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128
APPENDIX TO REPORT FROM SELECT COMMITTEE
Appeudix, Ko. 8.
rigid adherence to pretensions based on exact rights. In other words, it will be for the
Political Resident to ascertain what is right and what is expedient, and whether the parties
can be induced partially to concede the one for the purpose of permanently securing the
other.
The Right Honourable the Governor in Council considers that the whole question is open
to the investigation and discussion of the political resident ; that it is the sole desire of the
Supreme Government to administer justice between the contending parties, and that that
high authority will gladly avail itself of any facts or considerations which Brigadier
Coghlan may be able to contribute towards the solution of existing complications.
The question of guaranteeing to the Imam his Arabian possessions is one on which the
Right Honourable the Governor in Council would wish to be favoured with the Political
Resident's opinion. The Right Honourable the Governor in Council is not aware whether
any necessity exists for the grant of such guarantee, but the Political Resident may be requested
to examine and report on the general question, and also on the specific political
relation of Syud Toorkce, the ruler of Sohar (who, it is believed, has agreed to transfer
his territory to the ruler of the Wahabees) to his brother the Imam. The correspondence
on the latter subject may be forwarded to the political resident.
With respect to the Political Resident’s movements, that officer will learn from another
letter that the Commander in Chief of the Indian Navy is unable at present to place a
vessel at Brigadier Coghlan’s disposal to enable him to visit Zanzibar before the monsoon.
The Right Honourable the Governor in Council thinks, then, that the Political Resident
should now proceed with Mr. Rassam and the Reverend Mr. Badger to Muscat, and commence
his inquiries there on the two complications, that between Muscat and Zanzibar,
and that between Muscat and Sohar.
The duty to bo performed is one of great labour and responsibility, but the Right
Honourable the Governor in Council feels that it could be entrusted to no more judicious
agency than that of Brigadier Coghlan.
(signed) Elphinstone.
H. }V. Reeves.
E. Frere.
Resolution by the Honourable Board, dated the 14th May 1860.
Resolved—The Reverend Mr. Badger and Mr. II. Rassam having arrived in Bombay
by the last mail, the question is now presented of how Brigadier Coghlan shall be enabled
to commence his investigation of the disputes between the rulers of Muscat and
Zanzibar. The -only vessel of the Indian Navy which is now, or will immediately be
available, is the Punjaub.” The Commander in Chief of the Indian Navy has pointed
out the great expense which would be incurred in sending this vessel to Zanzibar, and
his opinion has received the concurrence of Government. But the Honourable the
Governor in Council is disposed, on account of the urgent necessity which exists for
obtaining an arrangement of the dispute, to treat the subject as one of special importance,
and to consider that the Indian Navy steamerPunjaub ” should be detached for the
duty of conveying Brigadier Coghlan on his mission. The course which the Honourable
the Governor in Council thinks should be adopted is the following : On the return of the
Punjaub ” to Bombay, Brigadier Coghlan, with his suite, should proceed in her to
Muscat. He should then introduce Mr. Rassam to his Highness the Imfim as the future
agent of the British Government ; and should inform his Highness that he has himself
been deputed to investigate the claim of Muscat to sovereignty over Zanzibar. It is of
great importance that the Commissioner should visit Muscat before he visits Zanzibar, in
order that the impression which now exists (that the British Government is prejudiced in
favour of the pretensions of Syud Majeed to complete independence of Muscat) may be
removed. The Commissioner can receive such proofs as the ruler of Muscat may be able
to submit ; he can also confer with him as to the adoption of some effective measures for
the prevention of the slave trade ; and finally, endeavour to procure some settlement of
the dispute with Sohar. ft is "scry probable that all these duties will not occupy the
Commissioner for more than three w^eeks, and by the time of his return to Bombay the
Government may have a smaller steamer than the Punjaub ” at its disposal, in which he
can proceed to Zanzibar. But the Honourable the Governor in Council is so fully impressed
w ith the important character of the complications which have arisen in connection
with the succession to the sovereignty of Zanzibar, that he is clearly of opinion no time
should be lost in enabling Brigadier Coghlan to investigate and submit the whole case,
through this Government, to the Government of India for final settlement.
(signed) G. Clerk.
14 May 1860. H. II. Reeves.
IV. E. Frere.
