Omani Liberation Army

This file relates to the military situation in Muscat and Oman, particularly in regard to the Omani Liberation Army. It contains correspondence concerning:

• Mohammad Bin Abdulla Al Salmi’s history, family and followers; and his position within the unrest driven by the Omani Liberation Army
• The whereabouts of Taleb Bin Ali Al Hina'i in the Trucial States; and instructions to arrest him
• A discussion on possibly contacting Saudi Arabia through Iraq about their actions supporting the Omani Liberation Army
• The ongoing incident involving Sheikh Ibrahim Bin Isa Al Harithi and his followers in Oman and HMG’s and the Sultanate’s military response. It includes: The dispersal of the force near Qabil; the efforts of the Sultan of Muscat and Oman Saeed Bin Taimur to capture Ibrahim Bin Isa; the canvassing of support from local Sheikhs and the Bani Ruwayah tribe by the Sultan and their visits to Muscat; and his final capture at Sib [Seeb] and subsequent incarceration at Jalali fort, with thanks from the Sultan to HMG for the RAF’s assistance. It also includes an update from F C L Chauncy on the origins of this incident in Oman, with it stemming from the unpopularity of the Wali of Sharqiyah Ahmad Bin Mohammad Al Harithi; and C A Gault’s report on the entire incident (considered to be the first operation of the Omani Liberation Army) to the Foreign Secretary Selwyn Lloyd.