Internal political situation in Muscat and Oman

This file relates to the conflict in central Oman between the Sultan of Muscat and Oman Saeed Bin Taimur and the Imam of Oman Ghalib Al Hina'i and his supporters. It contains correspondence on:

• Extracts [enclosed] from the BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, including Voice of the Arabs broadcasts concerning: an incident between British troops and Bani Ruwaha tribesmen; statements by Head of the Oman Imamate Office in Cairo Mohammad Al Harthi;and British policy towards Oman (1, 4, 6, 10)
• Two Omanis returning from abroad, caught with letters from Sheikh Saleh Bin Isa Al Harthi inciting disturbances against Sultan Saeed Bin Taimur's authority (2)
• Question of whether Britain should defend the Sultan against Egyptian propaganda emanating from Cairo Radio and issue counter-propaganda (3, 5)
• Consul General at Muscat F C L Chauncy's account of his tour of the Batinah coast. His purpose was to keep in touch with the area and its prominent personalities (7)
• First operation by the Oman Liberation Army, backed by Saudi Arabia, against the Sultan of Muscat, and the latter's response. It was predominantly led by the younger brother of Sheikh Saleh, Ibrahim Bin Isa Al Harthi. The Sultan sent a strong company of the Muscat and Oman Field Force and Ibrahim surrendered on 11 June. It includes copies of: a letter of thanks from the Sultan to Chauncy for the RAF's assistance; and Sheikh Ibrahim's letter of surrender (8-9, 11-19)
• Likelihood that Sheikh Ibrahim's failure has upset Ghalib Al Hina'i's plans (20)
• The Sultan's efforts to work up the tribes to deal with Ghalib Al Hina'i and his brother Taleb Al Hina'i (21)