Page 46 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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refused to co-operate with the Imam against the Wahabis. A translation of a
letter is also sont, in which tho Amir of Nejd communicated to Syud Salem
the Ex-Imam, his advance against Oman, and promised to reinstate him*.
From tho date of this letter, which must have travelled, if authentic]
from the Amir’s camp through Kishm to Maskat in three days, Colonel
Pelly was inclined to doubt the fact of its having emanated from the
Wahabi Amir, and inclined to the belief that it was tho handiwork of Syud
Salem or of Haji Ahmed. Major Way could not state tho position of tho
Wahabi Army at the time that ho wrote, all lie knew being that it had left
Ilasa. Colonel Pelly, writing at Bombay on the 31st of January, on tho
strongth of information received from Gwadur and Bushiro, represented it as
being at Katar, and Sheikh Saloh as boing in Jaalan. Azan-bin-Gheis, he
added, was endeavouring to obtain the support of the Chief of Abuthabi.
This Chief was, unlike the rulers of Nejd and Oman, a signatory of tho mari­
time truce. His principal port was well-situated for the landing of troops
intended to operate against Beraymi, and preparations were on foot at Katoef
for an expedition by sea to co-operate with tho land forces.
127. Another report, to which Major Way was not able to attach full credence,
was that an amnesty had been grauted to all of the Naim tribe who might
return to their allegiance to tho Wahabis. This was tho tribe for whoso
protection against Wahabi aggression Azan-bin-Gheis took up arms last year
and stormed Beraymi. Khulelee by the latest account was at Maskat.
12S. Tho Bombay Government forward­
• No. 65, dated 14th February 1870.
ed* further Maskat news in detail:—
“ According to Shcikb Naseer, the Wahabi force, variously computed at two to five
thousand men, and again at ten thousand men, was within five days of Beraymi. Azan-bin-
Gheis had met with do support from the fighting tribes of ilie south. lie had with him
certainly not more than two thousand men. Some were inclined to put the strength of his
followers so low as sis hundred. The Chiefs from Ras-cl-Khyma to Debayc were not hostile
to the Wahabi Amir; the Chief of Abuthabi, though suspected of playing a double game,
was likely to remain neutral. It was expected that the invaders would experience no check
at Beraymi. In such case their next move would be in all probability to Sohar, and thence
a passage by sea to Maskat might be attempted. To prevent such an attempt, Major Way-
urged ou the Bombay Government the necessity of letting him retain the Dol/iousie, which the
latter had telegraphed for, if her presence was not absolutely required at Maskat. The Amir
had ordered at Katar a hundred vessels from his own coast for the embarkation of his troops.
Syud Salem had expressed his intention of joiniug the Wahabis, but had not by the latest
account left Kishm.”
129. This information was sent to the Secretary of State in No. 17 of 22nd
February 1870. Inter alia, it briefly recapitulated tbe events :—
“The advance of the Wahabi Amir upon Beraymi, as reported in the enclosures of
this despatch, has Bomewliat .altered the complexion of affairs. According to the latest report
which we have received from Maskat, dated February 4th, tbe Amir of Hind bad left Lahsa
with a force probably not less than two thousand, or more than five thousand men. and was
within five days' march of Beraymi. He had granted an amnesty to nil the Naeera tribe
of Beraymi who may return to their allegiance to tho Wahabis, and had declared his inten­
tion of marching on the town of Maskat itself after reducing Beraymi. At the latter place
it was anticipated that he would meet no check. The Chiefs from Ras-cl-Khyma to Debaye
had shown no signB of hostility to the Wahabis. Syud Salem hud expressed his intention of
joining the Amir’6 army, but by the latest account had not left Kishm. On the other hand,
it is reported that Azan-bin-Gheis has not been successful in collecliug men and money,
and that the Chief of Abuthabi, on whose support he had counted, was likely to remain
neutral. It is also rumoured that the Beni-boo-Ali, against whom Azan was lately victorious
in Jaalan, have rebelled and refused to co-operate with him agaiust tbe Wahabis.”
130. Colonel Pelly, then at Government House, Calcutta, on the receipt
of telegram from Maskat, reported (22nd February 1870):—
“On the whole, the Maskat Wahabi quarrel 6ecms to be approaching its solution. And
I would respectfully suggest that I roturn to the Gulf with all convenient speed, and wi
cretiouary power to rccogniso Azan or otherwise, according as circumstances may se«.m o
require; any recognition should be in writing, and should explicitly declare all questions or
detail, Treaty, Convention, or claim to territory, to bo reserved for subsequent discussion.
“Meantime, I would propose addressing the subjoined telegrams to Major Smith and the
Assistant Resident at Bushire.