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520 [Part VI—Chap. XLIV
nocossary, bofore now and distant engagements of this nature should bo contracted, that they
appoar to bo justified by tho aspect of coming events and that the moans of tho Imaum and
the conditions undor which such a force is to be raised should bo clearly understood.
R. Tlio Governor-General is of opinion that the lino of conduct pursued by Abdoola bin
Shakloot has deprived him of all claim to the good offices or interference in his behalf of the
British Government, for this chief 1ms set an examplo to his neighbours of assisting tho courso
of unjust violence and oonquest in which Mahomed Alec appears to have been recently
engaged and of preferring tho alliance of the Egyptians to that of his ancient supporters and
friends and ho has dono so with tho knowledge that ho was so injuring tho rights and
interests of the British Government in the Persian Gulpli. Tho Governor-General had been
propared to afford to tho Chief of that island aid against the invasion with which ho was
threatened by Khoorshid Pasha, but Ilis Lordship cannot feel himself called upon to stand
as his protector against the Imaum of Muscat, should His Highness determine to take up the
quarrel which has long existed between him and Abdoola bin Shakbooi and to invade the Island
of Bahrein. But His Lordship would pause upon giving encouragement to any such invasion,
for it could hardly tako place without tho Imaum being directly in collusion with Khoorahid
Pasha and hastening a crisis which it is on every reason desirable to postpone.
9. It seems to be in tho first necessary that the British Agent above to be doputed to
Muscat should furnish a full report of the resources and military and naval strength of tho
Imaum's Government and the degree to which his territories aro exposed to aggressions from
tho interior against which defensive arrangements could not easily be concerted. It is to bo
remembered that tho submission of the Chief of Bahrein to the Egyptian Commander in
Arabia appears to bo so comploto that there seems little probability of any occasion for that
officer to proceed to tho occupation of that island in force so long as no intentions on tho
part of tho Imaum of Muscat to aot against its present Sheik be declared.
10. It occurs to His Lordship that 6omo accessation to our present naval strength in
tho Gulpli may bo obtained by His Highness’s placing any of his armed vessels under the
general direction of tho British Officer Commanding iu tho Gu'ph, and the Governor in
Couucil is requested to give 6uch directions as upon a consideration of this suggestion he may
think expedient.
11. Further information is shortly expected as to the circumstances of Brymee and the
tribes possessing influence in that quarter. Every encouragement should be given to them and
other Chieftains of the Oman province who are disposed to resist the aggressions of the
Egyptians and the Political OJ/icer should be furnished with the means of assisting them in
the manner indicated in my letter of the 1st August last.
12. Tho Governor-General hopes that this general exposition of his views will be sufficient
for tho present occasion, and he requests His Hoaor in Council to 6end the necessary orders to
Captain Hennell aud to the officer who may be nominated to the Agency of Muscat. Copies
of such instructions are requested for His Lordship’s information.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
A. F. MADDOCK,
Secretary to the Government of India
with the Govenior-General.
Cl UP AT Gw ALIOS)
The 13th January 1840.
393. Tho following observations of the Secret Committee on their Despatch
dated 1st July 1839, on the Proceedings of the Government of India may be
quoted—
We have received from the Governor in Council at Bombay letters dated 18th April
(No. 41) and 8th May (No. 55) on tho proceedings of Mehemet Ali in respect to Bahrein
and of the Persian authorities at Bushire, which have led to the removal of the Residency
to Karrak.
Our letters to the Political Agent in Turkish Arabia and to the Resident in the Persian
Gulf, of the 13th ultimo, copies of which were under the same date communicated to you,
will have put you fully in possession of our views in regard to tho movement of the Egyptian
troops upon the Shores of the Persian Gulf, and the particular questions in respect to Bahrein,
and the anticipated occupation of Bussora.
We consider the preservation of these places against the danger with which thoy appear
_ e threatened to be an object of great importance, and we leave it to your discretion to
to be
adopt such measures, in concert with Her Majesty's Naval Commander-m-Chief, from the
means at your disposal, as may be effectual to secure the independence of the Arab Chiefs on
the shores of the Persian Gulf.