'Précis of correspondence regarding the affairs of the Persian Gulf, 1801-1853' [‎103v] (206/344)

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Part VI—Chap. XLI--B.
CHAPTER XLI—B.
Sultan of Maskat's Treaty with the United States of America, 1833.
321-D. On the 2nd November 1833 the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. received
Volume 32 of 1833-1834. information from their agent at Maskat,
as also from the Kesident in the Persian
Gulf, that two American ships of war had visited the Port of Maskat
with the object of entering into a Treaty of Alliance with His Highness the
Imam, and of establishing an agent at Zanzibar on the east coast of
Africa.
321-E. On referring to the only engagements in existence between His
Highness and the British Government, viz.) a cowlnamah, or written engage
ment, from the Imam of Maskat, dated 12th October 1798, and an agreement
entered into by the Imam with Captain Malcolm, dated 18th January 1800,
it did not appear that His Highness was prevented from entering into such
engagements with foreign States. The Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. , however,
deemed it proper to bring the above circumstances to the notice of the Governor-
General, and in reply they were informed that His Ijordship coincided with
them in opinion as to the right of the Imam to enter into such engagements
with foreign Powers.
321-F. In the month of April His Excellency Vice-Admiral Sir John Gore,
the Naval Commander-in-Chief, transmitted to the Bombay Government copy
of a report from Captain Hart of His Majesty's Ship Imogevny of his proceed
ings at Zanzibar, to which place he had been deputed to the Imam of Maskat,
by the Vice-Admiral.
On reaching Zanzibar Captain Hart waited on His Highness the Imam,
and in the course of conversation His Highness introduced the subject of the
Treaty, which he said he had entered into with the Americans, but not with
any intention of injuring or forgetting his best friends, the English, to whom
he felt so much attached, that he was willing to give them everything even his
country if they wished it. That as for the Americans he cared nothing for
them, nor were they anything to him. That if there was anything in^ the
Treaty, which Captain Hart objected to, he would immediately alter or break
and send it to America ; His Highness requested Captain Hart to peruse the
Treaty and give him his opinion on it, and said that he was ready to make any
alteration which that officer might suggest.
321-G. This Treaty consists of nine articles concluded on the 21st Septem
ber 1833, on the part of America by Mr. Edmund Roberts who is stated to be
only appointed by Letters Patent, under the signature of the President and
seal of the United States of America, the substance of which is as follows:
Art. 1. Perpetual peace between the United States of America and the
Imam of Maskat.
Art. 2. Citizens of the United States to have free liberty to enter all
ports belonging to the Imam with their cargoes of whatever
kind, to sell or trade as they think proper, the Imam not to fix
a price there on, or on the merchandize to be taken in return, the
sale of military stores, ammunition, etc., being reserved to the
Imam alone at Zanzibar, but in all other ports of the Imam
they may be sold without restriction.
Art. 3. Five per cent, duties to be paid on the cargoes of vessels of the
United States entering any of the ports belonging to the Imam
in full consideration of all import and export duties, tonnage,
license to the trade, pilotage, anchorage or any other charge
whatever—no charge on cargo on board unsold and re-exported,
nor shall any charge be made on any vessel entering the ports of
the Imam, for the purpose of refitting refreshmentsv