Page 245 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

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CHAPTER VIII.
Grant of protection to runaway slaves on the coast,
(i) Giving protection to runaway slaves at nevai depots on the Coast.
147. In May 1887 a woman from Kilwa, who appears to have been sold to
an Arab residing a few miles from Ras-
Extornal A.,' October 1887, N01. 278-393.
Madraka about three years previously
applied to Lieutenant C. Bcresford of H. M. S. Osprey “while on shore” at Ras-
Madraka (that is in an armed naval camp) for protection, and was given shelter
and finally carried to Maskat, where she was liberated.
148. The Political Agent, Maskat, wrote to the Commander of the Osprey
(Captain Gissing) that asylum was in this case improperly given and suggested
that officers on shore be cautioned against extending protection to fugitives
applying to them as being out of their province to do so and certain to give rise
to unpleasant complications. Colonel Ross agreed in this opinion, and added that
armed naval camps should not be formed on territory belonging to the Sultan of
Maskat, except with the knowledge and consent of the Political Agent at
Maskat.
149. The Government of India in writing to the Rear-Admiral expressed
concurrence in Colonel Ross’s opinion (No. 1188, dated 6th September 1S87).
150. The Naval Commander-in-Chief,
External A., March 16S8, Nos. 57-61.
however, explained that—
“ For maintenance of efficient blockade it has been usual for boats taking intend
cruising to have established depdts and rendezvous at principal head lands, where there
are secure harbours. ”
151. In reply, it was pointed out that the Resident was aware that these
camps had been occasionally formed on shore during the previous two years and
that it was not intended to interfere with the establishment of such depots in
connection with boat cruising or as a part of the precautionary measures neces­
sary to prevent the importation or landing of slaves, but that the objection to
which the Resident had pointed out had especial reference to the grant of pro-
taction to fugitives at the depdts, without the cognisance 0] the Sultan and the
political authorities (No. 31, dated 9th January 1888).
(ii) Practice at Maskat and on the Arab Coast as regards runaway slaves taking
refuge at the agencies or residencies.
151. A question was put in the House of Commons in August 1897 in regard
to an alleged practice of surrendering to
Secret E., Jane 1898, Nos. 279-293.
owners runaway slaves at Aden and Mas­
Secret E., Maj 1899, Nos. 116-128.
kat. The Government of India was asked
to report on the subject.
152. The practice followed at the Arab Coast, Bushire and at Maskat
appears from the reports of the Political Agent at Maskat and the Resident at
Bushire to have been as follows :—
“ Slaves imported to the Arab Coast and Bahrein subsequent tojthe dates of the agree­
ments noted in the margin, with the various
*’ RasMiT-khimah. Sheikhs, are given manumission certificates on
Shargah. taking refuge at the British Agencies. Slaves
3. Um-ul-Kowaia. who were born in slavery, or who were imported
J prior to the execution of the agreements witn
6. Abu Thabi. the Sheikhs, are returned to their masters. The
Agreement— • practice in Bahrein in regard to such slaves has,
•£\?X5Xnf wi?
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with other Chiefs, No. XXVIII; additional article however, been to make the masters sign papers
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with all the Chiefs—vide Xitchison’s Treaties, Vol- agreeing to treat them kindly if returned, with
ume X, pages 133-134 and 117-1x8. the condition that they will be liable to be re­
leased if it is found that they are being badly treated.
Slaves taking refuge on board men-of-war are released under Article XXVIII of the
General Act of the Brussels Conference.
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