‘File XXIX/2 THE IMAM’S RISING 1913-1920. RISING of IMAM of NIZWA in MAY 1913 & 1914’ [‎125r] (256/484)

No. 1656, dated Bushire, the 31st May 1914 (Confidential).
From- Major S. G. Knox, C.I.E., Officiating 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
oulf,
To-The Foreign Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department.
I have tbe honour to forward, in case it may he of interest, a translation
of an article, which appeared in a recent number of the “ Sada-ad-Dastur ” of
Basrah in regard to events in Oman.
Translation of article in Basrah newspaper “Sada-ad-Dastur” No. 27—69, dated the 1st
May 1914.
Maskat.
(By our learned correspondent there.)
How long and whereto ?
Here is found, on the sea-shore of Maskat, a youth whose head is covered
up and whose mind is disturbed, shaking his fingers in the open space as if
indicating the throbs of his heart, which imply, “ How long and whereto ,, ?
Here is a youth who has been taught by events as to how is the love of
mother-land and as to how is the taste of independence—the shadow of which
he sees to be withdrawing from him every day, while he is utterly unable to do
anything, for there is no power or control to check the evils which befall his
country at present and future. So, how long and whereto shall this lead ?
I have written previously and described the fights which took place around
Barkah and how the wheel of fortune turned against the Euler of Maskat, who
enlisted the assistance of the English, and that of the Bani Battash tribesmen,
who were aiound Kuriat, and I promised your readers to furnish them with
the details concerning these two questions. In fulfilment of my promise, I
state the following as a service to the Dastur and Truth.
The siege of Kuriat was prolonged and brought about distress for its
inhabitants, who were unable to defend themselves against the evils which have
befallen them. When their patience in the hope of receiving reinforcement
was exhausted and they were tired out by the siege, they surrendered the town
to the tribesmen after removing what they liked and the enemy entered it
triumphantly on the next day.
When this news reached him at Barkah, the Euler did not make light of
the affair and proceeded to Kuriat on board his yacht, which was accompanied
by the British ship. On his arrival at Kuriat, the British ship opened her
guns on the town in compliance with the Euler’s request and demolished it.
The enemy ran away after losing many lives, hut the town was demolished so
badly that there remains not a single house worth living in.
When the Euler attained this object and was satisfied, he returned to
Barkah, where he found that the revolutionists had prepared to attack the
town from a certain road by which the ship’s shells could not reach them
except after the demolition of the town. The Euler has only a few tribesmen
with him, as the majority of them dispersed when they saw the events which
occupy my mind as to the future of Maskat and its independence.
As to the English, it appears to me that their desires will not end with the
bombardment of the rebels and they desire that the reins of affairs should be
entrusted to them. In another word, they want to deal the last blow to the
independence of Maskat, but there are many things hidden in time which
are only known to God.