Muscat and Oman

This file concerns relations between the People’s Republic of South Yemen and the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman. It contains correspondence and newspaper articles concerning:

• Ruling National Liberation Front in South Yemen agitating for revolution in Oman
• Consideration of developing an Omani coastguard to tackle the dispute concerning the Kuria Murai [Khuriya Muriya] Islands
• Disputed border between South Yemen and Oman
• Tensions on the border concerning the strengthening of the Omani fort at Habrut
• Suspected supply of arms to eastern South Yemen
• Reports of an incursion into South Yemeni territory by Omani troops led by British officers; concerns regarding ‘wild reports’ serving as pretext for conflict; and the possibility of Dhofar Liberation Front (DLF) militants contributing to the confusion
• Question of establishing a dialogue between the Sultan of Muscat and Oman Saeed Bin Taimur and the government of South Yemen
• HMG’s investigations into South Yemen’s support for the DLF, and the implications this may have for future British aid to South Yemen
• South Yemen’s dislike of the US Chargé d’Affaires’ visits to Muscat
• Rumours of a foreign officer ‘with a pale face’ operating with rebels in Dhofar
• Tensions on the border between South Yemen and Saudi Arabia