"الإصلاحات في مسقط: الجمارك؛ الموارد المالية، والمفاوضات مع العُـمانيين" [و‎‎٩‎٨] (٥٠٨/٢٠٠)

J *
w
At Nizwa itself the matter has been delayed. News is
difficult to get as Nizwa is four or five lays journey. The
facts as far as T have been able to ascertain thera are these,
and they are interesting as throwing a strong light on politics
under the rule of the Imam.
Sheikh Isa and Sheikh Hamyar have both agreed
to return the gardens, if the Imam will agree. The Imam has
told Sheikh Said bin Nasir that he is willing tney should be
returned if Sheikh Isa will agree. But there are at Nizwa
itself a few "mutawwa" or holy men who are doing well as
holy men always do, out of the confiscated gardens, and they
are exercising the stringest passible pressure to prevent
the return. The Imam whose word once given is law is terrified
of acting against these men who rule xiim from the religious
point of view. Equally Sheikh Isa is momentarily nervous of
coming to Nizwa where this religious influence may be brought
to bear. Both the Imam and Sheikh Isa are therefore hesitating
from giving the final word, and the Imam with Sheikh Said bin
Nasir is proposing to go to Qabil, where Sheikh Isa is, tnere
to decide t^e matter finally. The mutawwa cannot accompany
him. Once his word is given it must be accepted, and at the
same time he will b» able to say that Shaikh Isa persuaded
him, while Sheikh Usa will bw able to say that the Imam
ordered him.
Absurd as this may seem, I yet think that it is a
fairly accurate appreciation of the situation.
Sheikh Said bin Nasir is certainly doing nie
best and his influence is powerful.
By sending a letter to Sheikh Isa on the lines
suggested in my telegram of the 2nd January I hope to bring
home to the Omanis the practical side of the question and
the need for decision. Paced with the necessity of saying yes
or no, I have every hope that they will say yes. The leading
men desire peace, but it is typical of a theocracy that they
fear to act against a few fanatics whom they themselves have
In power