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:

• Arrangements for the preparation of Arabic leaflets to be dropped in Muscat and Oman. It includes a rough translation of a leaflet denouncing 'traitors' and 'mischief makers' (57)
• Military options discussed with the Sultan and details of the agreed plan of action for suppressing the rebellion and restoring the Sultan's authority. Discussants include the Commander of British Forces in the Arabian Peninsula and the Commander of the Trucial Oman Scouts (TOS). The plans include the sending of TOS patrols to Ibri and Buraimi, propaganda, and air strikes on Iski, Nizwa, Tanuf, date gardens and water supplies (58-60)
• Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan concern about the repercussions in Buraimi and the Trucial States (61)
• Movement of HMS Modeste to augment the Persian Gulf Squadron as a demonstration of British support on the Muscat coast (62)
• Issue of providing statements to journalists and the question of visas (63)
• Reports that the Cameronians were being redeployed from East Africa to Muscat (64)
• Details of events on 13-14 July 1957, involving Sulaiman Bin Himyar and his associates. He has fled, and is believed to be in cahoots with Ghalib and Taleb (65)
• Scammel truck stuck at a road block in Izki (66)
• Press comments [extracts enclosed] on the situation in Oman and guidance on the line to take (67, 69-71)
• Aborted operation against the village of Balad Sait, where Taleb and his men were thought to be hiding. The Consul General in Muscat F C L Chauncy provides a detailed account of the two-week operation, including the original conception and the ultimate result. He also describes the Sultan's outlook after the disappearance of Sulaiman Bin Himyar (68)
• Reports by the Wali of Boshar that Taleb's men are dropping off (72)
• Mine primer being sent to Cyprus to determine its country of origin (73)
• Prime Minister Harold Macmillan's comments on the authority to proceed with air strikes and the question of informing the Americans (74)
• Ambassador H Caccia's talk with US Secretary of State J F Dulles. The latter was primarily concerned about British press reports claiming that the trouble in Oman was stirred by US oil companies (76)
• The Political Residency in the Persian Gulf's appreciation of the political situation in Oman on 23 July 1957. He includes mention of tribal loyalties in Sharqiya, Nizwa, Dhahira and Buraimi (77)
• Ambassador A Clarke's discussion with the Italian Director-General of Political Affairs about Anglo-American rivalry in the Middle East (78)
• Extracts from House of Commons and House of Lords debates on 22-29 July 1957 (79-80)