"الاتجار بالأسلحة في مسقط. ١٩٠٨-١٩٠٩." [ظ‎‎٥‎٢] (١٢٨/١٠٩)

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the Afghan trade. The Arabs do not take
any rifles away overland. The immedi
ate hinterland of Masqat appears to be a
dangerous neighbourhood, and they are
afraid of being looted.
As mentioned under “ African trade ” the
people of Sur do most of the trade with
the Southern Arabian ports. In this
direction, too, there is little trade until July
and August.
The favourite rifle with the Arabs is a
short M.-H. rifle (or carbine), in which the
wood does not come to the end of the barrel.
These rifles are priced at Rs. 22 with
100 cartridges. It is not a good rifle. A
similar rifle to the above with regard to
length and make, is the Martini-Metford,
priced at Rs. 40. This is also a favourite
with the Arabs.
A large share of the Arab trade falls
to Damodar Mul.
About 8 months ago Habib-bin-Salin, Suspected German enterprise,
an Arab, brought some German tele
phones and lamps valued at Rs. 30,000
as presents to the Sultm of Masqat.
He was expected at Masqat again on
25th April with a motor car and motor
boat which are believed to be presents
from Germany. He is coming from Mom
basa in the Sultan’s yacht “Nur-ul-Bahar.”
About 40 yeais ago Habib lived at Masqat
The merchants there say that he is a poor
man, and that he could never afford to give
presents on this scale, and they think that
Germany is trying to get round the Sultan
of Masqat, in order to increase her influence
and obtain a Consulate there.
Our men think that the Masqat mer
chants and the Baluchis will be busy
sending across rifles to the Makran Coast
all this summer. There are also still a
considerable number of Afghans hanging
about the Gulf, and they will certainly
try to make their purchases early. Tbev
will stoie their rifles with Baluch Sardars
along the Makran coast until the next
caravan season, while the Masqat mer
chants and Baluchis will collect rifles on
Plans for next season.
This is confirmed by our other reports which
all prediot a busy hot weather and an early
season.