File 600/1905 Pt 5 'Aden Hinterland: Treaty with Sultan of Balahaf' [‎179r] (141/152)

Telegram, No. 787, dated the 1st February 1905.
From—The Acting 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,
Bombay,
To—The Foreign Secretary, Calcutta.
Please see Foreign Department letter No. 3735 E. B., dated the 2nd
November 1904<, regarding Balahaf affairs. Mohsin-bin-Saleh arrived at Aden
on 8th December, and tendered formal submission to Resident on 10th.
Following telegrams have been received from Resident, dated 18th, 27lh, and
28th January. My letter No. 142, dated 9th January. Sultan Ghalib of
Maculla has written that Sultan Saleh-bin-Abdulla has sold his share of Balahaf
to him. He only awaited my signature to confirmation of the deed of sale.
No reference was made to me about this. I have replied that I could not possibly
give my consent without reference to Government. I do not recommend it.
Letter follows. Since my telegram of the 18th January, reporting purchase of
share of Balahaf by Sultan Ghalib, Mohsin has shown me a letter, purporting
to be from Ghalib to Customs official, Balahaf, informing him of purchase and
of his intention to proceed to Balahaf shortly, and ordering him to have accounts
of Customs due ready. Ghalib may have written this letter before receipt of
mine, refusing recognition of purchase pending the receipt of Government
orders. To-day Mohsin has shown me another letter from some of his principal
tribesmen, displaying alarm at rumoured purchase of Balahaf, and expressing
intention to commence hostilities. Mohsin’s younger brother, Hussen, arrived
to-day and confirmed this. Mohsin wishes to go Balahaf to prevent hostilities.
I have refused permission pending instructions. Meanwhile I am sending
Ghalib and Saleh-bin-Abdulla by Elphinstone to-morrow morning, warning
them to refrain from any action likely to lead to disturbance, and also a letter
from Mohsin to his principal tribesmen, urging them not to commence hostilities.
I have just interviewed Mohsin. He asked that he may be allowed to leave
Aden within four days’ time, and proceed with his brother, Ah mad-bin-Saleh, to
Balahaf to keep matters quiet, leaving a third brother, Hussen, who is now here,
as a hostage. If this be permitted, he promised to return himself to Aden
within two and-a-half months from date. I recommend this, particularly as
the plague is bad, which has frightened him. I believe Mohsin to be sincere.
He stated distinctly that, if his brother, Ahmad-bin-Saleh, is not allowed to
proceed with him, he cannot himself return to Aden, as he will be too ashamed
before his tribesmen. Please reply by telegraph within the time mentioned, as
I cannot detain Mohsin longer under my promise of personal liberty to him.
The following reply, dated 31st January, has been sent to 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. :—
Correspondence ending with your telegram of 28th January. See paragraph
4 of your letter No. 142, dated 9th January. Provided you are satisfied as to
Mohsin’s bona fidea in submitting existing position and as to validity of the
guarantee which Mohsin proposes, namely, that he and his brother will take it
in turn to remain in Aden as sureties, Government authorise your permitting
Mohsin and Ahmad to proceed to Balahaf for purposes of maintaining peace
on following understanding: namely (1), that Hussen remains at Aden;
(2) that if Mohsin fails to return to Aden otherwise than with permission of
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. on expiration of two months and-a-half, Government will be free to
reconsider views taken regarding his position and claims, and will give him 1
no further consideration. A full report will he submitted shortly by letter
regarding future of Balahaf.
Foreign Office Press—No. 947—8*2*05—40.