Taxation of British Subjects in Muscat, and their Employees, by the Muscat Government [‎615r] (5/10)

( 3 )
These and others serving as Nakhodas* on board my buggalows under the
* Beioochees of Gwadur and Charbar. British flag have been called upon by, and have
. paid to, the Muscat authorities taxes similar to those
paid by their own subjects.
Trom my servant Ghooloom Alif they have taken $45; from three of my
t Arab. NakhodasJ named respectively Abdoolla, Shumbay,
f Beiooches of Gwadur and Charbar f 11 ^ ^ therefore, make these facts
known to you.
No. 4677, dated Bombay Castle, 30th September 1871.
Extract from the Proceedings of the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. , in the Political Department.
Read the following :—
No. 426-120, dated 8th October 1870.
From—Political Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
Submits copy of a letter from the Acting 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. in Muscat, regarding an Arab
subject in the service of the B. I. S. N. Company, who has claimed exemption from taxation
by the local Government and protection.
States his opinion on the two points raised by Major Way.
No. 478-134, dated 22nd October 1870.
From—Political Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
With reference to concluding paragraph of his No. 426-120, of 8th October 1870, for
wards, with remarks thereon, copy of a letter No. 493, of 8th October 1870, with accompaniment,
received from the Acting 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. , Muscat,- regarding taxation of employes of British
subjects by the Muscat Government.
Resolution. —In this case an Arab subject of Muscat in the service of the
B. I. S. N. Company has claimed protection and exemption from taxation.
2. With reference to the question of protection, the 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.
should be informed that, in order to entitle the claimant to protection under
Article 4 of the Treaty of 1839, he must be in the service of a British subject
in the Muscat dominions.
3. It appears that the Treaty does not provide for exemption from taxation;
but on this subject the late Major Way writes as follows :—“ Exemption has been
allowed for many years, but attempts have frequently been made to tax indivi
duals, though unsuccessfully, through the resistance of Her Britannic Majesty’s
representative.” With regard to this question, it is to be observed that, except
under special stipulation it is not customary for aliens to be exempted from the
payment of taxes levied generally from the subjects of a State. But as it
appears that the exemption has in practice been enjoyed by British subjects in
Muscat for a considerable period, the question should be referred for the orders
of the Government of India.
Enclosure No. 2.
No. 2599P., dated Fort William, 11th December 1871.
p rom C. U. Aitchison, Esq., C.S.I., Secy, to Govt, of India, Foreign Dept.,
rp 0 w. Wedderbuen, Esq., Acting Secretary to the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. .
I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 4678, dated
30th September 1871, together with its enclosures from the Resident m tne