'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Historical and Political Materials, Maskat [Muscat] territory, 1872-1903' [‎62] (64/138)

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with tacit assent of Erencli Government, paramount position in Maskat of
British Government, (28-2). Sultan still reoeiving Abdul Aziz by day and night
Abdul Aziz in Sharkiya endeavouring to raise tribes against British (28-2).
Viceroy suspended communication proposed by Secretary of State, informing
the latter. Agent authorised to withhold subsidy if facts as stated about Abdul
Aziz (1-3). Full despatch to Secretary of State (2 3). On 2Sth February
Fagan visited Sultan and latter promised to carry out wishes of Government
about Abdul Aziz, but on 1st March Sultan again received Abdul Aziz (13).
Ottavi saw Fagan and tried unsuccessfully to get him to withdraw objections to
Abdul Aziz dealing with Sultan (6-3). British Law Officers held (1) that
declaration of 1862 did not require British Government to abstain from exer
cising predominant influence iu Maskat, so long as that influence not exerted
in way inconsistent with independence of Maskat. Subsidy, and terms on which
payable, involved no breach of declaration. (2) British Government would be
justified in punishing and even deposing a particular Sultan who broke engage
ments with British Government. Consent of France not necessary. It would
be breach of declaration if after deposition a Sultan were set up who was not
independent. Sultan could not consistently with independence of Maskat be
compelled to accept Ministers and advisers acceptable to British Government
(8-3). Sultan was not required not to receive Abdul Aziz. Sultan apparently
wrote spontaneously to M. Ottavi that he could not receive Abdul Aziz. Latter
!had been regularly paid by Sultan from November 1895 to October ]898-thu3
Viceroy to Secretary of State (14-3). Tribes inflamed by Abdul Aziz wrote to
Sultan offering their assistance against British (14-3). On 7th March French
Consul informed Sultan that France and England had arrived at a settle
ment ; that France had secured from England an assurance that the independ
ence of Maskat would be respected and that no objection would now be raised
by British Government to grant of coal-dep6t by Sultan to France. French
Consul stated he would not press Sultan to receive Abdul Aziz. After this
visit Sultan's attitude improved, but subsidy was still withheld (14-3). ^
Abdul Aziz was in Sultan's employ in 1893 before Ottavi arrived in 1894 from
Zanzibar (17-3). On 12th March Sultan paid 1st friendly visit overpaid by
him to 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. at Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. . His attitude was improving daily (16-3).
Fagan informed Sultan no objection to French coaling shed in Maskat
harbour similar to English, no political or territorial rights being involved,
provided British Government consulted as to situation and conditions and assent
given. Proposal from French Consul to be submitted to Fagan in writing
(20-3). Ottavi, when challenged, pretended ignorance of dual employment
of Abdul Aziz and Sultan pretended Abdul Aziz not in his permanent employ
ment; both pretences false (21-3). Mirza Muhammad Mohsin Ali Khan,
ordinary Moghal of Lucknow, was convicted by Sessions Court, Fyzabad, under
Section 471, fndian Penal Code, of using a forged document as genuine and
sentenced, on 23rd October 1897, to two years' rigorous imprisonment and Rs.
300 fine. Appeal was dismissed on 25th February 1898 and accused (who had
been liberated on bail) absconded. On 8th July Sultan, Maskat, wrote, and on
11th telegraphed to Viceroy asking pardon for Mohsiu Ali who had taken
refuge at Maskat. Sultan ordered on 8th December to be informed that Vice
roy was unable to interfere in view of facts; inquiry made of Resident, with
reference to telegram of Agent pronouncing Mohsin Ali mischievous character,
whether warrant for his arrest in Maskat, legality of which doubtful, should be
issued. Resident recommended matter should stand over as Ag:ent now reported
title of " Private Secretary" bestowed by Sultan on Mohsin Ali purely honour-
ary, and man had brought over family and was giving no trouble (19-2). Agent
was directed to bring necessity for distinctive Maskat flag to Sultan's notice
(26 3). Sultan appeared to be under impression that recent action of Indian
Government was about to be repudiated by Her Majesty's Government
(28-3). Sultan inquired if similar advice about flag had been given to Zanzibar
and said he would consult Jenebeh (5-4). Government of India pointed
out tiiat Zanzibar was a British protectorate and that in recommendation
of use of distinctive flag Sultan should see a recognition of his position,
which in his own interests he would do well to accept (3-6). Grant
of coaling-station to French was apparently arranged during visit of gun
boat " Gabtis" in February to March ,1898 (18-3). Muhammad-bin-Azzan,