Page 266 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

244
Part VI—Chap. XLIX.
of Alliance, offensive ami defensive, between the parties, whereby His Highness Sycd Sowevnco
bound himself to a tributo of 12,01)0 dollars annually, and was on his side secured in
the possession of all tho territory now under his rule, including the districts both of Sohar
and Muscat. When I commented upon the magnitude of this exaction Sheikh Saeed replied
that circumstances admitted of no alternative. It was no longer a question of purchasing tho
forbearance of tho Wahabeo Commander with a view to deter him from ravaging Batmah,
but tho object now virtually was to gaiu his support in order to prevent tho dismemberment
of tho Imauin’s dominions. Tho whole country had shown itself disaffected to Ilia Highness's
authority, «nd my visitor had himself bocomc aware of overtures made to Sved Ges bin Azam,
not only by the most influential dependants of his deceased brother, but by tho Chiefs of
considerable I’ribos, both within and without Mis Highness’s territories; so sensible was Sycd
Soweynce of tho want of internal support that even after tho withdrawal of Sheikh
SulUn bin Sugtrur, when it was proposed to him to defy tho Wahabees and defend himself
to tho last, His Highness drclarod that such a course would bo hopeless ; tho garrison even of
Sohar could not bo depended upon, and ho would r.ithor pay tho whole amount originally
demanded than risk the issue of a contort. On my referring to the Wahabees having been
permitted to prosecute their march inlo Oman unobstructed, Sheikh Saeed observed that in
this respect too his efforts had been paralyzed by the same causes, for when ho invited the
Muscat authorities to occupy his enemies in the rear, whilo ho encountered the invaders,
his proposal had not been responded to.
15. Tho heavy sacrifice which tho Muscat authorities havo been called upon to mako
may be rogardod perhaps as a just penalty for the unfortunate policy they pursued towards
the late Humood bin Azan, but it is to be feared that their disregard of the advico of
Government on that occasion has placed them in a position to deprive them for the future
of tho full benefit of its intervention. The fear of its resentment would doubtless suffice to
secure the ostensible neutrality of the Joasmoo Chief, but such a motive could hardly operate
in the same degree to cheok the progress of tribes less amenable to its influence, or to induce
Syed Ges, wheu in the ascendant, to accept of any accommodation short of a special guarantee
for his complete and permanent restoration to his hereditary rights.
16. Under these circumstances it seems certain that a more direct interference °n ray
part could hardly have averted their humiliation, whereas failure might have necessitated the
adoption of such extraordinary measures, 1 should supposo, the nature of the case would
hardly justify.
Although the predominance of the Wahabees in Oman must be generally prejudicial to
the views of tho British Government, I cannot learn that their Chief has as yet evinced
a disposition to disturb tho mutual relations of the Maritime Sheikhs as at present existing.
Abdullah bin Fysul, I am told, will return to Nedjd as soon as the season opens, leaving our
officer as heretofore with a small garrison to represent his authority at Brymce, and to collect
arrears of tribute.
17. The concentration of the squadron at the lower end of tho Gulf appearing to be no
longer necessary, I beg herewith to enclose copies of letters addressed by me to Commodore
Robinson relative to the future disposal of the Tigris and Constance.
Treaty of Peace in perpetuity agreed upon by the Chiefs of the Arabian Coast on behalf of
themselves, their heirs and successors, under the mediation of the Resident in the
Tertian Gulf.
We, whoso scale are hereunto affixed, Sheikh Sultan bin Suggar, Chief of Ras-el-Khaima,
Sheikh Syeed bin Tahnoon, Chief of Abuthabee, Sheikh Saeed bin Butye, Chief of Debaie,
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid, Chief of Ejmaun, Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid, Chief of
Amulgavine, having experienced for a series of
years the benefits and advantages resulting from a Maritime Truce contracted amongst our­
selves under the mediation of tho Resident in the Persian Gulf, and renewed from time to
time up to the present period, and being fully impressed, therefore, with a sense of the evil
consequences formerly arising from the prosecufciou of our feuds at sea, whereby our subjects
and dependants were prevented from carrying on the pearl fishery in security, and were
exposed to interruption and molestation wheu passing on their lawful occasions. Accordingly,
we, as aforesaid, have determiued for oarselves, our heirs and successors to conclude together
a lasting and inviolable peace from this time forth in perpetuity, and do hereby agree to bind
ourselves down to observe the following conditions
{Ut) that from this date, and hereafter there shall be a complete
cessation of hostilities at 6oa between our respective subjects and dependants and
a perfect Maritimo Truce shall oudure between ourselves, and between our
successors respectively for evermore;
{2nd) that, in the event, which God forbid, of any of our subjects or dependants com­
mitting an act of aggression at sea upon tuo lives or property of those of any
of the parties to this agreement, wo will immediately punish the assailants, and
proceed to afford full redress upon the same being brought to our notice;
(3rd) that, in tho event of an act of aggression being committed at sea by any of
these who are subscribers with us to this Engagement upon any of our subjects