'P. 1 733/1904. Muscat Arbitration. (1904-08).' [‎168v] (343/778)

Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Telegraph Station at Mussendom.
part of Sooleyman, the Chief, I merely stated, in reply, that I was acquainted
with the Joasmee Chief, and that he is on terms of friendship with the British
Government. At the same time I inwardly felt that, if it he really true that
Huhbalayn is subject to the Joasmees, and not to Muscat, discussions might
possibly hereafter arise with reference to our cable ; and this anxiety it was
that led me to notify the circumstance to Government in my letter above
referred to, though time was not at my disposal to enter into details on the
subject: Muklmkoo, the second village specified, is distant from Hubbalayn
some two miles by sea and three miles by land, is a place of occasional resort for
the inhabitants of lluhbalayn, and is, in fatty under thu am hoi-ity ot the Onief
of Hubbalayn: Muklub, situated as it is between, and in close proximity to, the
villages named, is, therefore, in like manner, subject to the Chief of Hubbalayn.
Although from the manner in which Sooleyman made known to me that he
considers himself a subject of Sheik Sultans I thought there might be some
truth in the statement he advanced, I felt by no means disposed to credit the
story until I had cautiously instituted enquiries on the subject. Without,
therefore, appearing to attach much importance to the fact of whose depend
ants the Hubbalaynites might really prove to be, I commenced endeavouring
to investigate the matter. One of my guides, a native of the Bunder Abbas
Districts,"assured me that the Hubbalaynites were “ lying ” (I make use of his
own expression), and that they are the subjects of the Sultan of Muscat. The
Wallee of Khussub repeatedly maintained that they are such, and went so far
on one occasion, I understand, as to make statement to that effect in the very
presence of Sooleyman, which statement Sooleyman did not attempt to refute.
Matters standing thus, and perceiving no means of obtaining reliable inform
ation on the spot, I at last determined to put the question. direct to His
Highness Syed Soweynee in writing, without, however, mentioning that the
people of Hubbalayn claim to be exempt from His Highness’s authority. Copy
and translation of the correspondence that has up to the present moment
passed on this subject I do myself the honor to enclose with this letter. It
will be seen therefrom that His Highness distinctly claims Kims sab, Muklub,
and the places in their neighbourhood as forming a portion of his dominions.
Unless, therefore, the Joasmee Chief puts forth counter-claims to Muklub, I
see no‘cause for any difficulties or obstacles arising with reference to tele
graphic communication across the isthmus dividing Elphinstone’s Inlet from
Malcolm’s Inlet. If, on the other hand, counter-claims be advanced
by the Joasmee Chief, I see no wiser course than to purchase out and out,
in behalf of the Sultan of Muscat, from the Joasmee, the rights the latter
pretends to possess over the locality, and subsequently to deal solely with His
Highness Syed Soweynee. I hope, however, no such necessity will occur.
* For a time, say the next two or
three months to come, Telegraphic
Officers and Establishment will be
located at Muklub and will require
protection.
(Sd.) H. D.
3. Muklub is a rocky, desert piece of ground, inconveniently distant from
water, inconveniently distant from resources, and
there is no intention, I believe, to utilize the spot
for any* permanent purpose save that of burying
our cable across it from one inlet to the other and
constructing upon it a land line. Khussab, and
not Muklub, is to be the Telegraphic Station, and so I gather from Colonel
Stewart, all we expect from the people of Hubbalayn and Mukhukoo is that
they should refrain from interfering with and should protect the cable and
land wire; that they should from time to time inspect the cable at its shore
ends, covering any portion that may accidentally be laid bare, and finally,
that they should immediately report to the Telegraphic Establishment at
Khussab any injury or accident that may have occurred to either cable or
wire. To ensure the attainment of these objects it will, of course, be necessary
for us to conciliate the Chief and his dependants, and this, in their case, can