File 3939/1926 Pt 6 'Revision of Aitchison's Treaties. Persian Gulf Section.' [‎412r] (259/818)

OMAN (MUSCAT)— Sohar.
17
But in 1848 he was invited to enter into the general arrangements: and
a Treaty * (No. XXIII), similar to those concluded with the other mari
time States for the suppression of the slave-trade, was concluded in
1849 with his son Saiyid Said, who was then in possession of the govern
ment. Saiyid Saif, who had usurped his father’s authority, was soon
afterwards put to death by him.
The treaty concluded in 1839 between Muscat and Sohar contained no
article by which the British Government undertook to guarantee its con
ditions ; but the very formal manner in which it was negotiated was con
sidered to make it more than usually binding on both parties. Notwith
standing this, Saiyid Thawaini, who governed Muscat during his father’s
absence at Zanzibar, treacherously seized Saiyid Hamud at a friendly
conference and laid siege to Sohar by land and sea. Failing in his
attempts to take the fort, he returned to Muscat, carrying his prisoner
with him. Saiyid Hamud died from the rigour of his confinement in
1850. Saiyid Kais, his brother, took up arms to avenge his death, and
.with the help of the Kawasim took Shinaa and several other forts. Saiyid
Said, however, returning from Zanzibar, gained over the Kawasim to his
side and defeated Saiyid Kais, from whom he took Sohar, leaving to him
Rostak and Hibi and assigning him a monthly stipend of 200 crowns.
On the death of Saiyid Said, his son Saiyid Turki, who had been
placed in the government of Sohar, made several unsuccessful attempts
,to make himself independent of his elder brother Saiyid Thawaini, and to;
create a rebellion in Oman. Accordingly in 1862 Saiyid Thawaini seized
him and placed him in confinement. He was subsequently released on 1
the intervention of the British Government, and a monthly allowance was
made to him by Saiyid Thawaini conditionally on his remaining loyal.'
In 1865, in consequence of Saiyid Thawaini’s expressed distrust of his
brother, he was informed that Saiyid Turki would be permitted to reside
in India during good behaviour on any allowance he might sanction:]
and that, unless Saiyid Turki accepted this offer, the British Government
would not interfere between him and his suzerain.
kWlten Saiyid Thawaini was murdered in the following year, Saiyid
.Turki’s life was in danger at Sohar, and he was taken up by the British
Resident. The subsequent history of Sohar has been given in the narra
tive of Muscat affairs. Being now a part of Muscat dominions, it is
governed by a Xali nominated by the Sultan.
* An Act of Parliament, 16 and 17 Viet., Cap. XVI, was passed to carry tbia
treaty into effect. See Appendix No. L V. |