'Persian Gulf Gazetteer. Part I. Historical and Political Materials. Précis of Nejd Affairs, 1804-1904' [‎34] (42/68)

refused to co -operate witli the Imam against the "Wababis. A translation of a
letter is also sent, in which the Amir of Nejd communicated to Syud Salem,
the Ex-Imam, his advance against Oman, and promised to reinstate him.
^rom the date of this letter, which must have travelled, if authentic,
from the Amir's camp through Kishm to Maskat in three days, Colonel
Pelly was inclined to doubt the fact of its having emanated from the
Wahabi Amir, and inclined to the belief that it was the handiwork of Syud
Salem or of Haji Ahmed. Major Way could not state the position of the
Wahabi Army at the time that he wrote, all he knew being that it had left
Hasa. Colonel Pelly, writing at Bombay on the 31st of January, on the
strength of information received from Gwadur and Bushire, represented it as
being at Katar, and Sheikh Saleh as being in Jaalan. Azan-bin-Gheis, he
added, was endeavouring to obtain the support of the Chief of Abuthabi.
This Chief was, unlike the rulers of jSTejd and Oman, a signatory of the mari
time truce. His principal port was well-situated for the landing of troops
intended to operate against Beraymi, and preparations were on foot at Kateef
for an expedition by sea to co-operate with the land forces.
127. Another report, to which Major Way was not able to attach full credence,
tras that an amnesty had been granted to all of the Nairn tribe who might
return to their allegiance to the Wahabis. This was the tribe for whose
protection against Wahabi aggression Azan-bin-Gheis took up arms last year
and stormed Beraymi. Khulelee by the latest account was at Maskat.
» xt „ , ^ ^ „ v 128. The Bombay Government forward-
* No. 55, dated 14th February 1870. jsKPii n/rix • ix-i
ed ¥ further Maskat news in detail:—
"According 1 to Sheikh Nasepr, the Wahabi force, variously computed at two to five
thousand men, and again at ten thousand men, was within five days of Beraymi. Azan-bin-
Gheis had met with no support from the fighting tribes of ihe south. He had with him
certainly not more than two thousand men. Some were inclined to put the strength of hig
followers so low as six hundred. The Chiefs from Ras-el-Khyma to Debaye were not hostile
to the Wahabi Amir; the Chief of Abuthabi, though suspected of playing a double game,
was likely to remain neutral. It was expected that the invaders would experience no check
at Beraymi. In such case their next move would be in all probability to Sohar, and thence
a passage by sea to Maskat might be attempted. To prevent such an attempt, Major Way
urged on the Bombay Government the necessity of letting him retain the Dalhousie, which the
latter had telegraphed for, if her presence was not absolutely required at Maskat. The Amir
had ordered at Katar a hundred vessels from his own coast, for the embarkation of his troops.
Syud Salem had expressed his intention of joioing the Wahabis, but had not by the latest
account left Kishm."
129. This information was sent to the Secretary of State in No. 17 of 22nd
February 1870. Inter alia, it briefly recapitulated tbe events
"The advance of the Wahabi Amir upon Beraymi, as reported in the enclosures of
this despatch, has somewhat altered the complexion of affairs. According to the latest report
which we have received from Maskat, dated February 4th, the Amir of Riad had left Lahsa
with a force probably not less than two thousand, or more than five thousand men, and wa^
within five days' march of Beraymi. He had granted an amnesty to all the Naeem tribe
of Beraymi who may return to their allegiance to the Wahabis, and had declared his inten
tion of marching on the town of Maskat itself after reducing Beraymi. At the latter place
it was anticipated that he would meet no che^k. The Chiefs from Ras-el-Khyma to Debaye
had shown no signs of hostility to the Wahabis. Syud Salem had expressed his intention of
joining the Amir's army, but by the latest account had not left Kishm. On the other hand,
it is reported that Azan-bin-Gheis has not been successful in collecting men and money,
and that the Chief of Abuthabi, on whose support he had counted, was likely to remain
neutral. It is also rumoured that the Beni-boo-Ali, against whom Azan was lately victorious
in Jaalan, have rebelled and refused to co-operate with him against the Wahabis."
130. Colonel Pelly, then at Government House, Calcutta, on the receipt
of telegram from Maskat, reported (22nd Pebruary 1870):—
<s On the whole, the Maskat Wahabi quarrel seems to be approaching its solution. And
I would respectfully suggest that I return to the Gulf with all convenient speed, and with des-
cretionary power to recognise Azan or otherwise, according as circumstances may seem to
require; any recognition should be in writing, and should explicitly declare all questions of
detail. Treaty, Convention, or claim to territory, to be reserved for subsequent discussion.
Meantime, I would propose addressing the subjoined telegrams to Major Smith and the
Assistant Resident at Bushire.