IOR/L/PS/7/7, ff 636-652

This item consists of a copy of a Political Letter from the Government of India’s Foreign Department, to the Secretary of State for India, No. 38 of 1876, dated 16 February 1876, submitting enclosures related to the state of affairs in Muscat, dated 16 August 1875-11 January 1876.

The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence discussing the rule in Muscat of Syud Abdool Azeez [Sayyid ‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd] as regent during the absence of his brother Syud Toorkee [Sayyid Turkī bin Sa‘īd Āl Bū Sa‘īd, Sulṭān of Oman], who has departed for Gwadur [Gwadar] for the benefit of his health. Topics covered include:

• Statements and actions by various supporters and opponents of Abdool Azeez
• A lack of funds with which to pay subsidies to tribal leaders, and a request from Abdool Azeez for a British grant
• The appointment by Abdool Azeez of Saleh bin Ali El Harithee [Ṣāliḥ bin ‘Alī al-Ḥārthī] as his chief adviser
• A visit to Muscat by Zaid bin Khuleefa [Zāyid bin Khalīfah Āl Nahyān], Ruler of Aboothabee [Abu Dhabi]
• The return of Syud Toorkee on suspicion that his brother is planning to seize full control, and his capture of Muscat and Muttrah [Mutrah].

The primary correspondents are: Syud Abdool Azeez; Syud Toorkee; Saleh bin Ali; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Political Agent, Muscat; and the Government of India.