IOR/R/15/6/274

This file relates to the Muscat territory of Gwadur [Gwadar, Pakistan; it is written as Gwadar in some of the correspondence].

The file begins with discussion of a proposal from the Sultan of Muscat and Oman [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd] to devote the whole of his Gwadur revenue to the improvement of the administration and provision of public services in the territory. The correspondence goes on to cover the appointment of an Indian administrator to carry out reforms in Gwadur, under the authorisation of the Sultan.

Related matters covered in the file include the following: the views of the British Agent, Gwadur, on the most urgently required reforms at Gwadur; travel and accommodation arrangements for the newly appointed administrator and his family; details of proposed reforms in various areas, such as health and education, and plans for the founding of a municipal department at Gwadur; the administrator's resignation, following a period of ill health, and the recruitment of his successor; attempts by the British to recruit more personnel (e.g. teachers, medical officers and sanitary inspectors) from India to work in Gwadur. Included in the file is a small amount of received correspondence from various candidates applying for the aforementioned positions.

The file's principal correspondents are the following: the Political Agent and Consul, Muscat; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the British Agent, Gwadur; the Administrator, Gwadur; the Sultan of Muscat and Oman [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd]; officials of the British Government of India's External Affairs Department.

The Arabic language material consists of received correspondence from the Sultan of Muscat and Oman (English translations are included). The material written in Urdu consists of one item of correspondence.