Coll 30/9 'Persian Gulf: Administration Reports 1926-1938' [‎236v] (477/1028)

44
Administration Eeport 1933.
Part II.
1. Ruling Family .—The main problem that has continued to occupy J]i s
Highness the Sultan. Saiyid Said bin Taimur, since his accession to the Sul
tanate, has been the finances of the State.
The measures taken to deal with the grave financial situation, and to mini
mise the effect of the cessation of the Arms Traffic subsidy, will be dealt with
under the appropriate heading.
It may not be inopportune however to mention here that the fact that the
State is still solvent and that its revenues show a tendency to improve is laro-ely
due to the Eulers’ own energy and perspicacity in dealing with financial mat
ters.
In order to more closely familiarise himself with conditions prevailing
his State, His Highness conducted a rapid tour of inspection through the
Batinah between 1st and 17th February.
As a result .of this tour the Sultan acquired much useful information as
to the possibilities of increasing his revenues without unduly enhancing the
burden of taxation for his subjects.
On the 20th February His Highness, accompanied by 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. ,
embarked on H.M.S. “ Shoreham ” for Gwadur there to finally dispose of the
Esa ease, which vms fully referred to in last year’s report.
From personal investigation of the affair His Highness was fully satished
that the Wall of Gwadur had failed conspicuously in his duty both in this case
and in many other matters. The Wali in consequence was summarily dismissed
service and removed to Muscat.
The Baluch community, whom His Highness held to be largely responsible
for the equanamity and freedom with which the outlaw Esa had entered Gwadnr
was fined Rs. 1,000, of which sum Rs. 500 was paid to Bana, the Khoja victim
of Esa’s assault, as compensation for his injuries.
On return to Muscat the. Sultan was fully occupied in the final arrangements
for the administration of his Government during his absence on a protracted
visit to his southern province of Dhofar.
He set oat on this journey in the State launch “ al-Saidi ” on 31st March
and, after twice narrowly averting shipwreck due to tempestuous seas, reached
Dhofar safely some eight days later.
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. visited His Highness at Salalah (Dhofar) on loth
December. It was^ certainly apparent that whilst the Sultan had undoubtedly
benefited by his sojourn in Dhofar, his visit had not solely constituted a holiday.
During the time he has spent there, His Highness has toured practically the
whole of the Province, acquainting himself with the tribes and conditions, and
gradually consolidating his influence in these less civilised parts of his State.
He has inaugurated Dhofar Customs on a sound basis and has also carried
out many constructional improvements in Salalah and the neighbourhood.
Whilst the advisability of the prolonged absence of the Ruler from the seat
of his Government is open to question, there is considerable truth in His High
ness’s assertion that be has been enabled from a distance to gain a better
perspective of his administration and to realise defects in the same than if he
had remained present at his headquarters.
Whilst in no walk of life is a reduction in income welcomed, the necessity
for the cut in allowances and salaries was appreciated and accepted by all mem
bers of the Ruling House with the exception of Saiyid Nadir.
This individual, who is the eldest of His Highness’s uncles and at the same
time is in receipt of the highest allowance next to that of the late Ruler paid by
the State, has seen fit to pose as an aggrieved person and to refuse his pay. His
example has fortunately not been emulated by others.
Three other Uncles of the Sultan, i.e. Saiyid Hamad (Wali of Matrahl,
Saiyid Mahmud and Saiyid Shahab together with a fourth member, have consti
tuted the Muscat Council during His Highness’s absence.