Muscat and Persian Gulf Affairs [‎626v] (18/26)

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No. 555, dated Muscat, 23rd September 1871.
From —Major E. C. Ross, Her Britannic Majesty's 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. and Consul,
Muscat,
To— Lietjt.-Col. Lewis Pelly, C.S.I., Her Britannic Majesty's 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 Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
I have the honor to snhmit the following report of political matters in
Oman, which have come to notice since the date of my last letters.
2. The port of Khahooreh has not yet been made over to His Highness
Syud Toorkee, hut I have been informed by the authorities that the Governor
Mohammed bin Nazir returned answer to His Highness’ messengers to the
effect that he was ready to deliver the place on properly authorized parties being
sent.
3. A raid was committed on Mesnaah by Mohammed bin Hamed of the
Naim tribe, snrnamed El Mattowa, on which occasion twelve persons were
killed. It appears that El Mattowa had, during thet ime His Highness Syud
Toorkee was at war with Ibrahim, offered to attack the Batinah Coast and that
His Highness had written requesting him not to do so. The letter had, however,
not reached. The sufferers from the incursion were chiefly of the Gharihee
tribe.
4. The affairs between the Ghafiree tribes of Ehahireh is still pending.
His Highness the Sultan had a letter lately from Mahomed bin Ali, the Naim
Chief of Beraymee, giving friendly assurances as to the protection of the Batinah
Coast from the incursions of plundering parties. He also mentioned that it
was likely an attack would soon he made on the Beni Ghafir occupying Einein
with a view of restoring it to Burgash.
5. Messengers from Zaeed bin Ivhuleefa of Ahoothahee arrived at Muscat
with letters and presents for His Highness. Zaeed’s letters were friendly and
expressed hopes that the same friendly relations would continue as existed in
former times. It is generally rumoured that Zaeed was about to visit Beraymee.
6. His Highness has received a letter from Saood bin Eysul md^ Beraymee,
announcing the capture of Eahsa by the Turks, and asking His Highness the
Sultan to assist against the Turks by land and sea. I believe no answer has been
written.
7. Bashed bin Hamed has been sent to Charbar. I arn not aware of the
precise nature of his instructions, but I understand that, in case the people
receive him favorably, he will act as Wullee on His Highness’ part.
8. Her Majesty’s Ship Magpie left for the Gulf on 16th, and Her Majesty s
Ship Bullfinch on 18th. The Surveying Schooner Constance sailed on 19th.
Enclosure No. 14
No. 5575, dated Bombay Castle, 21st November 1871.
From—W. Weddeebukn, Esq., Acting Secretary to Government, Bombay,
To—C. U. Aitchison, Esq., C.S.I., Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign
Department, with tbe G.-G.
In continuation of the letter from this Office, No. 5407, dated the 7th
instant, I have the honor, by direction of His Excellency the Governor in
Council, to forward, for the information of the Gov-
No. 15, dated 4 th November i87i. ernment of In( ii a5 the accompanying copy of a news-
report received from the Besident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
NEWS-REPORT.
No. 15 of 1871.
Her Majesty’s Steam-ship Lynx, Boyal Navy, arrived at Bushire from a
cruize on the 27th October. She brought the melancholy intelligence of the
Exd.—T. Y.