File 2698/1913 'Muscat: rebellion against the Sultan' [‎57v] (123/434)

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3. “ Philomel ” proceeded up coast. I proceeded with Colonel Smith
to Bait al Palaj, and as the telephone line to Sib from Maskat passed close to
Bait al Palaj, it was proposed, subject to concurrence of His Highness the
Saltan, to tap this wire and establish telegraphic communication with Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent.
On Friday this was done and in the evening messages were passed. As there
is some delay in getting messages through, I hav^e proposed to Colonel Smith
that I should send two signalmen from this ship to the camp to work this
telegraph, and have two at Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. .
4. On Thursday, 10th July, news was received that Saiyid Nadir was still
holding out at Hisan Samail, and that 140 rebels had gone to Bidbid, which is
some 15 miles nearer to Matra.
5. In consultation with 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. , it is not thought advisable at
present to land any men in Maskat, as there are plenty of the Sultan’s men
there, but if His Highness decides to send a strong force up to relieve Saiyid
Nadir, it might be advisable to send strong piequets with maxims to a couple
of towers outside the town to guard passes.
6. At present, besides the telegraph line, communication is also kept up
through “ Odin ” at Matra and a picquet stationed in hills on right flank of
Bait al Falaj. On Sunday evening, 13th July, it was reported by some of tlie
Sultan’s men that about 400 rifle shots had been heard some distance to the
right of Matra, in the vicinity of Quram. Picquets and “ Philomel ” had
heard or seen nothing, and yesterday it transpired that the firing took place at
some wedding festivities.
7. The situation at present, loth July, is practically the same as on the
arrival of troops, and as far as can be seen, likely to remain so. The Political
Agent has wired to 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. suggesting that a battalion and two
sections of mountain battery be sent to carry out (?) an expedition against
Hisn Samail, as the Sultan states he cannot raise a force to go via Sib to
relieve that place and Bidbid. Apparently the Sultan can place no reliance
on his forces. 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. has replied to 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. that he
concurs, but considers that two battalions should be sent. Candidly 1 do not
think the rebels intend to come in, but in the event of news being received
of their approach in force, it has been decided, in consultation with Colonel
Smith, that 50 men and two maxims from “ Odin ” and “ Pelorus ” should
be sent to hold Bait al Falaj, thus freeing the Rajputs at present there as a
striking force, the “ Philomel” and “ Pelorus ” at the same time would land
sufficient men for the occupation of towers, &c., in the vicinity of Maskat.
8. I have ordered “ Alert,” as she is no longer required at Basrah, to
Hanjam to complete with coal and take up Lower Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. patrol and
water launches, &c., as necessary ; in view of “ Minto ” possibly being required
shortly to take troops back to Bushire.
9. H.M.S. *• Sphinx ’ is visiting pearl fisheries, as 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.
as suggested postponing his trip concerning enquiries re “ Perseus ” missing
cutter (mete his telegram No. 1260 of 14th July) until affairs at Maskat
are settled.
I have the honour to he,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
The Commander-in-Chief,
H. M. Ships and Vessels,
East Indies.
P. M. Hill,
Commander and Senior Raval Officert
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Division,