'Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf. Vol I. Historical. Part II. J G Lorimer. 1915' [‎2634] (1151/1262)

2634
British Indian subjects reside here, and that the prosperity of the State is mainly
dependent on these conditions. It is not surprising therefore, that the Government
of India should feel a particular interest in this place, or that a Viceroy of India
should desire to visit it and to make the acquaintance of its ruler. ^ His pleasure m
doing so is greatly enhanced when he learns from Your Highness s own hps that
vou^and your children will ever be mindful of these strong and ancient obligations,
and that to them you and they will always remain loyal. These are words which
I shall cherish in friendly recollection not only on my own behalf, but on behalt ot
the Government which I represent.
Your Highness has now ruled your State for fifteen years. I had the pleasure
of visiting it when you had only just succeeded f ourteen years ago; and I am glad
to congratulate Your Highness on the progress that has since been made. The volume
of Tour trade is steadily increasing; the wise step winch the Government of India
so strongly urged on Your Highness a few years ago, of taking over the Customs of
your State in preference to farming them to others, has been attendedwith lar^ey
increased Drofits : and it gave me much satisfaction two years ago, «
ness's permission, to brin'g your capital into still closer connection with the outer
World hy laying a telegraphic cable from Jashk to Masqat. I also personally se ec ^
Maior Cox as an officer in whose discretion and ability I had perfect confidence, to
Kpresen° the Government of India at your capital; and Your Highness has already
assured me that jou have found m him a prudent counsellor and tnend.
At Delhi in January last, though Your Highness was unaWe yourself to accept
toy invitation to the great ceremony that we held thereto celebrate the Coronation of
His Majesty the King-Emperor, I bad the pleasure of welcoming your son, Taimur,
and of conversing with him about the condition and welfare of Oman.
I have referred to the fact that the British Government have extended a peculiar
measure of protection in the past to the State of'Oman and its rulers. They have
on more than one occasion intervened to save it from rebellion or ■ tt
Highmss may rest assured that this policy will not be departed from. Oolong as the
rulers of 'Oman continue to observe their Treaty engagements to the G 0 ^;™
India, and to administer their State with enlightenment,and justice, they wiU CM »
to receive the support of the British Government, which is interested m preservrng tbe
peace of the country and the security of its trade. We cannot regard ^h fahsfaction
the attempts of discontented classes or persons Jitrong Your 3
disfnrh the tranauillity of your State, because m so doing not only do th„y
Your Highness's authority, but they are apt to injure the interests of J
also. These irterests we are hound to protect/or onr own sake as well as for your ^
We hope that Your Highness will continue to triumph over a.l such adversaues
future as you have done in the past.
I trust that this important occasion, when for the first time a ruler of Oman am
the representative in India of the illustrious British Sovere.gn exchange greetings in
the waters of Masqat, may be a landmark in the history of the ever widening and
deepening connection between our two States; that the firm frienclship between them
taay continue to grow, and that Your Highness may be blessed with health and long
life to rule over a pacified and loyal people.
I have still one agreeable function to perform. Only yesterday I received the
Bractons permission of His Majesty the Eirg-Emperor to confer upon Your Hishness
the high honour ot the Grand Cross of the Order ot th e Indian Empire, ibis dist nc-
tion ^ll be a proof to Your Highness of the sincere sentiments of friendship which
are entertained towards you by the British Government; and it is also a recognition of
the lovaHy to which Your Highness has given such fervent expression on more than
one occasion in the course of yesterday and to-day. It will now be my pleasing duty
as Grand Master of the Order, to proceed to the due and solemn investiture of Your
Highness.
A translation of this speech was read by Khan Bahadur Ahdur
Rahim Hakim, Native Attache in the Foreign Department, and was
followed with the closest attention by the native spectators ; the anounce-
ment with which it concluded, in particular, was received With much
applause. It should be mentioned that Saiyid Faisal^ had recen
entertained an idea of abdicating in favour o£ his son Taimur, and that on