‘File XXVIII/1 Internal Politics & Relations with Oman. Narrative of Muscat Affairs 1872-1893’ [‎24v] (48/316)

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145. The Secretary noted
<f An account of Kassad will be found at pajre 53/ of the 1 olume of 1 ersian Selections.
It is a dependency of Muscat, but lies well within the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . In our despatch of 3rd
April last, No. 13, in which we advocated a withdrawal from interference in the Sea of Oman,
we suggested that the Ruler of Muscat should be relieved from the restrictions imposed on
warlike operations outside the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . I hat despatch would not, therefoie, apph to the
present case. The answer to be given therefore depends on the policy we mean to maintain m
the (xiilf. The recent Turkish expedition has raised very important questions aftecting that
policy.
“Muscat, for example, has just as much right to send troops by sea to Kassad to establish
his authoritv there as the Turks have to send a naval expedition to Kateef to establish their
authority at Nejd. We have permitted the Turks to send their troops by sea. Are we
prepared to object to Muscat doing the same, and, if so, why t
“ As it appears possible to reach Kassad by landing on the east side of the promontory of
Has el Khyma, and then marching inland, l think the answer to Toorkee might be that no
objections will be raised, provided the vessels do not enter the Gulf or go beyond Mussendorn.”
14G. It was answered (No. 2013P., dated 22nd September 1871)—
“ Viceroy cannot object to Toorkee sending vessel to Kassad, provided it doe* not go out
side territorial limits ot three miles irom shore. It is understood here that Kassad is unde i
Muscat, and can be reached by vessel as above. If not, telegraph.
147. On the 18th September Colonel Pelly telegraphed
“Captain Miles reports Abdool Azeez started for Charbar with 150 Kinds and other
followers. Believes he will proceed westwards and, perhaps, join Ibrahim bin Gheis at Sohar.
Major Ross unsatisfied with state of affairs in Oman.
Abdool Azeez relinquished his project by the 23rd September and returned
to Gwadur. He was met by Mahomed Ali at Kilah and persuaded by him to
return. Colonel Pelly was told to enquire from Syud Toorkee whether he was
apprehensive of any danger from his brother, and to inform him ot what he heard
of Abdool Azeez’s movement.
148. The News Report of 23rd September related—
“ The Turkish Steam Corvette Lebanon and Steam-ship Iskenderia, 16 and 8 guns
respectively, arrived at Bushire under the command of Aarif Beg, Commodore of the Sublime
Porte, who gave out that these two vessels were the vanguard of a fleet often set apart for
duty in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . A Royal salute was fired by the vessels after
anchoring in the Bushire inner roads. The salute was returned after a short interval by the
Persian Artillery. The Commodore, Aarif Beg, then landed and called on the Deputy Governor,
who had previously sent a deputation to wait on him.”
149. On 6 th October 1871 Colorfel Pelly telegraphed—
“ Major Ross telegraphs renewed hostilities between Sultan and Ibrahim imminent. Col
lision between parties already occurred at Stayath. I propose proceeding to Muscat by mail
steamer to-morrow. If Lynx could join me at Muscat on way up advisable. I think our utmost
moral endeavours should be given to prevent another exhibition of upsetting rule in Muscat.”
The Government of India telegraphed to Bombay (No. 2151P., dated 7th
October 1871):—
Authorize Colonel Pelly to proceed to Muscat and use all legitimate means short of actual
interference to prevent renewed hostilities with Ibrahim. Lynx will be ordered to join him.”
Instructions had already been sent to Lynx to meet Colonel Pelly at Muscat.
150. Colonel Pelly (No. 1186-335, dated 13th October 1871) reported at
length:—
“ On the morning of the 8 th I embarked on board the mail steamer and arrived at
Muscat last night.
“After the conclusion of the
truce between His Highness and
Syud Ibrahim bin Gheis, reported
on in my letter now marginally noted, matters continued in statu quo during some weeks.
“ Subsequently Ibrahim bin Gheis, having some family business at Hazam, proceeded
thither from Sohar.
No. 970-250, dated 28tli August 1871, and accompaniment from Political
Agent, Muscat, No. 468, dated 10th August 1871.
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