‘File XXVIII/1 Internal Politics & Relations with Oman. Narrative of Muscat Affairs 1872-1893’ [‎115r] (229/316)

prisonment at Maskat, and deportation to Zanzibar.—When Sayyid
„ ,. . Turki elected Savyid Ibrahim bin Kais from Sohar,
paragiap i in January 1873, he appointed Sayyid Beder bin
Saif, his connection and adherent, Wali, with jurisdiction over the coast from
Lamah to Khaboorah. Up to September 1877 their relations continued satis
factory An East India Company trading post. , Sayyid Beder giving proof, whenever occasion presented itself, of his
locality to the Sultan, but his rule appears to have become gradually oppressive
and distasteful to the people.
600. On the 27th September 1877 Mr. Robertson reported:—
ct His Highness has informed me that, in consequence of numerous complaints of oppres-
„ * n sion from the people of Sohar, he is anxious to remove the
ment of India, No. 239, dated 4th Governor, Sayyid Beder bin Saif. He apprehends that
October 1877. Sayyid Beder, if made aware of his intention, may resist, and
Poll. A.,November 1879, Nos. 191-215. h as therefore written to him to come to Maskat on the plea
that his mediation will facilitate a settlement of difficulties with the Shaikiyeh tribes. Sayyid
Beder has replied that, if his presence at Maskat be absolutely necessary, he will come, but
that the attitude of the Naim Bedouins renders it advisable that he should not leave Sohar just
now. His Highness asked me what should be done if Beder resisted his authority. I replied
that it was a point on which I could not undertake to advise him, but that the former services
of Sayyid Beder and his family appeared to me to entitle him to much consideration and no
hasty judgment.^
601. On 22nd November the 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. again wrote : —
Numerous complaints of oppression against Sayyid Beder bin Saif, at present Governor
of Sohar, have induced His Highness to decide upon removing
Resident, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , to Govern- him. With this object in view, His Highness has written to
cember^lS??' 8 ' 270, lbt ^ Sayyid Beder, from time to time during the last two mouths,
to come to Maskat, but Sayyid Beder continues to make
excuses and his ultimate compliance seems doubtful.”
602. Sayyid Beder finally arrived at Maskat in December, and was forth
with imprisoned in one of the forts. Ahmed bin Hamad, Wali of Burka,
was appointed Wali of Sohar, and proceeded thither, accompanied by Sayyid
Turki’s eldest son, Muhammad. Their arrival and Sayyid Beder’s dismissal
were reported to have given general satisfaction to the inhabitants of Sohar
and adjacent tribes.
603. On 7th March 1878 Colonel Miles wrote :—
“ Sayyid Beder bin Saif, whose imprisonment in Maskat
Resident, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , to Govern- b F His Highness Sayyid Turki was reported by Mr. Ro-
ment of India, No. 45, dated 15th bertson in his letter No. 446, dated 6th December 1877, was
March 1 8 78. released and sent down by mail steamer to Zanzibar on the
Poll. A., February 18S0, Nos. 34o-360. lst ins1ant
(i In a conversation I had with His Highness lately, T took occasion to mention my regret
at hearing that Sayyid Beder had fallen under his displeasure, and said I was sure that in deal
ing with him His Highness would not forget the faithful and important services Sayyid Beder
and his father, Sayyid Saif, had rendered on numerous occasions.
“ His Highness observed that the complaints of the people of Sohar against Sayyid Be-
der\s oppression had been many and loud, and that he had reason to believe that Sayyid Beder
had entertained the idea of retaining possession of Sohar, and making himself independent.
“ It is not unlikely the rule of Sayyid Beder at Sohar was injudicious, and that he com
mitted petty exactions there, but, so far as I can learn, there has been no great harm done.
The Arabs are a people who are very well able to take care of themselves. The reasons for His
Highness's suspicions about the fidelity of Sayyid Beder are unknown to me.
r ‘ I think His Highness Sayyid Turki will find some day that he has been somewhat hasty
in getting rid of one who has proved himself to bo among his staunchest and most valuable
adherents. I believe Sayyid Beder’s disgrace is due solely to the, in this instance, pernicious
advice and influence of the Minister, Sayyid Said, who has sought to gratify his own feelino-s
of enmity rather than advance His Highness Sayyid Turki's interests.”
604. Landing of a cargo of Abyssinian slaves near Maseerah:
U3