'File 35/134 III (A 54) Sur: Ja`alan- Amirs of.' [‎112r] (241/426)

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long projected CJUstomg House, always effectively opposed by
the Bani-bu-Ali, is nearly finished, tnms shows that they have
lost influence.
n
Iteui (2) is now on a more permanent footing, the Jenebah
sections have been united at various times, but only to
separate a^ain. The appointment of the new resident Shei^di
in place of the permanently absent one is liicely to keep
them together*
Item (3) has been very successful, please refer to Customs
figures attacned to (b) and notice the large rises in revenue
in July and August 1931 as compared with last year's figures.
Customs control on the Jenebah has by no means been effective
lately but I suggest that now it is so and that this repre-
ts an important step forv/ard vide Colonel Biscoe's D.O.
No.253-3 dated May 11th, 1931, to you, last page.
Item (4) leaves Sheikh Ali in an attitude of passive
resistance, his reply, when pressed, was that he could not be
responsible for his followers, if made to pay Customs, and
that he would have to run away.
In^conversation with Saiyid Said yesterday he agreed that
a great step forward has been accomplished, the effective
Muscat frontier has advanced right Up to the outskirts of
Aiqa, as it were, and already itsinfiuence is beginning to
be felt by the Bani-bu-Ali« He proposes another visit to
Uftryi
Sur shortly, to consolidate the ground already .^w^open the
new Customs, if ready and press Sheikh Ali further still, it
is only a question of time now until full Customs control is
gained. He is not at ail pessimistic, although parts of his
letter seem to suggest it, of course he would like Sloops
and permission to bombard, as an easy way out, but he agrees
that a steady^regular pressure on Sheikh All until he gives
way^as he is bound to do soon, will be the best method #
Strong States always tend to attract weak neighbours.
5. The tfali, Said Saif bin Sedr, has a reputation for
firmness, he was a great success at Gwadur, and he will not,
Saiyid Said says, relinquish any ground already gained.