Coll 30/9(2) 'Admin. Reports of the Persian Gulf - 1945 -' [‎199r] (397/1148)

Note* Prior to permission being given to this office to inspect the sets
I obtained confirmation in writing from Captain Metcalfe that jPour Highness
had sanctioned the use of these sets for Coast Watching.
5. Strength .
The force has been between eight end twenty-seven under strength
during the yoer. Desertions have been below the average for 1942 and
1943 but recruits for the major part of the year have been practically
unobtainable, the reason being, as before, local men can work as coolies A term used to describe labourers from a number of Asian countries, now considered derogatory.
at Masirah with better pay add less discipline, and Mekran men are not
coming over as living conditions, according to the reports of men return
ing from leave, are infinitely better in Mekran than in Muscat. Reports
show that the crops there have been good, and that rice is available,
rationing being apparently non-existant. During the months of October, Nov
ember and December there has been a sudden influx 6.f local recruits, mainly
ex Maiirah coolies A term used to describe labourers from a number of Asian countries, now considered derogatory. , a possible reason being the reduced pay of the coolies A term used to describe labourers from a number of Asian countries, now considered derogatory.
at Masirah.
There is still a certain amount of feeling about the meagreness of
pay. It was hoped that as the value of the dollar decreased living, in
Muscat, would become easier. But unfortunate as the dollar drops, the
shop keepers prices ]go up to counteract the fall in the exchange rate.
Subedar (local Subedar Major) Allah Dad continues to work well, he
talks of retiring in about a year*s time. He has been recommended or
the O.B.I.
Jemadar Hassan Gul has reverted to Military Duty and has been re
placed by Jemadar Sheikh Mohd, Punjab Regiment, who is a much more suitable
type. He is an old regular soldier with plenty of experience and a nice
manner•
Jemadar Ahmed Sher wishes to revert to Military Duty and a suitable
replacement has been asked for. It is a pity th?.t is going ajs he is
a great asset, in addition to superintending the Gui^ery he lias trained the
signallers, he himself being a qualified signalling Instruct6r.
Jemadar Fakir Mohd is satisfactory but that is all, he is a man
lacking in intelligence and is becoming increasingly lazy, it is a great
pity that he was ever promoted. In view of his long service he has not
been discharged but should go on completion of his present agreement as he
is holding up the promotion of better and keener men. Prior to my arrival
it appears to have been the policy to promote men to such positions as
Havildar Custodian; police sergeant; jail or prison guard. Major merely because they had long service irrespective of whether
they were efficient or not. I am trying to eliminate these M venerable old
men" as soon as possible without causing unnecessary ill feeling. This is
difficult as there are no pensions.
Jemadar Lashkaran who was promoted Jemadar last year continues to
come w? to expectations, he still does not realise his position and
is inclined to fraternise rather too much with the men. He attended a
machine gun course at Saugor this year and obtained a Q2, which is as good
as could be expected, in view of the fact that hie knowledge of Roman Urdu
is not up to the standard required for the Indian Army 3rd Class Certificate
of Education.
6. Training.
The standard of training is on the whole good, and I consider the
force suitable in every respect for the work for which It is intended.
It would be of the greatest assistance if more N.C.O.'s could be sent on
Army courses of Instructions in India but this is impossible esxw # owing
to the low standard of literacy, it is essential that such men hould be
abil^to read Roman Urdu manual? if they are sent on courses. All my ef
forts to form a school have been defeated by the ban on the export of writing
materials.