'File 10/3 VI Qatar Oil Concession' [‎72v] (156/481)

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interference is not called for." If, however, the Amir's purposes appeared to be to
encroach on Muscat, or if " the result of these proceedings is found detrimental
to our relations with the maritime Arabs and our measures for the suppression
of piracy," a case for interference would arise, and in such an event it miglit
be desirable that 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. should warn the Amir that our
forbearance would be extended no further. Such an expression of the views
of the British Government would probably be sufficient to cause him to desist
from active operation against Muscat. At any rate, a demonstration by sea by
the British naval forces would produce the desired effect. If the Government
of Bombay considered that the mere declaration of our views or naval
operations alone would in all probability effect what is desired they were given
discretion to proceed accordingly. Otherwise, they should refer for further
instructions to the Government of India, A strong naval demonstration was
subsequently made, and forcible remonstrances addressed by the Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency.
both to the Amir and to his Lieutenant at Baraimi resulted in the conclusion of an
understanding between Muscat and the Amir.
102. In 1846 the Wahabi Amir was refused permission by the Government of
India to borrow aid against Bahrein from Trucial Oman A name used by Britain from the nineteenth century to 1971 to refer to the present-day United Arab Emirates. , a corresponding request
Lor. I, 881. from Bahrein being likewise refused.
Bahrein supported against Wahahis, 1851.
Lor. 1, 1112. 103. In 1851 the Amir, consequent on British naval intervention, found
himself obliged to come to terms with the Sheikh of Bahrein.
Muscat supported in Negotiations with W ahahis, 1852.
104. In 1852 the Resident, on Abdulla, son of the Amir, entering Oman,
remonstrated sharply with him for detaining at Baraimi the maritime Chiefs at a
time when he (the Resident) desired their presence to discuss a renewal of the
maritime truce, and negotiations between Muscat and the Wahabis were facilitated
by a British naval demonstration along the Arabian coast.
Nejd Precis,
§61.
me,
harbouring of
Correspondence with Amir, 1855.
105. In January 1855 the Resident pointed out to the Imam that the British
Government regarded the Arab tribes on the coast as independent Powers. The
Amir's reply is of some importance. He stated that " being a dependant of the
Exalted Turkish Government I hold the confirmation of the Sultan to my con
tinuance in authority over all the Arabs. To exemplify this, when Mehemet Ali
Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. . . . deputed his envoy to me, professing to hold me dearer and more
cherished than his own sons, to induce me to forward his interests in respect of
the coast of Oman and elsewhere within the peninsula of Arabia and to offer no
hindrance or opposition ... I replied ' Vou know that f am a dependant of the
Sultan of the Faithful, from whom, if you possess orders to that effect, let me be
informed of them. Otherwise this thing is impossible.' Thereupon war broke out
between me and him which lasted two years, and intelligence thereof duly reached
the Sublime Porte and they (the Sultan's Government) greatly rejoiced and were
much pleased with me and my influence and consideration with them increased
exceedingly. May God perpetuate their rule and the glory of their state." " With
regard to what you observe, that engagements have existed between the chiefs of
the coast of Oman and the Resident for a period of 30 years, this is well known to
their object being to guard against the occurrence of irregularities and the
disorderly characters, nought else. This is an arrangement of which
I quite approve on the part of Residents—both those who have gone before and
those who come after—for there is an understanding between us and the British
Government of 100 years' duration for the security of traders and travellers passing
on the seas. The coasts of Oman, however, and the territories thereof appertain
to the peninsula of Arabia under my control, and acknowledging my authority.
Further, the people of the districts in the interior of Oman and at the seats of the
Bedouin tribes are more powerful than, and have the command over, the inhabitants
of the coast and could not be restrained from preying upon and slaughtering them,
but that I maintain a Lieutenant with a force in Oman, who holds them back fro®
the people of the coast. These last are well assured of his protection ; otherwise,
were they abandoned to their fate, they could not subsist. Moreover, when, owing
to. their negligence, disagreements, too long to be detailed, and bloodshed han