File 3939/1926 Pt 6 'Revision of Aitchison's Treaties. Persian Gulf Section.' [‎636r] (707/818)

6
OMAN (MUSCAT).
i
Saiyid Salim’s rule, however, was not destined to last long. In addi
tion to the suspicion of parricide, from which he could never entirely free
himself, his preference for the Ghafiri tribe, who professed Wahabi
jtenets, excited the discontent of their rivals the Hinawis, by whom the
ruling family of Muscat had been principally supported. JSarly in 1868
an expedition was undertaken by Saiyid Salim against his uncle, the
Chief of Masnaah, with whom he had a trifling dispute regarding money.
'Although a reconciliation was effected before hostilities actually began,
Saiyid Salim’s conduct on this occasion alienated many whose support
would have been valuable, while his resources were materially diminished
by the expenses of the expedition.
When, therefore, Azan bin Kais, Chief of Itostak and brother-in-law
of Saiyid Salim, rose in rebellion, the latter had neither friends nor money
with which to resist him. In October 1868 Azan bin Kais obtained
possession of the town of Muscat and, on the flight of Saiyid Salim, whom
the British -Government declined to assist by force of arms, was pro
claimed Chief. For some time Saiyid Salim endeavoured to rally his
friends on the Arab coast and contemplated an attack by sea on the Oman
ports. He was warned, however, against any act which might tend to
a breach of the maritime peace: and Government resolved to prohibit, by
force of arms if necessary, all naval operations by any party at Muscat or
elsewhere. The hope which Saiyid Salim entertained of assistance irom
the Wahabis was frustrated by the assassination at Shargah of Sideyn,
Governor of the Wahabi outpost of Beraimi, and by his own exertions he
could excite no enthusiasm for his cause among the Chiefs of the Arab
coast.
During the rule of Azan bin Kais the chief power was wielded by Said
bin Khulfan A1 Khuleli, the head of the priestly faction among the
Hinawis; his cruelties and exactions, and the severity with which he
enforced compliance with the precepts of the Koran, rendered Azan bm
Kais’s rule unpopular at Muscat, though his authority was successfully
asserted over the refractory tribes in the interior Early in 1869 the
iWahabi ’Amir Abdulla bin Faisal made a demand for tribute on Azam
bin Kais. To this no attention was paid : and, on the invitation of
Naim tribe of Bedouins, who had suffered from the oppression of Sideyn,
Aram bin Kais attacked Beraimi in June 1869 and captured i - P
tione for its recaptured were at once set on foot by the Wahabi Chief, m
whose possession it had remained for many years Fevmndy ^and u. the
first month of 1870 he was reported to be advancing on Beraimi with a
considerable force. Difficulties conueeted with the want of water en route
the anticipated hostility of the Abu Dthal.i Clncf.w 0 b;
in alliance with Azam bin Kais, and the intrigues of his brother Saud b
Faisal, combined to deter the Wahabi Chief from --y.ng his intentmne
into effect: and before the close of the year he was a fug , P - X