"دليل الخليج. الجزء الأول. المواد التاريخية والسياسية. ملخص عن شؤون قطر، ١٨٧٣-١٩٠٤." [و‎‎١‎٤] (٩٢/٢٧)

17
Thirdly .—The Chief of Abuthabi might be inducdd to invite Tuikish intervention in
the affairs of Oman.
I am disiaolined to think this Chief would be so reckless, but the Oman Arabs are noto
riously sh irt-sighted, and will ofLen sacrifice much for momentary gratification. Sheikh
Zaid-bin Khalifa cherishes the most bitter hatred against Debai on one side. On the
other side, he is discontented about the forts of Bereymee. I d former times Sheikh Zaid
exercised muoh influence over a branch of the Naeem tribe which now holds Bereymee.
He was in the habit of visiting that place yearly and residing in the fort, but latterly
he has been excluded. It is not to bft overlooked, therefore, that an understanding between
Sheikh Zaid and the Turks, wiih the object of placing Bereymee in the hands of the latter,
might have attractions for both sides.
In Ssptember of last year, the Chief of Abuthabi, when on a visit to Muscat, informed
me he had a letter from some Turkish authority, which he viewed as an invitation to
recognize the siipremucy of the Ottoman Government. A report of this was made and
f awarded to the Government of Bombay by the Resident with his letter No. 1618-44.5
dated 5th October 1872. Sheikh Zaid afterwards, I recollect, personally Consulted Colonel
Pelly as to what reply he should seud to the said letter.
There is no doubt, I think, that the Turkish Arabian authorities consider b th Abuthabi
and Bereymee as portions of the province of Nejd, and that they would gladly seize any
favourable opportunity of possessing themsalves of, especially the latter place.
59. In reply* the Government of India referred Colonel Ross to the
poi ti.iii a , no.ember i67s, no. 108. instructions which have been already
quoted m. parasrraph 6 of this note.
• Foreiira Departmant No. 2760-P., dated 27 tb rnr.^— rl +1 ^ j i
October 1873. Ihey added that no answer need be given
to the Chief unless he pressed for one.
la this event he was to be told that not only would the Government of
India give no countenance to any expedition on his part by sea, but that
they would take active measures to prevent it.
60. In September 1873 Colonel Ross forwarded a letter from his Assistant,
political a,, November 1873, No. loi. Major Grant, reporting information acquir
ed on the Oman coast concerning the
alleged design of the Turkish authorities to extend their influence to Oman.
Translations of letters to the Chiefsf of Debai and Abuthabi from a Turkish
t Both Truci.i ciuefa. °® <:er named Yusuff Effendi, and of a
letter to Colonel Ross from Sheikh
Zaid-bin Khalifa of Abuthabi were attached. Colonel Ross wrote :
It appears from the correspondence that the Turkish authorities of Nejd are endeavour
ing to establish a friendly understanding with the Trucial Chiefs of 6m m, for political
or commercial purposes. According to the wording of Ynsuff Effendi's letter, the latter
object is in view ; but at the same time I understand the words used to inquire after rates
and * news ' taken in conjunction, may refer to the state of affairs of popular feeling.
It will be observed the Chiefs of Debai and Abuthabi disclaim any wish to enter into
relations with the Turkish authorities, and I feel sure none of them would at present trust
themselves in the hands of the Turks.
I do not feel sure that the Chief of Abuthabi does not know more about this Turkish
correspondence than he pretends. Expressions in Yusuff Effendi's letter to him might lead
one to think previous letters had passed, and it is somewhat significant that the Turkish
officer should wish this Chief to write letters to the others.
Whilst these letters do not themselves prove any intention of the Turks to interfere
politically in Oman, yet coupled with the generally received reports, I think there is ground
to view their operations in that quarter with vigilant distrust.
Tt is for Government to decide whether it would be advisable to obtain from the Turkish
Government an explanation of the proceedings.
61. In November 1874i, Colonel Ross reported that occasion had arisen for
Political a., december 1s74, No. 148. taking action in accordance with the
it « ^ • p a k v .,10 instructions of the 27th October 1873.
Fron Rerdeiit in Persian Oalf, No. 1S13«S74, nru^ irAUi.ui--ii • .
dated sisc notember. J-lie Oliiei of Abuthabi had again referred
to his wish to coerce the Odeid settlers
by sea, and had been told that the Government of India could not permit
such a proceeding. Sheikh Zaid then observed that the Turkish Government
claimed Odeid as under their protection, and that Turkish local oflicials had
written to him to that effect. He professed to have mislaid their letters