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CHAPTER TENTH.

Turkish designs on Oman and the rest of East Arabian Littoral,
1888-1899.

607. We have dealt with several measures taken by the Turks to extend
their dominion on the Arab coast of the Persian Gulf, their expeditions into
Nejd, their increase of their naval and military forces, etc. We shall now note a
few moro of their actions, which disclose their designs towards that object.
607A. The Turks have always cast longing glances on Oman. In 1888 there
were persistent rumours of a threatened
Threatened invasion of Oman, 1SSR.
External A., September 1833, Nos. 127-129. invasion of Oman by Urn Rashid in con­
External A., November lsS8, Nos 102-151. junction with Sheikh Jasim of Katar and
External A., February 1S89, Nos. 2I0-32G.
External A., February 1SS‘J, Nos. 347-367. under tho auspices of the Porte.
External A., May 18S9. No*. G9-8I.
Representations were made to the Porte in tho matter, and tho Porte
denied that there were any communica­
External A., July 1SS9, Nor. 235-239.
tions between Ibn Rashid and the Sultan,
except exchange of presents. From tho British Ambassador—Sir W. White’s
letter, dated 9th May ltS9, it appears that Ibn Rashid was anxious to secure
from the Sultan jurisdiction over Hasa, while the Sultan was desirous of secur­
ing a greater hold over Nejd and Sliammar. Both these purposes could not
be attained having regard to the facts that the Porte’s policy was to extend its
jurisdiction over tho Arab littoral, and tho ambition of Ibn Rashid to be
practically independent ruler, only nominally acknowledging suzerainty of
tho Sultan.
608. The Turkish Government have always assumed tho role of the Protec­
tor of pilgrims to Mecca. One of the pil­
Turkish control of pilgrim traffic in Hasa. grim routes being from Hasa by way of
Extoroal A., August 18S8, Nos. 8-10.
Ilofuf, the Turkish Governor of Hasa has
been always at pains to undertake tho protection of pilgrims on this route. For
tills purpose a temporary Amir was once appointed to control tho traffic and
given tho privilege of bearing the sacred standard on the way. In one instance
in 1888, tho Mutassnrif of Hasa went so far as to address a. very insolent
letter to the Chief of Bahrein ordering in peremptory terms to notify the appoint­
ment of the temporary Amir, and the date by which tho pilgrims should arrive
I
at Hasa to accompany him, etc.
609. In 1892, some men of the Monasir tribe, aided by poople belonging to
Plunder by the Monasir tribe in Hasa, 1S92. other Arab tribes of the Persian Gulf, plun­
External A. September 18:>2, Nos 132-138. dered a caravan from Hasa in Turkish terri­
External A, November 1892, Nos. 118-119.
tory. The Mutassarif of Hasa and tho Vali
of Basrah then wrote to the Chief of Abu Thabi, in a threatening tone, charging
him with responsibility for the acts. Tho Chief replied disavowing all connection
with the Monasir tribe. The Political Resident Colonel Talbot thought that
though this tribe wero said to he moro or less under the control of the Abu Thabi
Chief, ho could not be held responsible for the acts of so scattered a tribe
some 400 miles from Abu Thabi. What Colonel Talbot objected to was the
threatening tone of the letters addressed by the Turkish authorities to tho Sheikh.
Should they adopt a similar tone again, he suggested that tho true position of
the Chief in relation to tho British Government should be pointed out to the
Porto. He also advised tho Chief that iu future he should consult the Resident
boforo replying to such letters, an advice which the Chief accopted.
610. In 1893 w'e received reports from various sources of attempts made
Turkish designs to secure a larger hold ooer by tho Porte to adopt a comprehensive
Arabia. sohemo to bring tho Chieftains in Arabia
Secret E., January 1894, Nos. 440-lGO.
undor Turkish control and to chcok thoir
rebellious spirit. One of tho schemes was to appoint a Civil Governor for tho
whole of Arabia, in which should be included Maskat and the rest of Oman
(including tho Pirate Chiefs) Rahrein aud Hasa. Secret agents were doputed
to induce tho Chieftains to visit tho capital, Constantinople, and to counteract
the growmg influenoo of the British.