Political development

This file relates to the development of the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman. It contains correspondence concerning:

• Frequent conversations between Sultan Saeed Bin Taimur and Consul-General D C Carden about strengthening the Sultan's following inside the country to increase the chances of stability after HMG's withdrawal in 1971; and Carden' suggestion that he consider reducing customs duty and dividing oil revenue into fifths
• The Sultan's search for a civil service advisor, including the candidacy of E H Hollis, M A J McSheehy, H C Williams, J R C Pincombe, A C M Hingley, A L Monro, H G W Turner and an advertisement in The Economist
• The proposed use of Sawt Al Sahil to broadcast favourable developments; and a suggestion that Colonel C C Maxwell resurrect his news bulletin for broadcast by the Sultan's Armed Forces
• The Sultan's financial contribution to military and civil development programmes between 1963-67
• A talk with Wendell Phillips on 12 April 1967 regarding a fishing concession, mineral survey of Masira [Masirah], the political future of Sayyed Tariq Bin Taimur, the position of the Sultan's son Sayyed Qaboos Bin Saeed and the political situation in South Arabia and Aden
• A BBC interview with John Harris on Muscat development plans
• Revised estimates for civil development in 1966-67 with detailed itemisation
• A discussion between the Sultan, Carden and A R Moore on 22 December 1966 to understand the Sultan's views on the future development of his country and to try to persuade him that public opinion in the UK cannot be ignored if he wants HMG assistance.