"ملف 8/46 ضابط الأركان (الاستخبارات) في الخليج العربي، تقارير استخباراتية" [و‎‎٢‎٤] (٧٠/٤٧)

35
The Pubai Air Agroeucnt \/hich \/aa ctuo to oxpiro in July if this year
has boon renewed for another 3 years.
}6. (i). KUSCAT.
1/Ir. Bird of Petroleum Ooncossio'-is Ltd., has recently visited Muscat and
had discussions with the Sultan. The latter was inclined to object
at an agreement recently concluded by Mr. Bird with tho Al bu Shamis
tribe whereby the tribe v/ill allcfvr the company to carry out explorations
in their territory for throe years in return for an annual payment, but
it is reported that an amicable settlement was eventually reached.
(ii), Muscat’s reactions to tho termination of the British Mandate in
Palestine were extremely mild. There is no Jewish corxTunity and no
large hooligan element amongst the local population. Deprived of these
raw materials for a riot, Muscat remains calm. Even the Palestinian
Arabs in the population, soon to bo able to discuss the Palestine
question objectively.
(iii). It is understood, however, that Hassassi, the Palestine Wall of Matrail,
suggested to the Sultan that he should start a local collection on
behalf of the Palestine Arabs. His Highneas is believed to have with
held permission, no doubt through his desire not to incur His Majesty’s
Government's displeasure by becoming officially involved in the Palestine
issue and partly, we think, lest Rasa as si should use his official
position to press large contributions out of the local mercliants, most
of whom are quite content to leave the Palestine Arabs to look after
themselves.
37.
PBTROLETOl GOIICEBSIONS LIMITED.
(!)♦ Major R.E.R. Bird, late I.P.S. Offioor, and new Liaison Officer with the
P.O.Ltd. arrived at Muscat freo Abu Dhabi by car. Ho was accompanied
by Shaikh Zaid Bin Sultan Bin Zaid, and had come to Muscat to report to
His Highness on the results of his work in Baraimi, and of his successful
nogotiiiiam with tho Al Bu Shamis and Bu Khuraiban (Na*im) tribes.
It is reported that His Highness was greatly perturbed with tho Company's
direct approach to the tribes and objected to the procedure followed by
them fearing his jrcstigo, such as it is, in tho interior would be
overshadowed by Biri , s private contact with the Shaikhs of tho interior.
(li>. Considerable payments wore made to tho above-named tribes for permission
to explore parts of the interior for three years extendable to five
years should the Company doom it necessary to do so. In the meantime
yearly payments will bo made.
(iii). However, after several long discussions Bird succoodod in reaching
an agrooment satisfactory to both parties and facilitating future
exploration in the interior.
3a. comruiHCATioHs.
{i}? A enoo-wooldy ‘'Skymaster” Sorvioe laas boon Inaugurated to replace the
old 130.20Q/201 Sorvioos. Tlio Sorvioe prefix will be BO,206 for the
fliglit in/Baliroin and BO*207 for tho return flight.
(ii)* The air service schedules have been pi\fc out of joint by the refusal of
the Egyptian and Iraqi Governments to allow aircraft to fly over their
territories at niglit. An outbreak of cholera at Karachi may load to
the iraposition of quarantine restrictions by kLLddle Bast Governments
and a further disorganisation of the air services.