IOR/R/15/6/72-121

The sub-sub-series ‘Aviation’ covers the signing of Civil Air Agreements between the British Government and the Sultan of Muscat and Oman between 1934 and 1947, and the establishment of landing grounds at various sites in the Sultan’s territories. The landing grounds were established as a war measure at Gwadur [Gwadar], Salalah, Masirah, Sohar, Sur, Murbat [Marbat], Khor Jarama, Ras Al-Had, Shuwaimiyah, Bait Al-Falaj, and Shinas.

Subjects covered in considerable depth include the following:

• Constructions of petrol stores and other facilities on the landing grounds
• The supply of materials, workers, and equipment
• Sanitary administration on the Arab side of the Gulf
• Authorisations issued by the Sultan of Muscat and Oman allowing charter flights to fly over his territories and to use the landing grounds for refuelling in accordance with the Muscat Civil Air Agreement
• Reconnaissance of various landing grounds and air routes.

The files and volumes also include photographs, maps and plans for the landing grounds and the facilities required on site.

British official correspondence mainly comes from the Political Agent and Consul at Muscat; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Royal Air Force Headquarter, Iraq; the Government of India; the India Office; the Foreign Office; the Ministry of Civil Aviation, London and various other British Government departments. Most of the files and volumes contain correspondence from the Sultan of Muscat and Oman [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd] or his representatives. Other correspondents include local shaikhs, representatives of neighbouring states, shipping agents, civil air companies, and other companies and individuals with interests in the Sultanate.

The sub-sub-series contains a significant amount of correspondence written in Arabic, as well as a small number of letters written in French and Dutch. English translations are included in most cases.