"الملف 35/87 VI A. 38 الإصلاحات والجمارك والشؤون المالية في مسقط" [و‎‎٦‎٤] (٤٤٠/١٣٥)

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It would certainly havs a very healthy effect on the
revenues oi otiiar ports and would increase the prestige of, and
respect for, the Gov eminent • Supplies could be taken quickly to
an y garrisons that inight "be stationed at the outports in supcort
of the Government.
It is also suggested that it Could be used to intimidate
nakhodas of native craft by examining vessels at sea. Such mxsam
examination would not he easy,oven if supported by a boarding
part> of Askaris*, and would have to bo confined to the proper
three mile limit(or whatever the limit is) as Examination on the
high Seas is, T believe, contrary to International Law« What
action it would be possible to take if the craft was seized
would depend on the state of weather, size of boat and place of
seizure etc,but the suggestion that the boat would be towed to
Muscat is easier made than carried out.
A Government steamer with machine gun detachment would tend
to discourage unauthorized landing and shipping at various
places but unless definite information was received I do not
thmic many oases would result in practice, particularly if the
smuggling took place at night.
A cert a. in amoun u of savings would xssumx : accrue by carrying
stores to and bringing remittances from outports by the Govern
ment boat instead of by private craft«
Doubtless some of the existing launch establishment could be
drafted into the proposed steamer. It is some what significant
that the three ports which are most easily reached by the
Director General furnish the best results.
I do not think a Dhow with a kerosine oil Engine fitted in
it rtould 0 3 satitaiactory in practice and a new Dhow and new
Engine would probably cost more than a serviceable second hand
steamer.
Alternatives oo a i.Iusccio Government (steamer motor boat)
(a) the occasional support of a British Man—of-War or R.I.lu
ship and
(b) to have or to hire a sailing craft capable of carrying a
number