Page 51 - Gulf Precis (III)_Neat

-
35

declared themselves under Turkish protection, and finally their leader intimated
the wish of the tribe to bo taken under British protection, or to receive a
British guarantee for the redress of any future grievances. On the evening of
the 17th, Colonel Wilson required the Sheikhs in writing to submit within two
days to the authority of the Sultan, oil the proiuiso of pardon for tho past, and
the assurance that no now taxes would be imposed, and that any just complaints
would bo listened to. Tho Sheikhs were warned that force would be employed
if the terms given to them were not complied with. At dawn on the 20th the
Turkish flags had been struck; they were 60on after sent on board tho Jjaw^
renoe, and resistance was at an end. On the 21st Colonel Wilson landed and
confirmed tho assurances already given to tho Sheikhs.
156. Colonel Wilson left for Maslsat and Bushire on the 21st March, but
the Cossack with tho Political Agent remained two days longer at Dhofar.
Captain Beville had furthor interviews with the Sheikhs and reported that
they appeared to be satisfied and not unwilling to accept Sheikh Suleiman
as Wali should the Sultan re-appoint him. In the meantime Sheikh Suleiman
had actually sailed from Maskat to take up tho appointment. Captain Beville
was of opinion, after making careful enquiries, that the retention of Sheikh
8uleiman as Wali was the only means of securing the Sultan’s authority in
Dhofar, and that His Highness had no official strong enough to take Sheikh
Suleiman's place. On the 9th May Colonel Wilson reported that this latest
advices from Dhofar were dated the 9th April : all was then quiet and Sheikh
Suleiman had not yet arrived. Tho Sultan has expressed his cordial acknowledg­
ments for the assistance rendered to him.
167. The Government, of India approved of the action taken by Colonel
Wilson, and requested him to convey our congratulations to the Sultan.

I