Page 31 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

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property, and that this was a most serious matter, and would be regarded as
such by Government. To this they said that Sayyid Faisal was not a friend of
Government, and that they had chosen Sayyid llamid-bin-Tlioweym because
they know he was. Asked how it could bo presumed Sayyid Faisal was not a
friend of Government, they would only sny that the fact was clear as the day.
(51. Whon tho message of tho leaders of the insurgonts was communicated
to the Viceroy, Major Sandler was instructed toinfrom them that u the Govern­
ment of India will not 'permit union of Zanzibar with Maskat, which was
declared distinct and separate more than 30 years ago, and that the property of
JBrilish subjects must be respected, or active measure for its protection will be
taken.
02. As regards the conduct of operations by the Sultan, Colonel Wilson
wired on 3rd March :—
u Attitude of Sultan of Maskat hardly satisfactory notwithstanding his grave obligations
regarding British interests. I can obtain no authentic information regarding his pro8|»ects of
restoring order, though ho has been asked. Ho has adequate foron, but shows no vigour. If it
be desired to domand evacuation of town, only offeotivc means in naval opinion of coercing
rebels shelling town, causing groat destruction. Have maintained stiict neutrality pending
further communication from you/'
63. The Government of India repliod on 4th March—
" Yon will naturally give Sultan no expectation of receiving assistance in coercing
rebels”
64. On the third day of the truco agreed to on 3rd March, tho Wazir was
asked to convey a message to tho Sultan, asking if His Highness would agree to
prolong tho period of the truce, but this His Highness absolutely declined to do,
saying he had received further reinforcements, more were on their way, and be
hoped soon to be able to make a resolute attack on the rebels’ position. In reply
the Wazir was told that it rested with His Highness ffc incur the further respon­
sibility, if such there could be, of declining another day’s truce to remove
British property still remaining in the town.
65. At 4 p.m. on tho 7th, having arranged for a short cessation of hosti­
lities, Major Saddler proceeded to the customs-house in one of Sphinx's boats,
and personally communicated to Sheikh Saleh the orders of Government, to the
effect that:—
(а) any union between Maskat and Zanzibar was now impossible ; and
(б) that British property must be respected or else we should have to
take active measures to protect it.
He added on behalf of the Resident that the position contemplated in (b)
had practically arisen from their recent acts in looting and impending the
removal of British property.
66. Sheikh Saleh did not deny that damage had been doue by his followers
and laid stress on tho fact that damn go had also been done by the Sultan’s
people. vTo this the Political Agent remarked that lie had met him with
reference to mattors on his side and not with regard to tho shortcomings of the
Sultan’s followers. Sheikh Saleh then admitted his full responsibility for all
damage done by his people, promised full compensation, and asked, with refer­
ence to property belonging to our subjects still kept iu the town, that it might
be all removed to a placo of safety.
67. With regard to the question of damage and compensation, Major
Saddler replied, that he was not a ruler, and that the Government was not in
his hands, and that, therefore, although responsibility for damage done by his
followers was unquestionable, his mere acceptance of responsibility and promise
of compensation could not be accepted as sufficient.
68. In the afternoon an official of His Highness came on board the
R.I.M.S. Lawrence with letters from the Sultan, asking for our active
assistance in repelling the rebels. The Resident replied to His Highness
the following morning to the effect that the troubles which had befallen
him had caused him (the Resident) much concern, but that he regret­
ted that he was not authorised to intervene iu such an internal contest as then
unhupiily prevailed, and that therefore he. was unable to take the action which
His Highness sought. He added that he would be rejoiced to hear that these
troubles had come to an end.