Page 413 - PERSIAN 2 1879_1883_Neat

RESIDENCY AND MUSCAT POLITICAL AGENCY FOR 1881-82. 16

13. In January news arrived from the interior that a formidable co­
alition had been formed between Abdul Aziz, Saleh-bin-Ali, Ibrahim-bin-
Kliais, and Hamood-cl-Wahibeh, for the purpose of invading Muscat
and Muttra. The plan of operations proposed was, that whilst Abdul
Aziz and Saleh-bin-Ali marched on Muscat or Muttra, Ibrahim-bin-
Khais should raid the Baliuch, and Ilamood-el-Wahibch should attack
Soor. On hearing this report, His Highness Seyyid Toorkee repaired
the defences of Muttra and superintended the work in person. At
the6arae time Abdul Aziz sent a letter to the Resident in the Persian
Gulf, informing him of his intention of marching on Muscat, and ex­
pressing his hope that if the British Government would not assist him,
they would at least remain neutral. lie gave as his reasons for attack*
ing Muscat, the general disorder prevailing in the country, owing to
the weakness of Seyyid Toorkee’s rule. To the above letter the Political
Resident replied, that as friendly relations had exsisted so long between
Seyyid Toorkee and the Government, it would be against the wishes of
Government for Seyyid Toorkee to be molested. It is probably owing
to this reply that the coalition collapsed.
14. On the morning of 12th March, news arrived that Ibrahim-bin-
Kbais had taken Mesnah by surprise the night before, after killing
three of the garrison. British subjects were not molested in any way,
and Ibrahim-bin-Kbais wrote to the Political Agent at Muscat, inform­
ing him of the capture of Mesnab and of his intention to protect Brit­
ish subjects and their property. On 24th March, His Highness Seyyid
Toorkee officially informed the Political Agent of his intention to pro­
ceed in person with an armed force to Burka, for the purpose of re-taking
Mesnah; and he requested that Her Majesty's ship Ready should be
sent there, to warn all British subjects to leave the place with their
property. This was done, and Her Majesty’s ship Ready returned on
27th March.
15. This ends the report for the official year 1881-82; hut in conclu­
sion it may be added that His Highness was completely successful in
re-taking Mesnah, and has thus restored his prestige in 'Oman. Owing
to His Highness’ success and the moral support offered by the presence
at Mesnah and other ports of Her Majesty's ships, there is every reason
to believe that the present year will be one of unusual tranquillity.
Official changes.—On 15th August Major Grant arrived here, and took
over charge the same day from Lieutenant-Colonel S. B. Miles, who
proceeded to Zanzibar.
Slave Trade.—During the year under review three slave dhows
were brought in by Her Majesty’s ship Dryad, who had captured them
off the southern coast of Arabia. Two were released, and one, with seven
slaves on hoard, was condemned. The nett proceeds of the sale, which
amounted to Ra. 1,008-1-6, was paid into the Treasury at Muscat. The
slaves were sent to Bombay, and the full proceedings were transmitted
to the Admiralty Court, London.
CHARLES GRANT, Major,
Her Britannic Majesty’s Political
Agent and Consul, Muscat,
Bbitish Political Agbnct and Consulate,
Mir. cat, 10th May 1889.