Page 74 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

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2G9. In 1S15, a strong demonstration of tho Indian Navy on tho Batinah
Jhid, section XIV. coast had tho effect of checking the Wahabi
Ibid, section XVI. advanco into Maskat territory. In 1862,
when (luring the absence of Sayyid Said*
Abdullah bin Faisal invaded Oman with a large Wahabi force, it was* through
the intervention of the British Resident at Bushiro, that the Wahabi Amir was
induced to return on an agreement to pay a tribute, instead of ceding Sohar
and other territory which had been demanded and could have been easily gained
by the Wahabis.
270. On tho death of Sultan Sayyid Said, his dominions wero saved from a
fearful civil war by the interference of tho Government of India, as a result of
which Zanzibar and Maskat became separated as independent States, a result
which would probably havo been brought about in the ordinary course of events
but at great cost of money and bloodshed. The amicablo settlement of Lord Can­
ning in 18G1 provided tho Maskat Treasury with an annual subsidy of 40,000
crowns from Zanzibar and when Maskat found it impossible to securo tho regular
payment of this subsidy except by a costly war in which Maskat could hardly
be expected to succeed, the British Government stepped in and undertook to
pay it thomstdvos, for no other consideration than Zanzibar and Maskat joining
in tho anti-slave crusade. This was in the year 1873.
The subsidy was guaranteed to the then Sultan of Maskat—Sayyid Turki,
" so long as he continued faithful to fulfil his treaty engagemonts and manifest
his friendship towards the British Government.*’
271. We should not forget to mention the vigorous British operations
against tho Wahabis in 1866-66 under
Ncjd Precis, lf-01—1904, section XXVI.
Colonel Felly which, though undertaken
to punish their outrages against British Indian subjects, saved the Maskat
State from almost total extinction. In tho agreement concluded, after these
operations, by Amir Abdullah bin Faisal, he agreed that—
“ lie will not injure or attack the territories of the Arab tribes in alliance with the
1 British Government, especially the Kingdom of Alusiat, further than in receiving the zukat
that has beeu customary of old.”
272. For a further resumt of the history of the political connection of tho
I British with Maskat, wo cannot do better
Secret E., March 1839, Nos. 104-212 (No. 210).
than extract the following passages from
the despatch of the Government of India to the Secretary of State, No. 38, dated
2nd March 1899
“It appears indeed that, since the time of Saiyid Said, no Sultan of Maekathas been able
effectively to establish his position without obtaining the recognition of the British Govern­
ment; while there is nothing to show that any other foreign Government has ever been
applied to for a similar recognition. Throughout this period the Government of India have
un soveral occasions been called upon to intervene in the dynastic disputes of the Maskat
State. Claimants or pretenders have been interned in India, have been prevented from
attacking a reigning Sultan, have been given allowances, and have been otherwise dealt with
as only a Power, possessing a recognised and effective supremacy, could claim to^ act. When
in 1874, Sultan (Saiyid Turki) was unable to cope with a rebellious cousin, and British subjects
suffered from the consequent disturbances, the British licet took active measures against the
rebel force, shelled them out of their fort at Mesnaah, and exacted an indemnity from them
for compensation of British subjects. In 1877, when tho El-Sharkiyeh tribe attacked Maskat
and Muttra, and the Sultan was unable to protect himself, Il.M.S. “Teazer” went to his
assistance, defended the town of Maskat from the 6ea, and caused the rebels to retire. The
Butch Treaty with Maskat is itself an evidence of British supremacy; for tho Dutch Consul
at Bushire, in 1877, requested the British Resident's co-operation in negotiating it; the
Captain of the Netherlands corvette “Batavia,” who was iu charge of tho treaty, left it in
tho Resident’s hands, and Colonel Pri Icaux 6cnt it to the Political Agent at Maskat to
negotiate with the Sultan. On Muttra and Maskat being attacked agaiu by rebellious tribes m
1883, and on the Sultan appealing to tho Political Ageut, Il.M.S. “Philomel ” shelled their
camps at both places, and prevented them fiom advancing into the towns. In February 1888 our
Political Resident in the Persian Gulf was directed to tell Sultan Sayyid Turki, in view of the
repeated attacks which had been made upon him and of his loyal compliance with the advice
tendered to him by tho British representative, that the British Government would uphold lin
against unprovoked aggro.-sion.