'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Historical and Political Materials, Maskat [Muscat] territory, 1872-1903' [‎84] (86/138)

84
1876.
In June 1875 godowns of Banyan Merchant of Indian extraction. at Sur broken into by Jenebeh and
$ 1,600 worth of stuff taken. Sultan promised to exert bis influence. On
llth September 1875 Government of India prohibited British coerceive mea
sures and directed 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. to look to Maskat Government. In August
1876 Sultan replied could not coerce Jenebeh. In reality he was unwilling
to offend a Gbafiri tribe. Government of India repeated orders that matter
pertained to Sultan (28-10).
1 1877.
Government of India ordered Sur affair to be pressed on Sultan (8-2) *
Done (2-3). Sultan requested presence of man-of -war at Sur (9-7). Poli
tical Agent permitted to proceed in " Teazer" (14-7). Robertson arrived
Sur on 24)th with Saiyid Said as Sultan's representative. Gave Jenebeh till
sunset 25th. Banyan Merchant of Indian extraction. fully compensated and fine of $ 2,000 paid (31-7). Fine
after deduction of expenses of expedition to bo paid to feultan (J-10).
1878.
Turki spontaneously recovered from Rostak, by correspondence with
Ibrahim, an Indian woman and boy detained there as slaves since six months
$ 3,144 recovered from Turki and paid to sufferers for losses at Mesnaah
in 1874'(13-8).
1880.
Government of India approved notification to Saleh, and Harth, Hijriyin
and Habus tribes declaring them liable in followinsr proportions for losses of
1 877 Saleh $ 1 ,500, Harth $ 2,750, Hijriyin $ 3 ,750, Habus $ 1 ,000 and that
Sultan authorised to demand and would act with support of Government. If not
paid in one month demand would be increased (2i -l). Notifications sent out
on 10th and llth February and replies received between 20th and 23rd (25-2).
General impression was that Sultan had pardoned Hijiriyin with whom he
bad since had friendly intercourse (26-4). Government of India thought
Turki appeared unwilling to enforce demands and Government would have
either to cause Sultan to make good the losses, which would impoverish him and
give moral victory to tribes, or else take steps to enforce payment which would
he interference iu internal affairs of Oman. Besident to give opinion ri7-
5). Doubtful answer from Resident (6-G). Effect must be given to notifica
tion. Turki to be told to recover with British support or else pay himself. In
first case presence only of a vess3l of war at Sur to be granted, in second
deductions should be made from Zanzibar subsidy (G -7). On 16th September
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. reached Sur in Wood lark," Badr bin Saif accompanying on
Dar us Salam.'* Sultan's information incorrect; no produce of Hijriyin at
Sur and trade at standstill as Beni Bu Hassan at war with Beni Bu Ali, Beni
Rasib, Hishm and Jenebah. Suris told not to embark any Sharkiya produce,
and Wali to prevent any baghlas putting to sea (23 9). Sultan distrained
and sold $ 2,000 worth produce of Sharkiya tribes and imprisoned broker Often a local commercial agent in the Gulf who regularly performed duties of intelligence gathering and political representation. for
remitting price of 350 camel loads Harth produce to owners (2-10). About
20th October Sultan approved indemnity tax, proposed by Hijriyin or by
Mesakera always friendly to Turki, of $ 1 ex^ra per bahar of dates exported
from Sharkiya. ' Hindu customs farmer at Sur instructed to levy accordingly
from Sharkiya but not from Jaalan produce. Sultan told Miles none of
Sharkiya tribes were unrepresented in rising of 1877, and that Saleh s share
would have to be collected with rest (9-11).
1881.
Indemnity tax collections retained by Banya customs farmers who had
plaims against Turki. 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. refused to make them disgorge and held
^urki responsible for payment of amount collected (15 8). Customs Collectors