Political [‎39r] (77/154)

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The fort is only an enclosure, made of bricks, and about 6 to 7 feet high,
and it contained two citadels without parapets and loop-holes ; they were all
crying out loudly, and begging Jasim to grant them safety of their lives,. but
they heard them not. They then told them to evacuate the fort under Jasim’s
protection. Some of them came out of the fort and they fired a volley on them
and charged them, killing them with their women and children. About 12
men of Jasim’s party were slain, and some men were wounded. They then
carried away slaves and other booty. They further state that a report was
received at El-Bida that Shaikh Zaeed has left Aboothabee accompanied by the
inhabitants of Debay and intends to proceed to El-Katr.
No. 34, dated Busbire, the 18th February 1889.
From—Colonel E. C. Ross, c.s.i., Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department, Calcutta.
I have the honor to enclose a translation of a remarkable and interesting
letter written in June last by Shaikh Jasim-bin-Mohammed Thani of El-Katr to
Abdallah Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. -ibn Thaneyyanof the Al-Suood family of Nejd who now resides
at Constantinople and is understood to be a Member of the Council of State at
that capital.
2. I obtained a copy of Shaikh Jasim’s letter from Ibrahim the son of
^ „ j a j Abdallah Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. under promise of secrecy,
T\de my letter No. 20, dated 4th February 1889. .-p jiji* e.-i*
and I am assured by him that his lather
took no steps to place Shaikh Jasim’s views and requests before the Sultan or
the Minister of the Porte. It is however, highly probable that Jasim used
other channels to endeavour to persuade the Turkish Government to adopt or
favour his schemes, which now stand fully revealed so far as he is concerned,
as the letter is undoubtedly genuine.
3. Unaided and unsupported it is not in the power of Jasim to undertake
the conquest of any districts of Oman. Desultory raids are the utmost in his
power and the Beni Yas tribesmen are more than a match for Jasim’s following.
He, however, followed up his appeal to the Turkish Government, by a similar
appeal to “ Ibn Kashid ” whose power is now paramount in Central Nejd, as
well as in the North-Western Provinces of Arabia; and apparently it is only
some unforeseen circumstances that have delayed a movement from Nejd on
Oman.
4. It may be assumsd as certain that the Turkish authorities and Govern
ment have been fully informed of these matters and it seems more clear than
ever that it depends on the attitude of the Porte whether or not any serious
invasion of Oman is undertaken. It is very probable that “ Ibn Kashid ” is
(as reported) awaiting a reply from the Porte before moving. Anyhow a respite,
at least, has been accorded, and I would venture to suggest that advantage
should be taken of the delay, to consider our relations with the Turk’s and
Arabs on the Katr coast, in view if possible, to some understanding with the
Turkish Government, which would put a stop to the dangerous border warfare
now going on and prevent the possibility of any extensive aggression on the
Oman provinces. A friendly feeling between the Turks and ourselves in the
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. would, I think, be mutually advantageous and might perhaps be
obtained by a spontaneous recognition under certain conditions of their de
facto position on the Katr coast which would also enable the British Government
to hold the Porte more fully responsible for any attempted encroachments on
the Oman territories.
To His August Highness Abdullah Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. Ibn-Thaneyyan Al-Suod, dated 28th Ramadthan
1305 A. H.-9th June 1888.
After compliments .—After enquiries about your health, I beg to inform
you (and may you hear naught but good), that during this long period I have
always remembered you although you are distant from us and there has been