IOR/R/15/6/280

This file relates to plans for the installation of an automatic telephone system in Muscat. It concerns reports that the Sultan of Muscat and Oman [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd] is considering introducing a telephone system (consisting of around 80-100 connections) to the towns of Muscat and Matrah (transliteration varies throughout).

The file features the following principal correspondents: the Political Agent and Consul, Muscat; the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Secretary of State for India; the Sultan of Muscat and Oman; representatives of the India Office, the Commonwealth Relations Office, Cable and Wireless Limited, and the Automatic Telephone and Electric Company.

The correspondence covers the following: the British authorities' concerns that the contract for the proposed work should go to a British firm, with Cable and Wireless Limited being considered the prime candidate; Cable and Wireless's initial reluctance to take an interest in the proposed installation, following 'none too happy' experiences with telephone systems in Bahrain and Kuwait; the submission of a tender in February 1947 by the Automatic Telephone and Electric Company for the supply of telephone equipment to Muscat; proposals submitted in September 1947 by Cable and Wireless for the installation of a telephone system in Muscat and Muttrah, including details of installation costs, and a stated intention to invite tenders for the supply of material in the form of sub-contracts.