IOR/R/15/6/89

The file contains correspondence in the form of secret and confidential letters, telegrams and reports related to the landing grounds at Salalah and Masirah (also Masira). This correspondence is mainly between the Air Force Headquarters, Iraq; the Political Residency, Bushire; and the Political Agency Muscat.

The correspondence mainly concerns mediation with the Government of the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman regarding: the visit of ship Lawrence to Masirah Island; the development of the Muscat-Aden air route; arrangements for maintaining fuel stocks at Masirah Island; and the hiring of ship Al Sa‘id for the purpose of transporting petrol to Masirah Island, and the cost and quantity of coal consumed by the ship.

The file also contains reports from the Political Agent, Muscat to the Political Resident, Bushire on the work in progress at Masirah. The reports cover the following: Masirah Island; conversations with the Islanders; summary of results; Um Rasas; who is who on Masirah; and future policy.

The file includes copies of agreements between Salim bin Said Al-‘Arami of the Janaba (also Janaibi) tribe and the Political Agency, Muscat for the hiring of the former’s house at Um Rasas in order to be used as a petrol store for the Royal Air Force. The agreement was first signed on 24 November 1932 and was renewed in 1934 and 1935 respectively.

The file also contains correspondence from the Shaikh of Masirah, Khamis bin Hilal Al-Maj‘ali regarding the work taking place at the landing ground and the conditions of the workers and their payments.

Other correspondences in the file relates to the following: suggestions made by the Royal Air Force for a new petrol store to be built at Shagha Island, not far from Masirah; the improvement of the landing ground at Marbat; and the building of a new landing ground at Sur Masirah.