IOR/R/15/6/107

The file contains correspondence in the form of letters and telegrams related to the construction of a Royal Air Force landing ground and petrol store at Shuwaimiyah, south-east Oman. The correspondence in the file covers the following: the urgency to establish operational airfield at Shuwaimiyah to help combat the submarine menace; the availability of water supplies at Shuwaimiyah; the possibility of troubles arising from the local tribes and the security arrangements there; the Muscat Government appointing local representatives at Shuwaimiyah; the Secretary to the Sultan of Muscat and Oman, Ali Muhammad Al-Jamali providing statements showing the due rent of the landing ground and the receipts when the rent was paid; the supply of labourers and their fees as well as details related to the dhows and labourers arriving at Masirah and Shuwaimiyah.

The file includes copies of draft agreements between the Political Agency, Muscat, the Muscat and Oman Government, and Muhammad bin Sullaiyim, Shaikh of Batahrah tribe, at Shuwaimiyah in connection with the development of the landing ground there.

The main correspondents in the file are: Headquarters British Forces, Iraq; Headquarters British Forces, Aden; Royal Air Force, Masirah; the Political Agency, Muscat; the Persian Gulf Residency, Bahrain; and the Government of Muscat and Oman.