‘File XXVIII/1 Internal Politics & Relations with Oman. Narrative of Muscat Affairs 1872-1893’ [‎10r] (19/316)

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was secure against internal revolution, yet now that hostilities have actually broken out, the
effect of which upon the allegiance of* the people of Muscat to Azan b'in Gheis it is impossible
to foresee, we deem it desirable, for the present at least, to postpone any decisive steps. We
are of opinion, however, that should he succeed in adjusting his differences with the Wahabees
and still retain his power in Muscat, we should proceed formally to recognise him.”
39 . On 14th March 1870 (in No. 108 from Bombay, 21st March)
Colonel Felly wrote of
“ the arrival at Muscat of a French Gun-boat (Le Bruul) whose Commander recognized the
Muscat Government.
“ It will be in the recollection of Government that a few weeks ago a Dutch corvette
similarly visited Muscat and saluted the Muscat white dag.
“As I hope to arrive on the Arab Coast a few days hence, I postpone any further
remarks.”
40. From Colonel Felly’s letters of 29th March and 8 th April in Nos.
134 and 147, from Bombay Government, it seemed that there was more probabi
lity than ever of Syud Azan being firmly seated in power, lie wrote:—
“ As regards the Chiefs of the Littoral, it appears that, when Syud Azan took Beraymee,
he entered into alliance with the Aboothabee Chief, and paying him a portion of the tribute,
which previous Sultans of Muscat had paid to the Wahabee Ameer, secured the aid of the
Aboothabee Chief in the protection of the Beraymee frontier.
« Syud Azan, thus strengthened by Aboothabee, next proceeded to threaten the remaining
Chiefs* of the Littoral. These in turn (as above stated)
* Chiefs of Debay, Shargah, Ojman, entered into a defensive compact. Syud Azan hearing of
this compact retrained from attack; but feeling apparently
assured of Aboothabee’s ddelity, and of the Wahabee's complications, confided Beraymee to
the charge of a relative, and himself returned to Muscat.
“ Meantime, the compact of the Littoral Chiefs was scarcely entered into when one of the
subscribing parties, viz., the Chief of Shargah, turned traitor in favor of Azan. Thereupon,
the remaining subscribers to the compact compassed the peaceable expulsion of the Shargah
Chief and replaced him by his relative, Ibrahim, who is at this moment visiting me as Chief of
^hargah.
“ The question arises, in what way do all the circumstances above sketched, and which are
purely of the nature of a contest by land, affect our interests or notice ?
“ The direct answer is, that these circumstances affect our relations with the Muscat State,
' the stability or otherwise of Azan’s power, and more immediately the question whether we
should or should not recognize Syud Azan.”
41. lie also remarked :—
“ It is probable that the Muscat authorities would prize our recognition principally on
the following accounts :—
“ \stly .—By being recognised by us, the status of the Muscat Government -would be
improved, both abroad and at home, while the public mind would cease to mis
apprehend our relations with other aspirants to power;
“ Inilly .—Recognition would probably be considered to imply restoration of Gwadur, and
the other outlying Muscat territories in Mekran; also, perhaps, our good offices
in respect to a release of the Bunder Abbass districts; and
“ 'brdly .—A recognised Ruler of Muscat would probably infer that the arbitrament of the
late Earl Canning would secure to him the Zanzibar subsidy ; and this is a
question in which the vassal Chiefs of Oman are interested, for this subsidy is
a source whence those Chiefs are benefited by the Muscat Ruler.”
42. The Bombay Government telegraphed on 20th April 1870:—
“ Following message from Colonel Felly:—‘ I have received the following from Major
Way :—2nd April. Symptoms of dissension between Sala and Khulelee; Sala declined to go
south to collect troops, alleging he did all the work and Khulelee got the pay, and that reward
promised and expenditure incurred for past assistance had not yet been received; Syud Azan,
Ibrahim, and Sala go to Fuluj to-day. Khulelee remains here/ By later advice, 11th, Acting
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. reports that dissension has been made up, but a coolness remains.”
(see despateh to Secretary of State, No. 31, of 27th May 1870, in the Chapter
on Syud Toorkee’s return to power.)
The subsequent history of Syud Azan is comprised in the Chapter on Syud
Toorkee’s return to power.