‘Précis of correspondence relating to Zanzibar affairs from 1856 to 1872. Prepared by Captain P D Henderson, attached to the Foreign Department’ [‎100v] (40/114)

Arbitration of Government of India-
Sved Maiid) would suffice to cover more than one-half of the Muscat subsidy; and if, in
addition thereto, His Highness would abstain from other useless expenditure, there can be no
doubt that he would be able to meet the obligation with comparative ease. As regards his
debts to the Customs Master, amounting to 327,000 Crowns, and those to his orphan brothers,
whose share of their father's inheritance he has borrowed to the extent of seven lakhs One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees ot crowns.
Colonel Kigby, after reviewing Syed Majid^s financial position, comes to the conclusion that,
with prudence and care, his existing liabilities might soon be paid o{f.
" But the finances of Syed Thoweynee are comparatively as much embarrassed as those of
Syed Majid, and the payment annually of 40,000
Crowns by the latter, considering the capabili
ties of the Zanzibar territories, will still leave
him in better circumstances than the ruler of
Muscat.* In fact, without that aid I do not
perceive how Syed Thoweynee can continue
long to administer the government of Oman.
Hence, as so many grave considerations are
involved in the prompt and regular payment of
the stipulated subsidy, I trust that the Right
Hon'ble the Governor General (should His
Lordship coincide in the view here taken of the
subject) will attach such sanction as he may
to ensure the faithful discharge of that obligation by His Highness Syed
Zanzibab.
* The revenue of Zanzibar is estimated at
Syed Majid 's outstanding liabilities, inde
pendent of seven lakhs One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees of crowns borrow
ed from his orphan brothers (for the
greater part of which, however, he holds
their shares of the moveable and im
moveable property, which fell to them
by inheritance from their father) at
M uscat.
The revenue of Muscat is estimated at
Syed Thoweynee's liabilities at
deem expedient
Majid."
Crowns.
206,000
327,000
129,500
81,000
26. Brigadier Coghlan's report. His opinion on certain colla
teral points.— In the next succeeding paragraphs of his report, Brigadier
Coghlan proceeded to consider some collateral points connected with the main
subject under discussion :
(a.)—The propriety or otherwise of providing for the succession to the
sofereignty of Zanzibar on the death of Syed Majid, who had no
male issue. His remarks on this subject need not be noticed,
as the Governor General in his award declined to offer on opinion
in the matter.
(6.)—The claims of the younger children of Syed Saeed at Zanzibar.
Syed Thoweynee alleged that Syed Majid had wrongfully
assumed the guardianship of these orphans and appropriated
their shares in their father's inheritance. Syed Majid acknowledged
his liability to them to the extent of seven lakhs One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees of crowns, and
justified his use of their property on the ground that he had
been appointed a joint executor to his father's will, which will
was in the possession of one of the other executors who resided
at Mecca. Should this document be forthcoming, said Brigadier
Coghlan, there would be an end of the dispute, otherwise Gov
ernment might afterwards move in the matter to prevent dis
putes between the brothers.
(c.)—The course to he pursued with regard to Syed Burgash. Should the
independent sovereignty be awarded to Syed Majid, Brigadier
Goghlan suggested that Burgash should be permitted to reside
at Zanzibar under surveillance of the British Consul.
27. Brigadier Coghlan's report. Independence op Sohar and
concluding suggestions.— Brigadier Coghlan had been directed by Government
to make enquiries, both at Muscat and Zanzibar, with regard to the justice of
the claim advanced by Syed Toorkee to the independent sovereignty of Sohar.
The discussions pertaining to this question belong more properly to the history
32