FO 1016/330
Muscat: oil exploration by Petroleum Development (OMAN) Ltd, 1954
This file relates to oil exploration in the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman by Petroleum Development (Oman) Limited (PDO). The company holds the concessions for the Sultan's dominions, except Dhofar, but has been unable to penetrate into central Oman because of the local tribes and the Sultan's inability to control them. For this reason, the geological party is provided with a sizeable armed escort, paid for by the company with HMG recruiting British officers to lead it. HMG hope this will have dual effect of helping the Sultan extend his authority over the tribes in the interior of Oman.
