'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Historical and Political Materials, Maskat [Muscat] territory, 1872-1903' [‎59] (61/138)

hj Lieutenants Brandon and Sterling. Sabir-bin-Sowaid, an official of
Sultan's household, took all three cffioers forcibly to Reiyam gate and detain-
ed them th< re. Tautik-bin-Ali, another Sultan's official, arrived ; and they
were taken in custody to palace and there released. Poiitical Agent returned
Maskat on 30th and succeeded in getting Kibrit publicly flogged on 5th Feb
ruary, while other two were marched off in irons to jail (9-2J. Latter two
were released on 10th April at Agent's request (11-4).
1899.
Secretary of State informed Viceroy with reference to Jissa difTiculty, etc.,
that Declaration of jS()2 must be maintained and respected; subject to this
any measure not requiring French concurrence, and likely to be effective
would be approved (3-1). Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. directed to ask Sultan about
lease of .lissa and warn him it would be contrary to engagement of 18^1,
and could not be permitted by British Government. If Sultan admitted lease,
Agent should protest and wire to Government of India for orders (11-1).
On iCth January Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. called at Jissa and returned Maskat. Local
Sheikh at Jissa said Irench V ice-Consul and Commander had taken photos
and made rough plans in October 1898. Officer and boats's crew of " Sphinx "
left at Jissa,* to hoist British flag if French man-of-war came in. Sultan
postponed answer on 16th and on 17th admitted he had granted French (Gov
ernment) a place to store coal, but locality not yet fixed. Fagan protested
verbally, on ground of infringement of engagement of 1891. Sultan denied
infringement and said promise given and he could not "snatch ''place from
French, British might " snatch " it if they liked. On 18th Fagan protested
again in writin?. On 19th Sultan sent rejoinder drifted at French Vice-
Consulate asserting English and French -equality, mentioning English coaling
sheds and refusins: discussion. Russian spy pr.'srnt in Maskat, interviewing
Sultan and Ottivi, and promising visit of Russian man-of-war and establish
ment of Russian Consulate (*21 1;. Action reported by Government of India
by telegram on 19th approved by Secretary of State, but hoisting of British
flag at Jissa to mean not appropriation of territory but prevention and punish
ment (if violation of 1891 agreement Subsidy to be withheld pending inquiry
into French concession (20-1). "Redbreast" to leave Bombay for" Maskat
on J5th January (23-1). Secretary of State wired Sultan might be reminded,
1st, of his formal recognition by British Government notwithstanding claims
of Abdul Aziz, who had hither o been prevented from leaving India; 2nd,
that Zanzibar subsidy was conditional on Sultan continuing faithful in ful
filling engagements and manifesting friendship towards British Government;
3rd, that British Government in 1895 warned Abdullah-bin-Saleh to cease
from attacking Sultan and had repeatedly used their good offices to uphold
his authority lie might be warned that, in event of unfriendly attitude on
his part, diplomatic and military support would be withdrawn and might pos
sibly take another direction. If anything else necessary, such as removal
Abtlul Aziz, Government of India could demand it on authority of former
telegram of 3rd January (25-1). On 22nd January Fagan wrote to Sultan
that if he had only given French a cove in harbour for coaling, as to English,
he could easily prove it. Subsidy ordered by Government to be withheld
till satisfactory explanation forthcoming. On 25th Sultan replied no cove
available in Maskat except Makalla and no difference between Maskat and
other parts of his dominions. No greater rights had been given to French
than to English. Friendly relations were earnestly desired by him. On 26th
Fagan answered he did not mean that French could have a cove in Maskat.
^f the concession to French Government were not a contravention of 1891
agreement. Sultan should produce documents in proof. On 27th Fagan point
ed out a cove separated irom Makalla by signal station as sutitable for a coaling
place. On 2^th Sultan declined to produce documents as heing contrary
to custom of independent States. On 2£<th Sultan piotested against Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent.
flag-staff being placed on ground instead of roof ; on 26th Pagan explained
reason was that weight was injurious to roof. None of Sultan's letters con
tained reference to 1S91 agreement. Fagan frankly informed British Indians
of Sultan's attitude to Government and of suspension of subsidy : he looked to
♦ N ote .—Good descript-on of JUsa at rroceedingg Secret E., February 1899, No 183.