Page 130 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

108 Part V-Chap. XXVII.

An additional roaeon for adopting this lino of policy is that it nffonli an opportunity for
admitting to tho Genornl Troaty a number of tribes against whom no direct charge of
piraoy has boon advanced, and on whom oonscquontly tlioro would bo no place for imposing
moro sevoro restrictions, tho naturo of which aro auporeeded in affect; by others that are
Conciliatory.
10. Artiolo tho sixth points out tho means by which a ready and fiiendly intercourse may
bo maintained at tho convenionco of tho contracting Powers, and provides for tho froe admission
of a functionary, whoro establishment would go n considerable way towards tho duo introduc­
tion of tho required papers.
11. Artiolo tho seventh is designed to entitle us to call upon tho different tribos to join
with us in putting down all who in defiance of tho present compact may continue a system
wo havo shewn ourselves determined to abolish ; and it will make apparent that the falling off
from their engagement of tribes, or individuals, does not intorforo with, or anuul in any
manner tho obligations of tho Gonoral Treaty with reBpeot to all others.
12. Artiolo tho eighth places in its duo light tho horriblo custom of infiiotino- doath on
suoh as may become prisoners of war j and announces that a general coalition will tako place
against all who may persist in so inhuman a praotico.
13. Artiolo tho ninth abolishos tho slavo trado of tho subset ibiug Powers, and must
shew distinctly the abhorronoo in whioh it is held by tho British Government. This oven as
a measure of polioy oannot fail to be followed by beneficial effects, ns a considerable portion
of tho men lately opposed to us havo consisted of elavos, and I cannot withhold from observ­
ing that no persuasion was necessary to ioduoe tho aoceptnuco of this stipulation.
14. Artiolo the tenth holds out to tho Arabs tho prospect of an equitable and secure
commercial intercourso, and it is to tho due consideration of this, but we must look for any
permanent conquest ovor tho lawless habits whioh havo so long interrupted the friendly
relations that naturally arise out of it, aud whioh lead so immediately to the introductioa of
civilization, with all its attendant blessings.
15. The eleventh article makes tho troaty common to all tribes and parsons who may
at any future time sign an abhorrence to it.
16. I shall now proceed to notice the preliminary treaties to which I have before
adverted.
17. Article the first in the accompanying treaty with Hussan-bin-Uuhma, the Chief of
Hassulkima, Mahara, and thoir dependencies, provides for tho cession of Russulkhima and
Mahara, in demanding this it has been explained that the British Government is fully at
liberty to dispose of these places in any manner, that it may think fit. On tho three remain­
ing articles I do not deem it necessary to offer any romarks.
18. Sultan-bin-Sagger, tho Chief of Shargah, soon after the fall of R&sstilkhiraa, sent
Vakeels with offers of submission to whatever terms might be diotated, he afterwards sent his
brother with the same proposals, and next oamo himself into camp where he signed tho pre­
liminary treaty of which the accompanying is a copy. The anxiety on tho part of this Chief
evidently arose from his desire to avoid the oonBequences of any actuul hostilities on our part
against him, and was the causo of the 3rd article being inserted.
19. Mahomed-bin-Huza-bin-Znal, a minor Chief of Deebey (notioed in the conclusion of
the 38th paragraph of my despatch of the 6th instant), was sent to me by His Highness the
Imaum of Maskat who, I am led to understand, is desirous that some exceptions should be
made in favour of him, and the people of Deebey being of the same tribo with His Highness,
and not generally involved in the aots of piraoy oommitted in the Gulphs, I hive in oonae-
quence of my desire to meet the Imaum's wishes made tho excoption in the end of the 3rd
article of the accompanying preliminary treaty.
20. It will be observed that the remaining articles are similar to what were enterod into
with Sultan-bin-Sagger, and Mahomed-biu-Haza-bin-Zaal will bo admitted along with him
to subscribe the General Treaty; when the whole of the stipulations which are preliminary
shall have been fulfilled.
21. Where a political state of society exists similar to that whioh obtains in the
Gulph of Persia, the basis of any approach to general pacification must havo its rise in
forgiveness for past offences, and it is well when that forgiveness oan be bestowed without
the exaction of groat sacrifices from the guilty, who, where the punishmeut indicted is more
severe than is absolutely necessary, might prefer to indulge feelings of revenge, rather than
to cultivate peaceable habits of industry which it is so desirable to introduce bore ; reasoning
thus, 1 should have confined to the compass into which they now stand, my demands upon the
former practices of piracy, but the tenor of my instructions being in perfeot unison with this
reasoning decided mo not to require more from them in negotiation, than I could have obtained
by proceeding to the utmost acts of hostility coutomplated in ray orders, and it is gratifying
to know that the full extent of what was desired has been conceded without exciting feelings
that would havo interfered greatly with our views for the suppression of piracy, and the
introduction of a secure commercial intercourse.
22. Referring to Arab Chiefs, who had not been engaged in piracies but signed the
treaty, Sir William Keir writes : it givos me great satisfaction to announce that a now class
of Chiefs and tribes, whose conduct has not been tainted with past crimes, are likely to oome
forward, anxiously wishing to be admitted to tho General Troaty; this will be a proof that it