Coll 20/17 'Muscat: Coal Depot: Question of transfer to RAF authorities' [‎37r] (74/115)

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FIDSNTIAL.
No*K/10 of 1933o
Office of the political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. ,muscat
On Kecess*
KiHarney notel, Karachi ♦
15th August 1933.
Politficai Agent and n.B.M.'s Consul, Muscat.
With reference to your letter no. 937-S, dated 28th July 1933
forwarding Crovernment of India letter No.D- 2775-N/33, dated 18th
July 1933, I have the honour to submit my views herewith.
2. Although the Makalla Coal Depot is no longer required for the
purposes of a naval coaling station, I consider its retention
desirable on the following grounds
(a) To maintain a permanent pied-a-terre in muscat territory
in the event of unforeseen emergencies.
(b) To afford a convenient depot for R.A.F.stores, fuel, etc.
in anticipation of the opening up of the B.asra-Aden
3. Although it is at present impossible to forecast future
eventualities and policy, the possibility of the evacuation of
Henjam is a point for consideration.
4. Should certain factors contribute to the desirability of such
a course of action, then 1 understand that no other suitable base
exists in the Eastern area of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. and that Muscat,
remote as it is, would furnish the next best substitute.
5. In such eventuality whether the Makalla Depot(at muscat) or the
establishment of a barge depot in Matrah Bay would be best, is a
technical question which can only be answered by the competent
Naval authorities.
6. From a persual of the Senior Naval Officer's confidential
memorandum No.15B/150/45/8, dated 17th August 1929 to the address
of the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station, it would appear that
the Matrah Bay scheme is the more favoured project.
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Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire.
Subject:-Question of the abolition of the
Coal Depot at Makalla.
Sir t
Air Route.