File 4684/1913 'Pt 1 Muscat rebellion' [‎88r] (184/332)

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Telegram P., No. 89, dated (and received) the 18th April 1914.
From—The 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. , Maskat,
To—The Foreign Secretary, Simla.
report as follows :—In continuation of my telegram 83, dated
15th April. Firstly—Sultan of Maskat came back from Sur yesterday. His
Highness told me that he had imposed an enhanced customs tariff of 25 per
• cent - as punishment on Banibuhass (Bani Battash) and Sharkiya tribes at Sur,
the reason for imposition on the former being their disloyal behaviour and
desertion at Barka, and on latter because of their reported intention to co
operate with rebellious faction. His Highness on the return journey destroyed
by fire all the huts and boats at Little Kuriat which is south-east of Kuriat
proper and which was lately occupied by enemy. Sultan reports that number
of casualties among enemy on 14th April is not obtainable, but is in all pro
bability very small as rebels decamped before the bombardment. One British
subject was killed ; he refused to take shelter with the Wali in fort. Secondly—
Please see my telegram 80, dated 13th April. The British man-of-war “ Miner ” '
returned to Maskat from Barka last evening and her report is to effect that
enemy reoccupied positions at Barka on 13th April. At request of His High
ness Miner * dislodged rebels. On 14th April, rebels returned and were again
dislodged by “ Miner’s ” gun. On 15th April, troops of Sultan engaged rebels,
assisted by “ Miner’s ” 3-pounder gun. His Highness’s troops took possession
of ruined fort which was recently demolished by British man-of-war “ Fox ” ;
fort was then surrounded by rebels on all sides who were, however, finally
dispersed by “ Miner ” and compelled to beat a retreat. On 16th April,
Miner^ was recalled to Maskat. Casualties reported among rebels are 13
killed, including at least two important headmen. Casualties among His
Highness s troops are 3 killed and 5 wounded. Last night Sultan left for
Barka and begged that a British warship might be despatched to Barka. This
morning Admiral and fleet left Maskat, but I was able to explain state of
affairs to Admiral and Officers Commanding at Baitalfalaj last night. Thirdly—
Information has reached me this morning from brother of Sultan who is here
that the Banibattash have already collected at Affa in large numbers and are
again threatening the peace of Kuriat whose Wali appeals for help to British
Government. Fourthly—It is apparent that enemy have not been deterred
by recent bombardments and in all probability they will strive to occupy coast
towns from Batineh coast at Sohar to Sur below Kuriat. If these towns are
to be saved for Sultan, then it is imperative in my opinion that at least two
of His Majesty’s ships should be reserved exclusively for service on this coast
as I have already suggested. If on the other hand our actions are to be con
fined to protection of Matra and Maskat only, two men-of-war between
Sidab and Barsait would probably be sufficient for requirements. But in this
case and in view of rebels’ present activities and their menacing attitude, I am
of opinion that, instead of a double company, one wing of regiment should be
despatched to Maskat as soon as possible. It could make its headquarters at
Buwi with a company at Sidab.
Above measures are suggested by me on the assumption that Foreign and
Political Department would not be disposed to carry out at once the more
elaborate operations proposed for October next in your telegram of 9th April,
No. 423. Ay-
Addressed to Bushire ; repeated to Naval Commander-in-Chief. f^o'l