'Slave-dealing and Slave-holding by Kutchees in Zanzibar' [‎133v] (55/63)

4. His Excellency will thus understand that I was quite prepared to find the
Rao's proclamation extremely distasteful to Syed Majid, nor was I altogether
surprised to receive a very strong letter in reply. This document, however, His
Highness laid before me privately, that he might ascertain what effect it was
likely to have, before affixing his official seal. In this letter His Highness denied
the right of the Rao of Kutch to issue any proclamation whatever to residents in
Zanzibar, on the assumed ground that no treaty existed between the two States.
He then set forth that the terms of the proclamation could not be conceded, and
that, notwithstanding, he would recognize only such Kutchees as registered their
names at the British Agensy to be subject to our jurisdiction.
5. In a conversation that ensued, I pointed out to the Wuzeer the fallacies of
His Highness's position. I showed him that the Rao was bound by treaty with
Great Britain to have no diplomatic relations abroad, and could not possibly enter
into independent treaties with foreign powers. In most respectful, yet decided,
language, I showed His Highness how very foolish it would be to take up a position
which he would be forced to abandon with loss of credit in the eyes of his subjects;
that, if His Highness placed this document in my hands officially, I was prepared
to bring matters to a crisis, by asserting at once the full powers given me under
the Rao's proclamation ; that, besides, he would stand in open antagonism to the
will of His Excellency the Governor of Bombay.
6. This remonstrance, I am happy to say, had its due effect. The letter has
been withdrawn, or, rather, never officially communicated, and in its stead I have
now the honour to enclose a copy, in translation, of the reply received. Herein
His Highness simply acknowledges the receipt of the proclamation, without
questioning its force, and asks that the minor questions regarding our jurisdiction
over the limited number of Kutchees who formerly enrolled their names as under
Arab protection may be considered. These questions have been fully explained
in Mr. Churchill's letter. No. 19/89, of 26th February, to which I have the honour
to refer.
7. The proclamation of His Highness the Rao of Kutch has been accordingly
published in town, and copies will be sent, in Arabic and Guzeratee, to the various
coast stations where Kutchees are established.
8. I shall, pending further instructions, adopt, but not officially recognize, the
spirit of Mr. Churchill's letter above referred to, and retain a neutrality in the
case of Kutchees formerly registered under Syed Majid, in all cases not involving
slave-dealing.
9. I beg, in conclusion, to state that your former instructions have been care
fully noted, and that the state of existing domestic slaves now held by Kutchees
will not be interfered with, but that I shall in all cases apply the law whenever
any native of Kutch shall be convicted of either buying or selling slaves.
Dated 5th Jemadi-el-awul 1286 (14th August 1869),
His Highness Syed Majid , Sultan of Zanzibar, to John Kirk , Esq., Acting Political
Agent, Zanzibar.
Your esteemed letter had reached, and your friend has understood it. Now we
perceive that the Right Honourable the Governor of Bombay in Council has given
you orders to lay before us the proclamation of the Rao of Kutch, and this we
have also understood.
The question of the Banian Merchant of Indian extraction. and Hindees we have already discussed through
Mr. Churchill on several occasions, and have asked him to lay the case before the
English Government; but until now we have received no reply, and have to beg
that you will again lay our claims, as stated by Mr. Churchill in his letter, before
the Government.