File 4684/1913 'Pt 1 Muscat rebellion' [‎158v] (325/332)

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untruth like that cannot he concealed from the like of your honour. And it
is hoped from your honour that the troops will be removed from Maskat and
its neighbourhood, and, God willing, you will have faithfulness (on our part)
as soon as may be. This is written by their order by Muhamm^
As*Salimi, with his hand.
Certified that this is from the Imam of the Muslims, Salim-bin-Rashid
Al-Kharusi, with his hand. Seal of Imam.
Knox, 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. and His Britannic Majesty's Consul, Maskat, dated the 30th
Shawwal, 1331, corresponding with the 2nd October 1913.
After compliments ,—It is stated to your honour that you may he acquaint
ed with, and informed of, the fact that the entire Arab community of Oman,
from Katar to Maskat, has agreed upon setting aside its former Sultan, Paisal-
bin-Turki, and has installed a new Sultan for itself, and has secured from him
bonds and pledges for the welfare of the country, peace for the people, and
compliance with the Bright Code as enforced by the Unitarian Islamic teach
ings. And as regards yourself, it is requested of your Government to desist
from interfering in this important affair and to stick to the zone of separation
in accordance with the known Law in relation to independent States and their
autocratic Sultans, as France has done with us. And you will have loyalty on
our part in the requirements of friendship and bonds of amity. And we think
it impossible that the Great British Government should interpose between us
and the reform of our country and be the sole cause leading to ruin and destruc
tion and of creating ill-will against herself, for she is a wise Government and
the only one w T hich has always been trying to uphold the rights of mankind.
And your Government should not suppose that the people of Oman are stupid
and ignorant Bedouins knowing no law and understanding nothing. They are,
on tie other hand, an intelligent people who have gained experience of the
world in every side, have tasted its sweets and bitters, known the causes of
progress and civilization and understood the policies of powers as well as their
tactics. And your Government should not think that this our rising is one
for looting, extortion and murder, God fordid that it should be so ! On the
other hand, it is a rising the object of which is peace for the country and happi
ness for the people. It is, therefore, requested and hoped of your Govern
ment that her troops will be moved from Bait-al-Falaj and entirely removed
early. If these w r ere brought for the protection of your subjects, then we
undertake the responsibility of protecting their lives and property. God
willing 1 And we do not think that your Government, which is well-known
for her diplomacy and considerate treatment, will prefer one individual to two
millions of Arabs and will dash their freindship and love which is greater
for her than for any other Government against the wall as useless. The
Arab community thinks her above that and that she is far too noble to suffer
such a thing from which your Government will reap nothing but loss of
lives and the flowing of gutters of blood on the surface of the earth. And a
reply is requested from you immed ; .tely. This is from the representative of
all, xlbdullah-bin-Hamaid As-Salimi. Written by his son Muhammad with
his hand. Certified that this is from the Imam of the Muslims, Salim-bin-
Kashid Al-Kharusi, with his own Land. Seal of the Imam.
(Sub-Enclosure No. 3.)
Translation of vernacular letter 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 Shaikh Salim-bin-Rashid
Al-Kharusi, No. 993, dated the 8th October 1913.
After compliments .—I have received your two friendly letters on the
subject of the peoples of Oman and they will in due course be submitted to
in relation to your rights, and protection for your subjects’ lives and property,
Sub-Enclosure No.-2.
Translation of a letter from t( the Arab Community of Oman and its new Sultan” to Major