§ 3. Sir J. D. REESasked what protection is afforded to the resident and other Europeans in Busra; and whether any special precautions are being taken in view of the rebellion at Muscat, the presence of a camp of Arabs near Busra, and the general condition of unrest in the Tigris district?
§ Sir E. GREYI am not aware that there is any need for the special protection of His Majesty's Consul and other Europeans at Basra. The master of a British steam-lighter was murdered on board his vessel in Basra Harbour on 8th February, and strong representations have been made to the Ottoman Government by His Majesty's Ambassador to spare no efforts to bring the guilty parties to justice. Those efforts have not so far been successful. I have received no information as to a state of general unrest in the Tigris region or as to affairs at Basra being effected by events at Muscat.
§ 7. Sir G. SCOTT ROBERTSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give concerning the recent fighting in Muscat and the shelling of Barka; were there any casualties on board His Majesty's ships "Dartmouth" and "Fox" or amongst the British-Indian troops; and what is the present state of affairs at Muscat?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Charles Roberts)A rebellion against the Sultan of Muscat has been in progress for nearly a year, and His Majesty's Government have been obliged to take measures for the protection of towns on the coast where they have important interests. During April the rebels occupied forts at Kuriyat and Barka, which His Majesty's ships bombarded at the request of the Sultan and dislodged the rebels. So far as I am aware there were no casualties on His Majesty's ships. British-Indian troops have not been engaged. According to my latest information, which is, however, not more recent than 25th April, it was improbable that the rebels would again attack the coast towns. The situation in the interior was uncertain, though the rebels were reported to be disheartened.
§ Colonel YATEMay I ask if proper precautions will be taken to prevent the looting of Muscat and other coast towns by rebels from the interior, as happened some years ago?
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSAll proper precautions are being taken and will be taken.