File 600/1905 Pt 5 'Aden Hinterland: Treaty with Sultan of Balahaf' [‎142r] (67/152)

No. 8139; dated Bombay Castle, tbe I5tb December 1905.
From—The Hon’ble Sir Steyning W. Edgerley, iv.C.V.O., C.I E., Chief Secre
tary 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. , Political Department,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreigu Departmei t.
With reference to the correspondence ending with ray letter No. 5736, Ritl -
dated the 11th September 1905, I am directed to forward, for the consideration
of the Government of India, copy of a letter No. 7166, dated the 24th Novem
ber 1905, from the Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. , Aden, on the subject of the treaty nego
tiated with Sultan Mohsin-bin-Saleh of the Wahidi tribe of Balahaf.
2. I am to append the treaty in triplicate and to recommend it for rati*
• Vide Government of India. Foreign n,,*ar t . hcation by the Government of India. The
ment, letter No. i)73-E.,t dated i3ti> j.me 1895. treaty follows verbatim the one concluded* fPro. N • ^3
with Sultan Saleh bin Abdullah in 1895, except that in Article II, the word
“himself” has been omitted, evidently through a clerical error, as the word Kos- i-sl
corresponding to it in Arabic occurs in tbe Arabic version.
3. With reference to paragraph 6 of tbe Resident’s letter I am to observe
that, in the opinion of the Governor in Council, there is no reason at present
to enhance Sultan Mohsin’s stipend, hut that, if Habban and Dir Ali should
ultimately come under Ids influence, the circumstances might then warrant a
revision of the amount now paid to him.
4. As regards the request for the presentation of a cannon, I am to say
that the G >vernor in Council supports Geueral Mason’s recommend itiou that a
small smooth-bore gun should be presented to bultau Mohsiu for saluting pur
poses at Balahaf.
No. 7166, dated Aden Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. , tbe 24th November 1905.
From— Major-General H. M. Mason, Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. , Aden,
T 0 The Chief Secretary 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. , Political Department.
I have the honour to forward herewith, in quadruplicate, for favour of
ratification by H ; s Excellency tue Viceroy and Governor-General of India, the
fresh Treaty concluded by Sultan Mohsiu-bin-Saleh of Balahaf in accordance
with the instructions contained in Government of India, Foreign Department, J* 2
letter No. 2388-E. B.,* dated 21st June 1905.
2. Sultan Mohsin-bin-Saleh has been made the only signatory to the No.. 828 - 233 .
Treaty and it has been fully impressed upon him that the sole responsibility
for the conduct of the Wahidis of Balahaf and its dependencies will henceforth
vest in him. I have impressed upon him that he will be expected to deal
fairly with all the shareholders in the revenues of the small port and to
manage its affairs to the general satisfaction of both ourselves and the country
side. Sultan Mohsin has willingly accepted this responsibility. He under
takes to be fair and just in all his dealings and he invites judgment according
to his future actions.
3. As I have already reported he is by far the most influential Chief of
the Wahidi tribe and alone exercises any real influence over their affairs. His
three brothers, Ahmed, Hadi and Hussan, who witnessed the treaty are entirely
subservient to him, and his cousin, Abdulla-bin-Husen though a n ‘ an 0
some influence, is subordinate to his control. 1 he late Sultan Sale i-bin-
Abdulla is, as he always has been, a man of no personal influence and has lost
the little he ever had by his recent endeavour to part with his share of Balahaf
to the Kayti.
4. Sultan Mohsin has, as I anticipated, now definitely appealed for an
enhanced stipend. He represents that his responsibility is great an ia ie
now intends to properly discharge it. He points out that the coast districts
need a firm control which he can only exercise by maintaining su cleu orCt s
to quell disturbances. He urges that he has been now elected to a position of
more importance than that pertaining to the bultan of Balaha a one, an a
his expenses on account of entertainment and the general mamtenence 0 ns
status as Sultan of all the people of Abdul Wahid will be enhanced accordingly.
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