Page 40 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

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CHAPTER VI.
Zanzibar affairs: The supposed connection of the Sultan of
Zanzibar with the rebellion at Maskat, 1894-95.

(i) Visits of Oman Sheikhs, tho leaders of tho Maskat rebellion to Zanzibar: their
warm reception: the Sultan of Zanzibar’s native adviser: JHilal bin Omr’s
intrigues.
92. Sayyid Hamid-bin-Thowoyni (son of Sultan of Maskat, who was
murdered in 1SGG) was elected as Sultan
Secret E., July 1894, No*. 68-67.
of Zanzibar in 1893, in succession to his
undo, Sayyid Ali. Sayyid Hamid had spent most of his early years of lifo in
Maskat and had a largo number of friends among tho Arab Sheikhs. When
therefore he was raised to the masnad at Zanzibar, he took a keen intorcst
in Maskat affairs and was visited by a largo number of Arab Sheikhs, whom lie
sent back loaded with presents. In a letter, dated 19th January 1894, General
Mathews, tho Sultan’s Minister, wrote to
Hid.
Mr. Rodd—
u The Ma that Arabs are coming in numbers. They want him to join Masha t with his
African dominions, and would rue against, tazil of Maskat, if he only gave Ihnn a chance of
doing so, but the Sultan is too loyal to Ilor Majesty’s Government and would not think of
moving in the matter without sanction of tho Government, At the same time it was his greatest
with. Ho haa not spoken openly to me about it, but has said great deal about Maskat, and
his people whisper (as the Arabs and Pereiaus say) little sayings to tho point in one’s ear,
which probably como from him.”
93. On 13th February 1894, four leading Oman Sheikhs arrived at
Zanzibar, viz.:—
1. Abdullah-bm-Saleb, son of Saleh-bin-Ali, the Chief of Harothi tribe.
2. Mohsin-bin-Omar.
8. Hamid-bin-Said, el-Jahafi (the notorious robber Chief).
4. Ali-bin-Hassan.
94. In reporting their arrival at Zanzibar Mr. W. B. Cracknall, Consul
General at Zanzibar, (No. 29, dated 14th
Ibid, No. 69.
February 185)4), stated that two different
reports had reached him in regard to the objects of their visit to Zanzibar—
(1) that they wished to offer the Sultanate of Maskat to Sayyid Hamid;
(2) that having heard of the hospitable reception given by Sayyid Hamid
to another Maskat Sheikh, had gone to Zanzibar in expectation
of the same to themselves.
Mr. Cracknall proposed that in case the Sultan broached the subject to him,
he should give a negative answer, bearing in mind the award of Lord Canning
in 1861, the political influence of the Government of India, and tho position
of the protecting Power.
95. The Earl of Kimberley telegraphed to Mr. Craoknall on 22nd March
approving of his views and directing him to warn the Sultan to have nothing
to do with the intrigue.
96. When this message was communicated to the Sultan, ho stated that
„ fil tho Arabs of Maskat were discontented
with rule of Sayyid Faisal and wished
a change, that Faisal had been intriguing with Russia and that at a secret
interview held with a Russian Agent, an agreement had been come to with refer­
ence to Russian protection and flag (Mr. Cracknall’s telegram to Earl of
Kimberley, dated 22nd March 1894).
97. From Major Saddler’s report (dated 20th June 1894) on the above
correspondence, it appears that the Harethi
Secret E., Srpiemtwr 1894, Koi. 14-17.
Sheikhs above mentioned had, before going
to Zanzibar, visited Abdul Aziz at Bombay and made overtures to him, but were
very guarded in their language. Probably they saw no way to get Abdul Azi*
out of Bombay.