File 4684/1913 'Pt 1 Muscat rebellion' [‎99r] (206/332)

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at Bidbid ami Samnil put in thorough order and garrisoned by at least a com
pany each of the new Levy Corps, whose headquarters shouid be in Sib. It
would probably be necessary to leave a double company with Machine gun
ready at Baitalfalaj to frighten off any marauding raiders down Wady Adai
behind back of Wady Samaii. Political advisers, preferably selected natives
of India, paid from customs revenues and in close touch with 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. ,
would be required, one at Maskat for Sultan and one at Samaii for Nadir.
Latter could gradually, in consultation with Nadir, subsidize selected tribal
petty chiefs to maintain communication from Samaii to Sib and Maskat.
When these arrangements are complete, our troops could withdraw. It is
essentially a cold weather job and would necessitate employment of troops for
from two to three months next winter and maintenance of Baitalfalaj garrison
to end of year. But it seems only hope of re-establishing Sultan’s authority,
a useful asset to us. As stand over for this material assistance, Sultan should
undertake to manage Maskat and Matrdh customhouse under our advice and
devote (his?) on its subsidy to expense of Levy Corps and secret but effective
understanding that he will correspond with no foreign Governments un
represented at Maskat except through us. In our turn, we bear all costs of
expedition to re-establish his authority in Samaii and balance of expenditure
on Levy Corps.
Addressed Government of India ; repeated Maskat.
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Telegram R., No. 76, dated (and received) the 10th 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.
Mv telegram 74 of 7th April. Following is result of my visit to Barka :—
Sultan prefaced remarks on present situation by referring to
delay in sanctioning of loan. I told him that the loan had been now sanction
ed and added that as he had referred to the subject of delay I would explain
reason for it and I then did so in th? sense of Government of India’s telegram
No. 185 S., 4th April. His Highness frankly admitted purchase of two small
guns from French firm. He said that he had recently purchased a breech-
loading gun from British firm and as he could not find particular pattern of
small quick-firing gun which he required in British market he had placed order
with a French firm. He maintained he had full liberty of selection of sucli
matters. I said the news of the French transaction received, as it was,
simultaneous with his request for British loan, had not unnaturally suggested
that there was perhaps some connection between the two and caused some
hesitation on the part of Government. He replied that French guns had been
already paid for and would be imported strictly in accordance with the Maskat
warehouse Regulations and that money asked for now was for operations
against the rebels and maintenance of his present following.
In conclusion, he begged me to convey to Government of India his deep
gratitude for loan. He has now taken bast 10,000 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. and proposed to
draw similar amount at intervals of week(s) or so. He will refund 5,000
monthly.
Secondly. —Imam’s rising. Sultan thought situation most critical. Deput
ation sent to Wady Maawal had reported whole of that district disaffected,
large number had deserted from Imam and force he had sent to occupy position
between Nakhl had (gone) over to enemy. I have been informed here that
Yali of Mat rail who fears destruction of valuable estates he has in country
occupied by Imam, was among the deserters. I estimate Sultan’s following at
Barka at 1,500, but I think His Highness realises, what is undoubtedly a fact,
that all except perhaps Baluchis are thoroughly unreliable. All this together
with loss of Naktd fort has quite disheartened him. He now awaits certain
Shaikhs from Batinah and will discuss further action with them. Sultan
arrived here unexpectedly yesterday indisposed, but after few hours returned to
Barka. He was not able to receive visit from Admiral, but he sent a message
thanking His Excellency for having sent a man-of-war to Barka.