Page 488 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920_Neat

04 rcnsiAN GULF ADMINISTRATION REPORT

His Highness' financial condition is referred to under the heading Custom®
Siuco his necossary expenditure is equal to, if not in excess of his .incomo and
he lias other expenses, some of which aro avoidable, and others, though not
unavoidable, difficult to cut down in an Oriental State, his indebtedness can but
continue to increase.
Saiyid Taimur hns inherited a throne in which his power extends only K0
far as the guns of British ships can reach, while he lias perhaps inherited a
character which, though it might with guidance do much in settled conditions
can do little to cope with the difficulties with which he is surrounded. Cut off
from the Arab tribes by a rebellion which was a force before lie came into hi$
own, living in a capital of which the population consists mainly of British
Subjects, Baluchis and Negroes and in which there are no leaders of Arab
opinions, comparatively little in touch with the further ports which form a pan
of bis dominions over which lie has still some control, represented by AValis who
are backward and corrupt, he has few to whom he can turn for assistance
The conditions are such as could only be dealt with by a man of experience
or great force of character and neither of these qualities docs the Sultan
possess.
On the other hand he gives promise of good judgment and is possessed of a
sound coramou sense—when he is left to himself—which with maturity should
make him a better ruler than either his grandfather or his father, provided that
he is loft with something to rule.
TIis niglmess was represented at Gwadur by his brother Saiyid Salim who
was, however, recalled in October owing to disturbances and complaints of the
Hindu community in connection with a cow being killed and dragged through
the streets of the bazaar by his soldiery in the previous July.
The family of the Sultan is a severe drag upon the finances of the state
and, since very few of them are employed, or employable they do not assist
much iu the work.
Saiyid Dhiab, the cousin and brother-in-law of ITis Highness left Masks t
in October, and lias resided in India ever since. It is presumed that, after
being some years in England, he finds life in Maskat somewhat impossible.
The Sultan does not appear to he very pleased with him.
The system of Customs remains the same, but several changes took place
Cu4tooi< in the management 2 successive natives of
India taking over charge.
The Superintendent of the previous year, Salim bin Abdullah al Khaimari,
•left at the end of the previous year his service having been dispensed with.
Ho was relieved by Saiyid Abu Salih, a native of Poona, the Bon of a former
Subedar of the Indian Army, and related to several native officers.
In November Saiyid Abu Salih was relieved by Muhammad Reimoo,
a Khoja and British Subject of Gwadur, who also formed the customs at the
latter port.
The reason for the change in this instance is stated to have been due to
tlie fact that Saiyid Abu Salih w'as unable to raise any further loans for His
Highness
Not the least of the reasons that a more satisfactory system of Customs
control is not introduced by the Sultan is that, under present circumstances, he
cannot draw upon the Customs Department for overdrafts as on a Bank, the
system having been to obtain the money from Hindu and other traders as
advance against future Customs duties. As goods are imported the merchant
pays half dues the other half being credited towards paying off the advances
given, while 15 per cent, interest is charged on all such loans;
The present Superintendent is attempting to put an end to this system and*
when necessary, to borrow money in the open market at ordinary rotes0
interest. He calculates that if he pays present fixed salaries ana stipey**
which includes those of His Highness' family, it will take three years for b”?
to pay off all dej)t$ on the Customs which have been incurred os above statWj
proviaed that no extra calls are made upon him. As, however, the Sidi
regards the Customs at a source of general incomo, it would be unprecedent