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11. Notes on the population of Dhofar are given in Annex B.
The basic division between the Bait Kathir and the Qarra is
important as it constitutes an effective barrier to the unity
of Dhofaris in their unanimous opposition to the Sultan.
The Sultan's Position in Dhofar
12. The present Sultan first visited Salalah in 1932 and continued
to pay long visits until 1958 when he took up permanent residence
there, largely to escape from the importunities of his subjects.
He takes an active interest in the province but his administration
is composed of Omanis who are considered foreigners in Dhofari
eyes.
Life in the towns and villages on the plain is made
irksome by the numerous restrictions which the Sultan imposes.
One such restriction is a ban on leaving the country which,
because of the lack of gainful employment in Dhofar, is
extremely unpopular and has led to insurgency in the past. The
Sultan has recently announced a development programme for Salalah,
eg building of a hospital, construction of water and electrical
systems.
This programme should not only provide some useful
employment for the local labour, but should also lead to an
improvement in the Sultan's local image.
13. However, it is unlikely to have any effect on the hard core
of the rebels in the jebal. . Their stated aim is to free Dhofar
from the Sultan's rule and the means by which they intend to do
this are:
a.
To kill the Sultan.
To attack the Sultan's Armed Forces including the
.airfield at Salalah.
c. To attack the Sultan's centres of administration in
the province such as Marbat, Taqa and Risut.
There is therefore a direct external threat to RAF personnel and
installations on the airfield at Salalah.
/ 14.
In the
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