'Selections from the Records of the Bombay Government' [‎682] (726/733)

682
SLAVE TRADE.
SOHAR.
Engagement entered into by S yud S u.f im H umood. Chief of Sohar
for the Abolition of the Slave
22nd May 1849.
Article I.
It havin. been intimated to me by Major Hennell, the Resident in
the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , that certain Conventions have lately been entered
into bv the Ottoman Porte, and other Powers, with the British Govern-
ment for the purpose of preventing the exportation of Slaves from the
Coast of Africa and elsewhere ; and it having moreover been explained
to me that in order to the full attainment of the objects contemplated
bv the aforesaid Conventions, the concurrence and co-operation of the
chiefs of the several ports situated on the Arabian Coast of the Persian
Gulf are required : accordingly I, Syud Suif bin Humood, Chief of
Sohar with a view to strengthen the bonds of friendship existing be
tween' me and the British Government, do hereby engage to prohibit the
exportation of slaves from the Coasts of Africa and elsewhere, on board
of my vessels, and those belonging to my subjects or dependents; such
prohibition to take effect from the 29th Rujub 1265 (or the 21st June
1849, a . D.).
Article II.
And I do further consent, that whenever the cruisers of the British
Government fall in with any of my vessels, or those belonging to my
subjects or dependents, suspected of being engaged in the Slave Trade,
they may detain and search them, and in case of their finding that any
of the vessels aforesaid have violated the engagement, by the exporta
tion of slaves from the Coasts of Africa or elsewhere, upon any pretext
whatever, they (the Government cruisers) shall seize and confiscate the
same.
Dated ihis 20th day of Jumadee-ool-Akhur 1265 a. h. (or 22nd day of
May 1849 a. d.).
(Signed) S vud S uif bin H umood.
(True translation)
(Signed) S. H ennell,
Resident, &c.