‘File XXXVIII/5 REPORT ON SUR. By MAJOR G. P. MURPHY., I.A. P. A., MUSCAT. 10-10-1928.’ [‎10r] (30/308)

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driven out, it would seem necessary to follow the same course as in the case
of Muscat and Matrah. The towns have been transformed from armed camps
living constantly under the threat of raids, into peaceful and law abiding
places as quiet and safe as any town in India. The result has been reached
by gradual development of circumstances. Indian troops were landed in
1913, during the rebellion of Sheikh Isa bin Saleh and the Imam of Tanuf,
for the protection of Muscat and Matrah in accordance with our undertaking
to defend these towns. After one attack in 1915, when he sustained a
severe defeat, Sheikh Isa bin Saleh left these places severely alone. After
-the Sultan had come to terms with the Imam, a small levy corps under a
British officer was formed and paid for by the Muscat Government, and the
Indian troops were able to depart.
117. This corps, though very weak numerically, is a constant reminder
to the tribes that they cannot raid the place with impunity and their presence
is sufficient to restrain any lawless elements there may be in the population.
118. By stationing a battalion of Indian infantry at Sur for a year or
two, the same result could presumably be achieved.
The Sjate could undertake to build a proper customs house and establish
an effect*administration there. Increased customs revenues could be
utilised'foc the increase of the strength of the ’Muscat infantry by 100 men,
eventually to take the place of the Indian troops as soon as the situation,
becomes sufficientjy stabilised.
119. The cost of such a force has been worked out for me in detail by
•Captain Walker, Commandant, Muscat Infantry, but I have not thought it
necessary to include such details in this report. He estimates initial
expenditure, exclusive of quarters, at Rs. 21,170 ; annual expenditure for
the first two years, Rs. 00,000 per annum ; annual expenditure subsequently,
Rs. 61,400 per annum.
customs rs
iceipts of Sur
amounted to—
Rs.
Rs.
1921 -
45,531
1925
- 42,751
1922 -
36,376
1926
- 37,813
1928 -
50,728
1927
- 38,802
1924 -
37,457
The above amounts were collected under the conditions described above.
If the town were properly under control the customs receipts should
uxceed one lakh One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees .
121. With the presence of such troops, it might also be possible to induce
the British India Company to send their slow mail steamers to call at Sur.
Although the volume of trade would justify this, the opposition of dhow A term adopted by British officials to refer to local sailing vessels in the western Indian Ocean.
owners and the general insecurity of the place prevents their doing so at
present. Such visits would be a great civilising influence 1o the place in
addition to furnishing an easy means of access and also furthering British
-trade.
G. P. MURPHY, Major,
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. and H.B.M. Consul,
Muscat, Muscat.
9th October 1928.