Political Relations Between Muscat and Oman, and UK

This file relates to political relations between the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman and the UK. It contains correspondence relating to:

• Revisions of a draft Cabinet paper on the topic [enclosed]; comments from the Treasury on the second draft; and a request for the approval of changes to the longer annex (9, 11, 22)
• Draft letter regarding the question of adequate financial control in Muscat and Oman (10)
• Record of a discussion between the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs J D Profumo, R B Stevens, Political Resident in the Persian Gulf G H Middleton and R A Beaumont on 23 June 1960 regarding UK policy in Oman (12)
• Question of whether planned talks with the Sultan of Muscat and Oman Saeed Bin Taimur in London had been postponed (13)
• War Office estimates of the costs of intervention and an assessment of the cost of the Jebel Akhdar operation in 1958-59 (14)
• Claim by rebels of the shooting down of a pioneer, and the accusations of partiality against the BBC by the Voice of the Arabs [Sawt Al Arab] radio service in Cairo (15)
• Conversation between Mr Bullock and Colonel P R M Waterfield regarding the appointment of auditors to reduce gossip; and the seconded officers' contact with the Sultan (16)
• Release of the Sultan from the 1891 agreement and the question of making this publicly known or publishing it (19)
• Keenness of the Sultan to proceed with the development programme, and his lack of enthusiasm for military expenditure (20)
• Record of a conversation between the Secretary of State and G H Middleton on 28 June 1960 (21)
• Note by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Selwyn Lloyd recommending an increased expenditure of £1,350,000 per year to maintain the present policy in Oman. It includes a memorandum on the need to maintain control of the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman (23)