Page 337 - Gulf Precis(II)_Neat

Part VXXX—Chap. LXXV. 815

CHAPTER LXXV.

APPOINTMENT OF RESIDENT AT MASKAT, 1840.
007. In April 1840, a British Resident was appointed at Maskat to assume
Volume 1174 of 1840, p. 72. chargo (under the general superintendence
of the Resident in tho Persian Quit)
of the conduct of political relations on the provinoo of Oman and along
suoh portions of tbo ooast as could bo more conveniently controlled from Maskat
than from Karrak. Captain Mamerton was appointed for the post and the
following instructions were issued to him by tho Resident on 13th April 1840:—
Under tho instructions of the Honourable the Governor in Council, I have the honour to
acquaint you that you have been selected for the. performance of certain political duties at the
capital of His Highness tbo Imam.
The object of deputing you to Maskat, is that you may assume chargo (subject to the
general superintendence of the Kesident in the Persian Gulf) of our political relations with His
Highness m the province of Oman, and along such a portion of the coast as may bo more
conveniently controlled from Maskat than Karrak.
The credentials which in the first instance aro now furnished to you, convey little more
than the assurances of the moat cordial and friendly feeling on the part of the British Govern"
ment towards that of tho Imam, and state as tbo reason, of your deputation to his capital that it
is thought highly expedient in the present state of affairs, that the closo alliance between tho
two States 6hould.be made clearly apparent, and that His Highness should have near his person
a confidential and capable Agent, with whom he may consult, or through whom he may fully
and instantly communicate with the Government in India in any difficulty.
You will of course make it your constant study to cultivate a close, intimate and confiden
tial intercourse with the Imam, so as to convinoe His Highness that the promotion of his real
welfare and interests is considered the primary and important object of the British Government*
* Whether it will be consistent with the views of the Government to maintain a British
officer as its Agent at Maskat in the event of the Imam returning to Zanzibar, will depend
upon circumstances. At all events, it would be highly conducive to the pablio intere«tsl if you
could succeed in establishing a friendly influence with those member® of the family of His
Highness, who are likely to be left in charge of bis Arabian possessions during his absence.
I would further remark that the opinion of the Bint-ul-lmamt possesses considerable influenoo
in the Maskat Council, and therefore her good-will would materially promote the objects of
your mission.
You are already aware that between the years 1800 and 1800 no less than four casualties
(probably oocasioned by the climate) occurred in regard to the different European officers who
were stationed at Maskat. It is however the opinion of the Honourable the* Governor in
Council that the greater knowledge which we have sinoe gained of this part of Arabia may
perhaps admit of your moving about in His Highnese's territories, and should suoh prove
neoeeaary to quit them altogether during the unhealthy season. In adopting the former
alternative you will of course be careful to avoid exciting the Imam's jealousy and constantly
remember, that it is to the influenoe it is hoped that your personal intercourse with His
Highness may enable you to acquire, that we may- beat expect to forward the view® of" the
British Government.
Taking into consideration the climate and the necessity which will exist, fo* you to leave
Maskat occasionally, tho Honourable the Governor in Council is pleased, subject to. the
confirmation of the Right Honourable the Governor-General of India,, to assign tQ^ you a
coneplidated allowance of ft (800) eight hundred per mensem while employed upon this duty,
in addition to which, on embarking in any of tho Honourable Company's vessels of war, the
established allowance for the entertainment of an officer of your rank will be defrayed by
Government.
The mode in which you? official intercourse with this Residenoy should be earned on, may
be arranged hereafter. For tbo present you will have the goodness to correspond directly with
the Bombay Government, furnishing me with copies of your communications, for my informa­
tion.
Enclosed, I have the honour to hand you a letter of credentials to His Highness the
'Imam of Maskat; its contents on all notorial points are the same as those detailed iu the 3rd
paragraph of this letter.
Lieutenant-Colonel Hughes baring complied with my application by placing your services
at my disposal, I have the honour to request that you will make arrangement® with the
Master of the Barquo, Sir Herbert Compton, for your conveyance to M»ekat,j that be.ing the
only suitable opportunity for your joining your station, likely to offer for a considerable time.
The sum disbursed by you for passage money will of course be a public charge.
, * CapUIn Hmnorton was subsequently crested s Cooiul by the Home Government end directed to establish
bja Consulate st Zanzibar, where the Imam henoeforth principally reiided. No Britiih offioer was appointed
at Maakat until 1801.
t The Imam’s aunt. 2 8 2