File 3939/1926 Pt 3 'Publications: Revision of Aitchison's Treaties: Aden and Arabia Sections.' [‎58r] (109/410)

ADEN —Socoird and Kishn and Yemen.
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In 1838 the Chief proposed to farm the island to the British Govern
ment, but the capture of Aden, while the proposal was under discussion,
rendered it unnecessary to secure Socotra as a coaling station.
Sultan Amr bin Saad Tawari died about 1845, and was succeeded in'
the Sultanate of Socotra and Kishn by his nephew, Tawari bin Ali, who
in turn was succeeded by his grandson, Ahmad bin Saad. The latter was
succeeded by his nephew, Abdulla bin Saad, who was followed by his
cousin, Abdulla bin Salim. On the death of the latter he was succeeded
by his son, Ali.
In January 1876, an Agreement (No. LXXIII) was concluded with
the Sultan of Socotra and Kishn, by which, in consideration of a pay
ment of 3,000 dollars and an annual subsidy of 360 dollars, he bound
himself, his heirs and successors, never to cede, sell mortgage, or other
wise give for occupation, save to the British Government, the island of
Socotra or any of its dependencies the neighbouring islands.
In 1886 he accepted (No. LXXIV) a British Protectorate and bound
himself to abstain from all dealings with foreign powers without the
previous sanction of the British Government. At the same time he
undertook to give immediate notice to the Eesident at Aden or other "
British officer of any attempt by any other powder to interfere with Socotra
and its dependencies.
In 1888 a similar Protectorate Treaty (No. LXXV) was concluded
with Sultan Ali bin Abdulla, as head of the Mahri tribe, and his annual
stipend was increased by 120 dollars.
In 1898 some of the cargo of the P. and O. S. S. Aden wrecked off
Socotra w 7 as plundered, and the Sultan had to be reminded of his obli
gations under the agreement of 1876. • +
Sultan Ali bin Abdulla had three sons, all of whom predeceased him.
fie died in 1907 and was succeeded by Sultan Abdulla bin Eisa, to whom
was continued the annual stipend paid to his predecessor.
The area of the island of Socotra is about 1,000 square miles; its
population, mostly Bedouin,/about 5,000 souhr. The gross annual
revenue is estimated at Its. 1,000.
The Sultan of Socotra and Kishn receives a salute of 9 guns, which
was made permanent in 1902.