'File 11/12 IV Muscat Intelligence Summaries' [‎48r] (95/114)

SECRET. No» 21 .
MSQAT I>ftmiGFJJCE STJI^iRY FOR THB PERIOD 1st-15th NOVE^ER.
VISITORS,
315. Pfajor R.E.R. Bird of Petroloura Concessions Ltd., arrived in
Muscat on the 8th November from Sharjah by launch. He was accompanied
by Mr. Henderson.
They stayed at the Consulate as guests of H.M*s Consul until they
left for Sharjah on the 14th %
LOCAL NEWS.
316. As reported in Serial No. 308 of ny previous summary the new
Baizas of various denominations were introduced on the 1st November. There
was disorder for the first few days as no provision had been made for large
crowds, and the police had to intervene, perhaps with more vigour than
discretion; but things soon settled down as more new coins were in circul
ation.
Despite the " New Look " of the new Balsas, most people are long
ing for the feel of the old ones - no natter how badly defaced and worn -
which seems to have disappeared off the market,
^ ^lute was fired from Fort Mirani on the 4th November to announce
the Arab New Year, all Government and Consulate flagstaff being dressed for
the occasion.
318. On receipt of the news of the birth of a son to Their Royal
Highnesses Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, His Highness wrote
to H.M T s Consul asking that his congratulations be conveyed to Their
Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses.
The Consulate flag staff was dressed and a small party c^iven by
members of the Exiles Club at which H.t^s Consul was present. The health
of the Royal Family was drunk.
319. Reference Serial 143 / 48 .
Major Bird, Liaison Officer with the Petroleum Concession Ltd.,
and Mr* Henderson arrived in Muscat to discuss the question of oil with the
Sultan. With their arrival here to pave the way for their Geological work
early in the new year, considerable speculation has taken place amongst the
merchants though anything short of actual discovery of oil seems to leave
the Beduin apathetic.
The daily exodus to Kuwait and Bahrain still continues, partly
owing to the poverty which undoubtedly exists in the interior.
320. Reference Serial No. 304 / 48 ,
.The tug rtRoeftaiia" after a stay of abodt ten days left for the
United Kingdom on the 6th* During her stay here she ro-victualleS three other
tugs which were on their way to Abadan.
SMUGGLING OF GOLD.
321. A considerable amount of gold leaves Muscat for India and Pakistan
each time a B.I. boat touches here. Local goldsmiths and some merchants
have found yot another method of getting their gold past the customs without
suspicion. Gold purchased in the gulf is made into rough ornaments locally
and then given to Baluchi women who arc provided with passports etc., and
given every assistance to effect the snuggling. These women, who apparently
sru old hands at the game, oblige and having taken over ornanents wofcth
thousands contact various people in Karachi and Bombay where the ornanents
whore they are disposed off easily at high rates.
It is quite a usual sight to see poor women on the deck of the ships
wearing ornaments that suggest considerable wealth.
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