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I
1
CHAPTER I-
Introduction: a Forecast.
In dealing with the history of the Maskat affairs from 1892 onwards
it would bo well to bear in mind the following facts:—
(1) The assurance conveyed by His Highness Seyyid Faisal, Sultan of
Maskat, on his recognition in March 1890
External A., July 1890, Not. 123-142 (No. 135).
by tho British Government, “ to maintain
to tho full the same relations as existod with tho British Government in tho
time of his father and to act up to all tho engagements undertaken by bis
father and predecessors in tho Government of Maskat,” and his earnest desire
“ to be guided in all important matters of policy by the advice of the British
Government and to so conduct tho government as to secure tho continued
friendship and approbation of His Excellency the Viceroy and the British Gov
ernment.” In May 1891 tho French Government complained that the Sultan of
Maskat, acting on the advice of the Gov
Secret E., July 1891, Hot. 399-406.
ernment of India, had recently changed
the succession to tho throne and that such action was in tho nature of a Pro
tectorate. Lord Salisbury said, in reply, that any advice given by the Indian
Government could not be viewed as assumption of Protectorate. He added :
“ Her Majesty's Government is anxious to maintain the independence of
Maskat, and the Sultan is accustomed to depend upon our advice in upholding
his position As a matter of fact, as the Government of Iudia explained, on
the death of the late Sultan in June 1888, his second son assumed tho Sultanate,
acting completely without our advice or instigation. Our recognition was with
held until March 1890, when it was clear that the eldest 6on of the late Sultan
did not oppose his brother and that other aspirants could not oppose him.
Iso mention had since been made of tho question of succession.
(2) In September 1890 (Despatch No. 113, dated 8th September 1890) Lord
'
Lansdowne’s Government having advocat
Secret £., March 1891. No*. 113 -12S.
ed the assertion of a British protectorate
over Maskat, Lord Cross in writing to the Foreign Office observed that the pre
dominant influence which Great Britain had exercised in Maskat for nearly a
ceutury justified the declaration of “ formal protectorate at the earliest con-
• s.. TV,*., mi-71, cu.pt.r xvni. venieut opportunity, and as the Anglo-
p»c« 12], at to iiio circamtuncca iu wbku tbo French Declaration* of 1862, by which
Declaration wa. made. England and France bound themselves to
respect the independence of tbo Sultaus of Zanzibar and Maskat, has been
modified by tbo recognition this year by France of an exclusive British
protectorate over Zanzibar, His Lordship is of opinion that it is advisable to
seek for and use an opportunity of withdrawing altogether from tbo Declar
ation of 1862, and establishing an exclusive British protectorate also over
Maskat.” Lord Salisbury did not, however, consider it practicable to move in the
matter for the time being, but promised to bear in mind the views expressed
by Lord Cross and the Government of India in any future negotiations w’ith
France upon other matters (Lord Cross’s Despatch No. 29-Secret, dated 21th
October 1890).
(3) Declaration of the Sultan, dated 20th March 1891, pledging andbind-
8ecret K., March 1891, No*. 118-120, and July ing himself, ilis heirs and SUCCeSSOrS,
i89i, Not. 395-398. never to cede, to sell, to mortgage, or
otherwise give for occupation, save to the British Government, the dominions
of Maskat and Oman or any of their dependencies.
Soerct E, March 1801, No*. 127—182. (4) The Commercial Treaty of 18th
Secret K., May 1802, Noi. J27—137- March 1891 with the Saltan of Maskat.
2. There wa9 in tho year 1891 a demi-official correspondencef between
Colonel Mockler, Political Agent, Maskat,
t Brought into the Proceeding*.
Major Talbot, Political Residont, Persian
Gulf, and tho Government of India, which deserves to be read hero. The derai*
official lettor, dated 6th March 1891, of Colonel Mockler with admirable fore
sight into the character of Sayyid Faisal and the signs of the times pourtraya
C973FD
