according to his judgment and discretion.”
107. In his letter No. 17, dated 28th
Vol. IV-84, of 1864. p. 120.
March 1864, Colonel Pelly reported :—
'* Colonel Stewart informs me there is some incertitude as to whether the position selected
for the Telegraph Station, in the Elpinstoue Inlet, belongs to the Sultan of Muscat, or to the
Chief of Ras-ul-Khima.
In our hitherto relations with the littoral Arabs, for the maintenance of the maritime
Truce, we have never defined the boundaries of their several jurisdictions; but have made
responsibility depend on personality : the recognized Chief of every tribe or settlement engaging
to afford full redress for aggression on the part of his dependents.
I fear that if in the present iustauce we analyze the question of territorial right, we may
find it lead to bad blood amou^ the tribes. Reliable evidence on either side mav he wanting.
And we may in the last result fail to come to any ceriain decision, or the decision may involve
us in inconveuient recognition of boundary, without decreasing risk of molestation.
These remarks would. 1 think in 6ome degree, apply to an endeavour on our part to
purchase the position from Ras-ul-Khima, whether in our own name, or in that of the Sultan
of Muscat.
Unless Government have already determined on any other course of action, it is possible
that, without raising any general question of boundaries and their recognition, I might obtain
from the Chief of Ras-ul-Kliima a document, engaging him to preveut, or give full redress
for, any interference with our Telegraphic operations, on the part of bis dependents. The
effect or such an agreement is quite under.*t>od ; and its principle hue long been acted on by
the Raa-ul-Khima Chief. It might perhaps be found the simplest and safe?t guarantee
practicable for the object we now have in view; especially if the Chief deputed a recognized
local Ageut to reside at the station.
* My letter hesitating to analyze ihe subject of diving rights on the Pearl Banks contains
some passages which may in part be applicable to the question now discussed.
Colonel Stewart has politely offered to permit me to visit the Arab Coast on the board
Her Majesty's Steam Vvssel Vigilant, provided the Officer Commanding find no objection.
Should I thus at length find aa opportunity for personal communication with the littoral
Chiefs, I mi/ht obtain from one and all of them, separately, agreements, binding them, at sea
and on shore, to prevent, or give full m/ress for, intrusion on, or interference with, err
ovr
Telegraphic Lines and Stations, in the Persian Gulf”
108. The Bombay Government recorded the following Resolution (No.
Ilid, page 136, 3218, dated 26th October 1864):—
u Any investigation of the claims of His Highness tho Imaum of Muscat on the
one hand, and of the Chief of Ra6-ul-Kbima on the other, to dominion over Cape Mussendom,
was never either intended or authorized, and would, if begun, probably tend to very difficult
complications. It will be well therefore that the question be not raised, but that the Politi­
cal Resident obtain from the Chief of Ras-ul-Khima, and the lit* oral Chiefs, a general engage­
ment not to interfere in any manner with the operations of the Telegraph. This will answer
every purpose which tho British Government has in view.”
• Bie Pilcis od International Rivalry and JiritishPoliog in the Persian Gulf, Chapter X.