File 3939/1926 Pt 6 'Revision of Aitchison's Treaties. Persian Gulf Section.' [‎404r] (243/818)

OMAN (MUSCAT).
9
On the expulsion of Saiyid Salim by Azan bin Kais, Saiyid Majid again
declined to pay the subsidy, on the ground that a member of another branch
of the family has succeeded to power. This plea ceased to have force
when Saiyid Turki hag succeeded in establishing his authority, and he
appealed to the British Government to procure the due observance of the
terms of the arbitration. As the great obstacle to the consolidation of
Baiyid Turki’s power and the establishment of a peaceful administration
in Oman was his want of funds, it was determined to guarantee to him
the payment of the subsidy, with arrears from the date^of his succession
to power; and an assurance was conveyed to him in 1873 that, so long as
he continued faithfully to observe his treaty engagements and manifest
his friendship towards the British Government, the subsidy of 40,000
crowns would be paid to him annually during his rule. In accordance
with his guarantee, the payment was regularly made and, after the death
of Saiyid Turki in 1888, the subsidy was continued to his successors
always on the understanding and with the provisos under which it was
paid to Saiyid Turki. ‘
The greater portion of the money thus received by Saiyid Turki was
spent in subsidising the various tribes in the interior; but the successful
raid of Saleh bin AH showed how little reliance could be placed on their
allegiance, and illustrated the real weakness of Saiyid Turki’s authority
in Oman. As a means, of maintaining his position Saiyid Turki sought a
reconciliation with his brother Saiyid Abdul Aziz. Terms were finally-
arranged between the brothers, and Saiyid Abdul Aziz was permitted to
proceed to Muscat and was associated with Saiyid Turki in the govern
ment of the country. The difficulties, however, with which Saiyid Turki
had to contend did not disappear with the arrival of his brother:! and
Saiyid Turki, after an ineffectual attempt to conduct affairs unaided,
■entrusted the government to Saiyid Abdul Aziz and retired temporarily to
<Iwattar. '
Signs of opposition to the administration of Saiyid Abuul Aziz soon
became apparent: and, within a few months of his retirement, Saiyid
( Turki found himself in a position to return to Muscat. In December
1875, in the absence of Saiyid Abdul Aziz, he once more took possession
of the town and forts: and by Feoruary 1876 he had completed the re
establishment of his authority, Ibrahim bln Kais alone remaining ii de
pendent at the stronghold of Itosfak.
In 1879 Saiyid Turki, at the invitation of the Shaikhs, sent an expe
dition £o Dhofar from which the notorious Mopia usurper, Saiyid ladthl,
had lately been expelled by the inhabitants. The district was occupied
by Saiyid Turki’s troops: and! although two unsuccessful attempts were
made by the inhabitants in 1881 and 1888 to overthrow tne Sultan g rule?
still forms part of his dominions.