Page 48 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

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his decision,'suspicious of our intentions and a desire to meet the wishes of
Sheikh Suleiman.* The correspondence enclosed with Major Saddler*a report
shows that he told the Sultan * the aid will bo given you on the understanding
that, as regards future arrangements at Dhofar, our advice will be followed.*
The Sultan asked Major Saddler * to oxplain what sort of advice will bo tendered
Major Saddler rejoined—* I should say that the nature of the advico that may be
tendored to Your Higlmos in connection with Dhofar will necessarily depend
upon circumstances, and I think that Your Higlmos need bo under no appre­
hension that such advice will bo given to Your Highness with any other object
but to promote Tour Highness* own interest and those of your Highness* sub­
jects in Dhofar, with a view to prevent tho possibility of a recurrence of the
lamentable stato of affairs now existing in that province.* Tho Sultan’s reply
was to the effect that Major Saddler had found tho ICathoris stubbornly hostile ;
and that His Highness was not now * inclined to conciliate them.*
141. Mr. Loe-Warner’sdemi-official letter of tho 7th August says—‘When
the Maskat papers were discussed in Com­
Socrot E., Juuo 1897, Nos. 1170.
mittee, two criticisms were advanced and
seemed to mo to find general support. One was that tho Political Agent did
not act firmly enough. The other was that the Sultan must have been per­
plexed and rendered suspicious when ho was not told what arrangements wore
to be made on his recovery of Dhofar.*
142. Tho Resident was told in June 1806 to report early if the Sultan gave
any indication of his future intentions as to Dhofar, aud, if ho failed to do so
within the three or four months, to advice the Government of India what should
bo done. Colonel Wilson sent no report till tho 19th December and then he
merely telegraphed—* Sultan has permitted former Wali Suleiman to prepare
expedition for recovery Dhofar.* Government of India replied by enquiring
whether Colonel Wilson considered the intention of re-employing Sheikh Suloi-
man should bo accepted; whether the Sultan was in earnest; whence His High-
ness would get the necessary funds, and what force he proposed to employ.
Colonel Wilson’s answer was—* I am not disposod to recommend permanent
employment of Suleiman at Dhofar ; but he might perhaps conduct expedition­
ary force. He has been trying to collect funds on tho Batineh Coast. Sultan
himself appears lukewarm. Would Government in any caso renew the offer of
assistance, man-of-war ? Political Agent recommends pecuniary aid. May I
hold out hopes if it appears advisable ? (Telegram dated 23fch December 1896).
(iv) Question of lending man-of-war and other assistance to the Sultan; Interna­
tional difficulties, 1896-97.
143. Meanwhile the Government of
8ecrot E., June 1897, Noe.11-70.
India had telegraphed to the Resident as
follows:—
Tologram No. 2127-E. A., datcdlthe 23rd Docombor 1896.
From—The Foreign Secretary, Calcutta,
To—The Political Reaidont, Persian Gulf, Bushire.
«It is desirable you should visit Maskafc without rauoh delay for purpose of reporting on
the general position with special reference to the Sultan's finanoes and his request for a further
loan, the future of Dhofar and the results to be expected from present arrangements as to
recovery of indemnity for losses in rebellion * * * In view of French activity Her
Majesty's Government are specially desirous to maintain influence over and friendly relation^
with Sultan
114. With reference te the Resident’s telegram of 28th December 1896
the Government of India telegraphed :—
Telegram No. 17-E. A., dated the 4th Januaiy 1897.
From—Tho Foreign Secretary, Calcutta,
To—The Political Resident, Persian Gulf, Karachi (toho posted to Maskat).
Maskat affairs. Orders caonotjssue till report as in telegram No. 2127-E.A. received,
but—
Firstly.--As to Dhofar—yon may explain to Sultan solo desire of Government is to
eecure it to His Highness. There is no wish or intention to fetter his discretion
as to local arrangements. Government will only advise his avoiding any course