شؤون مسقط والخليج الفارسي [و‎‎٦‎٢‎٥] (٢٦/١٥)

India, the enclosed copy of a further letter, with accompaniments, from the
Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, No. 1077-289, dated the 23rd September
1871, respecting the affairs of Oman.
No. 1077-289, dated British Residency, Bushire, 23rd September 1871.
liom Lieut.-Col. Lewis Belly, C.S.I., Her Britannic Majesty’s Political Resident
in the Persian Gulf,
To—Secretary to Government, Political Department, Bombay.
In continuation of
No. 1022-272, of 12th
1871, with enclosure, from Political
Agent, No. 501, of 25th August 1871.
my letter as per margin, concerning the political
September condition in the Muscat territories, I have now the
honor of enclosing a letter No. 536, of the 8th
instant, which I have received from the Political
Agent, reporting that no change has occurred in affairs since the date of his
despatch No. 504, of 25th August.
2. The tribal disputes referred to in Major R/xss’ 2nd and 3rd paragraphs
may probably be adjusted.
3. But that Ibrahim bin Ghes should continue to hold independent rule
in Sohar, the strongest fortress of the Oman
Littoral; and that Pysul bin Hamood should hold
the Hill Portress of Rostak (the family head
quarters of the Bin Ghes branch) are facts which
appear to me, as I have already reported, of importance.
4. I agree with Major Ross in thinking that the permanent interests of His
Highness will not be benefitted by an infraction of his
agreement with Bin Ghes respecting Khaboorah.
Major Ross in suspecting that many of the more
powerful tribes would, from self-
Paragraph 4.
Vide my letter No. 970-250, dated
28th August 1871.
Paragraph 4.
5. I
also agree with
Paragraph 4.
Vide paragraph 5 of my letter No. 412-100 of 22nd April 1871.
“ It is perhaps unnecessary to submit my opinion that such
separation of the territories now constituting the Sultanship of
Muscat would, under present circumstances, be highly inexpedient.”
interested motives, prefer that the
Oman territories should not be
consolidated under one efficient
Ruler. My opinion on this ques
tion has, however, been already submitted.
6. In an unofficial note Major Ross writes concerning the annoyance
Dated 9 th instant, copy of extract caused to His Highness Syud Toorkee by the swarms
appended. 0 f Bedouins who infest Muscat, importunate for
gratuities, while in another note Major Ross mentions that these beggars when
unsatisfied go away “muttering.”
7. Major Ross expresses himself as uneasy at His Highness’ condition of
“ impecuniosity” and deems that “ change of the present state of affairs
must come.”
8. In my opinion an almost empty exchequer is the source of His
Highness’ most pressing embarrassments, and I fear that his recent expedition
against Sohar has yet further drained his resources without adding to his
prestige.
9. On the whole, however, I do not anticipate any immediate convulsion ;
and His Highness’ wide and varied experience affords us reason to hope that
he will act discreetly.
No. 536, dated Muscat, 8th September 1871.
p rom —Major E. C. Ross, Her Britannic Majesty^ Poltl. Agent and Consul, Muscat,
To Lieut.-Col. Lewis Pelly, C.S.I., Her Britannic Majesty’s Poltl. Resident in the
Persian Gulf.
I have the honor to report that, since the date of my last letter to your
address, no change that I am aware of has occurred in the affairs of Oman.
2. The disputes amongst the Ghafiree tribes of Dhahireh are still awaiting
settlement.