'Papers Respecting the Slave Trade on the East Coast of Africa and the System Pursued for its Suppression' [‎52v] (44/72)

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the Governor-General's letter to the Bombay Government, of the 6th November, and that
I was going too far in compassing the freedom of any of the slaves held by the Kutchees,
although the possession of a large number of slaves would offer facilities to the traffic
which I could not control, otherwise than by reducing the number of domestic slaves to a
minimum, and getting a correct list and description of them.
I therefore called the Sultan's Secretary, and, without letting him know that I had
overstepped the limits of my powers, I requested him to convey to the Sultan my wish to
conciliate matters, and my readiness, considering the assistance we had invariably received
from His Highness in putting down the Slave Trade, to abstain from interference with the
slaves already in the hands of the Kutchees under his protection, provided His Highness
would afford me his co-operation in punishing them if they sold or bought slaves in his
dominions.
The Sultan appeared to be gratified at this concession ; and on the 20th February I
embodied my conditions in a letter to the above effect; to which Seyd Majid replied, by
accepting my conditions provisionally, pending reference to 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. .
I have the honour to forward herewith, inclosed copies of the correspondence above-
mentioned.
As matters stand, I do not interfere with the slaves actually held by Kutchees
protected by Seyd Majid, though I have established my right to jurisdiction over them in
the event of their engaging in the Slave Trade. I have offered to press upon the
consideration of his Excellency, the Governor of Bombay, our non-interference with them,
if His Highness will punish them himself, whenever they purchase or sell slaves. I have
reserved to this Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. the right to interfere in the event of His Highness being remiss in
carrying out his engagements. I have further, in accordance with the views expressed by
his Excellency the Governor-General, closed the door upon future arrivals from India
being protected by the Sultan.
This latter clause is the one most objected to by the Zanzibar Government, for it will
have the effect of restoring to the British Political Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. the influence and power it
formerly possessed, which was beginning to diminish in consequence of our gradually
losing the hold we had at one time over the Indian element of the population, which is not
inconsiderable.
In reply that his Excellency the Governor-General will give to the Sultan's Deputy,
will depend the question whether this influence is to be increased or totally annulled, in
the course of time.
I have, &c.
(Signed) HY. A. CHURCHILL.
Inclosure 2 in No. 51.
The Sultan of Zanzibar to Mr. Churchill.
(Translation.)
(After the usual compliments.) Zanzibar, 17 Shawal, 1285 (February 1, 1869).
YOU addressed us some time since with reference to the Indians under our protec
tion and it was our intention to have answered you, when we learned that you had put up
a notice at the Custom-house without waiting our reply, and now we are informed that
you have imprisoned one of the Indians in question.
Now let it be known to you that we protest against this measure, and shall not assist
you in compelling our subjects and those under our protection to free their slaves; and in
the event of your forcing them to do so it will be against our will, and we shall be
constrained to address a complaint of such proceedings to Her Majesty's Government.
Be this known to you.
Written on the 17th Shawal, 1285.
From your Friend,
MAJID BIN SAEED.
Inclosure 3 in No. 51.
Mr. Churchill to the Sultan of Zanzibar.
(After the usual compliments.) Zanzibar, February 1, 1869.
I HAVE had the honour to receive your Highness' letter of the 17th Shawal,
relative to the measures that I have been instructed by the Government of India to take
with a view to putting down the Trade in Slaves, which I lament to say is carried on in