مجموعة ٢٠/ ١ "مسقط: الوضع المالي: تقديرات الميزانية، إلخ." [و‎‎١‎٩‎٨] (٧٣٢/٣٩٥)

Rs. 540- 0- 00
Total cost per annum Rs.17,640- 0 - 0
say Rs.17,600/-
5. Thus for the two appointments together the State
has to pay an annual sum of Rs.37,000, which, considering
the; present financial condition of the St&fce, is a comparatiYe-
ly large item in its budget* I am not of opinion, however,
that - if it can be avoided - both.these posts should be
abolished at present. The State is now passing through a
severe financial stringency, and the Levy has in consequence
been subjected to various e conomies, including a drastic cut
in the pay of the men. The problem of how the Corps is to
be kept contented, efficient and adequately armed and
ammunitioned under these rot and difficult conditions needs
the personal attention of a British officer, as do the
financial affairs of the State. I think, however, that the
two posts might be combined, provided e. suitable officer
can be found to ’double the parts’, and in this connection
would draw attention to Colonel Biscoe’s letter NO.2904S of
25th May 1931, in which he suggested Captain Alban could do
this successfully. Thiis measure could be regarded as a
temporary expedient to get the State through the adverse
conditions in front of it during the next yesab or so. At the
end of this period, say, about October 1932, it is to be hoped
that the State will have reached a more prosperous level, and
that the Levy will have thoroughly shaken down its new
conditions. The position could then be reviewed afresh, and
it mi^it be found possible to do without a British Officer at
all.
6# If Government were to accept this proposal then I
suggest that Captain Alban should receive
Grade Pay .. .. ... Rs. 750.
Overseas Pay Rs. 150.
Allowance as Commandant Rs. 200.
Allowance as Financial)
Adviser ) ... r 3 . 200.