"تقرير الإدارة عن المقيمية السياسية في الخليج الفارسي للأعوام ١٩١٥-١٩١٩" [ظ‎‎٧‎١] (٣٩٦/١٤٩)

CA
PERSIAN GULF ADMINISTRATION REPORT
His HigVmeFs' financial condition is referred to under the heading Customs,
Since his necessary expenditure is equal to, ii not in excess of his income and
he has other expenses, soine of which are avoidable, and ^ others, though not
unavoidable, difficult to cut down in an Oriental State, his indebtedness can but
continue to increase.
Saiyid Taimur has inherited a throne in w hich his power extends only s0
far as the guns of British ships can reach, while he has perhaps inherited a
character which, though it might with guidance do much in stttled conditions,
can do little to cope with the difficulties with which he is surrounded. Cut off
from the Arab tribes by a rebellion which was a force before lie came into his
own, living in a capital of which the population consists mainly of ^British
Subjects, Baluchis and Negroes and in which there are no leaders of Arab
opinions, comparatively little in touch ^ith the luither poits wnich form a part
of his dominions over which he has still some control, represented by Walis who
are backward and corrupt, he has levV to whom he can turn for assistance.
The conditions are such as could only be dealt with by a man of experience
or great force of character and neither oi these qualities does the Sultan
possess.
On the other hand he gives promise of good judgment and is possessed of a
sound common sense—when he is left to himself—-which with maturity should
make him a better ruler than either his grandfather or his father, provided that
he is left with something to rule.
His Highness was represented at Gwadur by his brother Saiyid Salim who
was, however, recalled in October owing to disturbances and complaints of the
Hindu community in connection with a cow being killed and dragged through
the streets of the bazaar bv his soldiery in the previous July.
The family of the Sultan is a severe drag upon the finances of the state
and, since very few of them are employed, or employable they do not assist
much in the work.
Saiyid Dhiab, the cousin and brother-in-law of His Highness left Maskat
in October, and has resided in India ever since. It is presumed that, after
being some years in England, he finds life in Maskat somewhat impossible.
The Sultan does not appear to be very pleased with him.
The system of Customs remains the same, but several changes took place
^ , in the management 2 successive natives of
Customs, t t j -! •
India taking over charge.
The Superintendent of the previous year, Salim bin Abdullah al Khaimari,
•left at the end of the previous year his service having been dispensed with.
He was relieved by Saiyid Abu Salih, a native of Poona, the son of a former
Subedar of the Indian Army, and related to several native officers.
In November Saiyid Abu Salih was relieved by Muhammad Reimoo,
a Khoja and British Subject of Gwadur, who also formed the customs at the
latter port.
The reason for the change in this instance is stated to have been due to
the fact that Saiyid Abu Salih w r as unable to raise any further loans for His
Highness
Not the least of the reasons that a more satisfactory system of Customs
control is not introduced by the Sultan is that, under present circumstances, he
cannot draw upon the Customs Department for overdrafts as on a Bank, the
system having been to obtain the money from Hindu and other traders as an
advance against future Customs duties. As goods are imported the merchant
pays half^ dues the other half being credited towards paying off the advances
given, while 15 per cent, interest is charged on all such loans.
The present Superintendent is attempting to put an end to this system and,
when necessary, to borrow money in the open market at ordinary rates of
interest. He calculates that if he pays present fixed salaries and stipends,
which includes those of His Highness'family, it will take three years for him
o pay o a L debts on the Customs which have been incurred as above stated,
n T Calls are made u P 0n him - M however, the Sultan
legards the Customs at a source of general income, it would be unprecedented