'Muscat-Omani relations' [‎49r] (105/412)

uncertain affair that may die|f away at any moment is like all
atmospheric forcasts largely a matter of guessing. A record of
events is a matter of fact "but the deductions to be made from
them must necessarily be personal and merely an expression of
views. From the events that I have recorded I draw the following
conclusion;-
In 1937 the Sultan, who is not of a warlike disposition
though a man of considerable personal courage, saw little chance
of regaining control of the whole of Muscat and Omanjby . the only
alternative methods to fighting and that was by buying the alle-
gience of the Shaikhs and so undermining the Iman^s influence.
His financial resources would not permit of any extra expenditure.
Even if he had succeeded in regaining control v/ithout money for
development the interior offered little but trouble, therefore he
decided to leave affairs in Muscat in the hands of Kai Sahib
Duli Chand who might be a man of doubtful honesty but was a eaea
capable revenue official who produced sufficient money for the
Sultan and the State's immediate requirements.
He knew that the presence of our landing grounds along
the coast would make it essential that peace be maintained from
south of Kalba to Kishen, that if there was trouble in these
areas and he took no action the probabilities were that we would
settle the matter for him.
The most pleasant place ± fl to live in his country, that
was accessible to him, was Dhofar. Climatically it is pleasant
and is green. The tribes were quiet and he liked them personally.
Very well he would retire to Dhofar in much the same way as his
father had retired to Japan. There without worries he would lead
a quiet and pleasant life. The interest that commercial under
takings evinced in the possibility of oil in Arabia after the
success of the Bahrain field offered a means of obtaining more
money. He returned to Muscat in February 1937 and the negotia
tions were completed in June 1937 and the money was a fact. The
immediate