Page 233 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

Part Vl-Ohap. XLIV.] 211
informed tho Shaik that tho object of my visit to Basel Kliymah was to roquiro an explanation
from him regarding his late extraordinary conduct in having, forgetful of his obligations to tho
British, and "his long and intimate connection with that Government, apparently thrown
himself into tho arms of a Power whoso establishment on this side of the Arabian Continent, ho
auite nwnro, was not only obnoxious to tho views of England, but oIbo inevitably dis-
V. 11H
truotivo *>f his own indopendouco. Theso proceedings, I added, wero tho more inexplicable, as
boing wholly oppoGod to tho language and sontiments ho had expressed to Rear-Admiral Sir
Frodorick Maitland, on his recent visit to Rasol Kliymah. In roply to theso remarks, tho Joasmeo
Shaik entered into a long explanation to show that ho had boon porfoctly eincero in tho pro­
fessions ho had made to Captain Edmunds ou board tho fyrflcalfj/, that no one could bo more
fully awaro than himself of tlioovilaud injurious effects which had arisen, and were likely to
arise, from tho continued sojourn of Sued bin Mootluk in this quarter, and that under this
impression ho had actually taken stops for the removal of that individual from his territories, when
all his arrangements wero thwarted and overturned by tho treacherous proceedings of Shaik
Khulcofaof Abothabee, who had entered into a close and intimate correspondence with the
Egyptian Agent, and had offered him an asylum in his port in ease of nis expulsio u from
Shargah, In oorrohoration of this statement the Shaik produced a le‘to r received by Sued bin
Mootluk only three days beforo from the Beniyus Chief, acknowledging the receipt of the
Pasha's communication, and after alluding to tho littlo assistance afforded to the Syed by the
Joasmccs during the four months ho had resided on their coasts, pledged himself to support
him in tho attainment of his objects, with the whole of tho resources of the Beniyas, whether
by laud or sen, although somewhat struck by this glaring proof of tho deceitful character of
siaik Khulecfa’s proceedings (as iho document produced must have reached its destination
about tho samo time that tho latter was disavowing to mo in the most serious and energetic
manncl his having ever entered into any correspondence with Sued bin Mootluk). I
thought it best in my reply to Sooltan bin Suggur to affect to bdiovo that at the time this
communication was sent, Shaik Khulcefa, having been deceived by the misrepresentations of
the Pasha’s Agent, had not been aware of tho disapprobation with which the Government
viewed tho proceedings of Khorshid Pasha and Suid bin Mootluk in this part of Arabia; but
that on being made acquainted with their sentiments, he had readily pledged himself both
verbally and in writing to drop all further connexion with both. On hearing this, Shaik
Sooltan said that he was quite as desirous of the removal of Suid bin Mootluk from his coasts
as I could be, but that tho Suid had positively refused to leave the country unless satisfied
that the British authorities wore opposed to his continued sojourn, and would intimate tho
6&mo to him in writing. Tho Shaik added that if I would furnish him with a document to
this effect, one great difficulty in inducing tho Egyptian Agent to take his departure would
be removed. I replied that tho conduct of Suid bin Mootluk was so directly contrary to
the assurances given to H. M. Ministers by Mahomed Ally—60 opposed to the declara­
tions of Khorshid Pasha and so immediately tending to interrupt the relations of peace and
friendship existing between the maritime tribes of the Arabian Coast and the British Gov­
ernment, that he could bo looked upon ia no other light than as a disturber of the
general tranquillity, and. therefore, I should have no hesitation in addressing letters both to
Shaik Sultan and Suid bin Mootluk upon the expediency of tho latter quitting these coasts
and returning to Hedgd. I accordingly prepared the two documents, of which the accompany­
ing (enclosures Nos. 5 and 6) arc copies and trans-
Copy and translation of letter to Shaik Sultan ,
bin Piggio. latl ons. On receiving the communication to
himself, and being made acquainted with the
contents of tho one addressed to tho Pasha's Agent, tho Shaik expressed himself quite
satisfied, and said that I might rely with confidence on immediate arrangement being made for
the departure of Suid bin Mootluk. I answered
Copy and translation of lottor to Suid bin
Mootluk. that with every wish to believe him sincere, yet I
would not conceal that the confidence I should
otherwise have placed in his promises had been greatly shaken by his proceedings subsequent
to his interviews with Admiral Maitland, hut that if he were bond fide in his present sentiments,
ho must give me a paper to tho samo effect, as those so readily furnished by the other Shaiks
on tho coast. After 6ome hesitation he said that the removal of Suid bin Mootluk, and the
opinions expressed in the document referred to, might not unlikely give serious offence to
Khorshid Posba, and therefore, in the event of his being attacked by that General, he wished
to know whether he might look to the British Government for aid and support. Bearing
. in mind tho opinion expressed by the Right
i 3-i°- ^ "•J4** • Hon'ble the Governor-General " that circumstances
letter of the let Apnl id the Secrot despatch to
the Bombay Government. might occur under which it might be • proper
that aid should be afforded to them (the Arabian
Chiefs), in arms and ammunition" and also “that Sultan bin Suggur, Chief of the
Joasmee Tribe, and any other Chieftains who may seek for assistance and advice from the
Resident should certainly be encouraged and strengthened as much as possible," bearing in
mind I repeat theso opinione, and my firm belief that a crisis had arrived in which decided
measures were called for to prevent our influence in this quarter being altogether supplanted
by that of Mahomed Ally. I venture to think that I did not exceed the spirit of my
instructions in distinctly assuring tho Joasmee Chief that if hiB compliance with the
wishes of the British Government involved him in hostilities with any other power,
I would ongoge to furnish him with such munitions of war a9 might be necessary and p: oper.
On tho Shaik asking me whether I would give him this promise in writing, I amivi red
that I had no objection to do 60, but that I must first be satisfied by the departure
& H