IOR/L/PS/18/B416

Report on Sur by Major Gerald Patrick Murphy, Political Agent of Muscat, dated 9 October 1928.

It is divided into the following sections:

• I. – 'Geographical Description of Sur' – including an introduction to the tribes who inhabit it;
• II. – 'Historical Summary of the Bani Bu Ali' – including their origin, religion, engagements, expeditions, and feuds;
• III. – 'Historical Summary of the Jenebeh' – including their origin, feuds, criminal activities, and fines;
• IV. – 'The Slave Trade at Sur' – including British efforts in the suppression of the slave trade, treaties, a description of a captured slave vessel, and use the of the French flag as protection for slaving operations;
• V. – 'Summary of recent Events in Sur' – including the building of new forts, establishment of a new customs post, the question of the Sultan's authority, criminal activities, and customs dues;
• VI. – 'Review of the Situation at Sur' – including the policy pursued so far, request for assistance by the Sultan, the value of Sur in terms of prestige, and the form of assistance to be taken;
• appendix 1. – 'Early History of Sur';
• appendix 2. – 'Wrecks and Piracy'.