File 3939/1926 Pt 6 'Revision of Aitchison's Treaties. Persian Gulf Section.' [‎400r] (235/818)

OMAN (MUSCAT).
5
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In 1862 an Engagement (No. X) was concluded between Great Britain
and France, by which both powers engaged reciprocally to respect the
independence of the rulers of Muscat and Zanzibar.
In 1864 Saiyid Thawaini agreed (No. XI) to the construction of one
or more lines of telegraph through the territory of Muscat: and in 1865
a Convention (No. XII) was made with him for the extension of the
electric telegraph through his dominions in Arabia and Makran.
In February 1866 Saiyid Thawaini was assassinated at Sohar, where
he had gone to organise an expedition against the Wahabis. Grave
suspicions of having been concerned in this crime attached to his son
and successor Saiyid Salim : and so much alarm was created at Muscat
that trade was paralysed and the town was deserted by British subjects
residing there. Envoys were shortly afterwards sent by Saiyid Salim to
Bombay; but they were informed that, while the British Government had
no wish to interfere in the domestic affairs of Oman, they were compelled,
in the circumstances of the case, to suspend friendly relations with the
ruler of Muscat. At the same time, the treaty obligations of the British
Government with the State of Muscat, •which had for their special object
the protection of British subjects residing in Muscat territory, were in no
way abrogated, and their fulfilment would be required from every ruler
of Muscat. i
Subsequently, however, as the people of Muscat had apparently ac
cepted Saiyid Salim as their legitimate Chief, it was intimated to the
'merchants trading with Muscat that they might resume commercial deal
ings with that port: and finally in September 1866, Saiyid Salim wag
recognised by the British Government as ruler of ihe State. The appoint
ment of a British officer as Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. was revived in the following
year. > d
In the meantime Saiyid Turki, brother of Saiyid Thawaini, who had
been residing at Bushire on an allowance granted to him by the British
Government pending a settlement of Oman affairs, made an unsuccessful
iattack on Muscat. For this breach of the maritime peace his allowance
nvas stopped: and he was subsequently warned that similar proceedings,
which he was believed to be meditating in concert with the Shaikh of
Dadai, would expose him and his adherents to be treated as enemies of
the British Government.
In June 1867 Saiyid Turki attacked Sohar by land, but was driven
off with loss; subsequently, howeyer, he captured Matrah, the principal
fort commanding the pass leading to Muscat; and, as Saiyid Salim was
unable to expel him, an arrangement was effected through the mediation
of the British Resident, by which Saiyid Turki was to receive a monthly
allowance of COO dollars from Saiyid Salim, on the condition that he
should reside in India.