'Memo on Mussondomom' [‎2r] (3/18)

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3. I believe that in a settlement of the nature suggested would be found the
best means practicable for preventing slaves entering the Gulf; of preventing piracv
and disturbance in the Gulf itself; of civilizing the maritime Arabs; of extendinn-
a healthful influence into Arabia on the one hand, and into Western Mecran on
the other; of offering to many Indian and other merchants now scattered round
the shores of the Gulf an unmolested refuge for the free prosecution of commerce;
and finally, of giving to the ports of the Gulf, in general, an impetus and an example
which, it might be expected, would in the end induce or compel the Governments
of these ports either to imitate our system or risk the loss of their trade.
4. If Government should approve the proposal, among matters of detail to
come under consideration would be the followino* •—
Ut.—A clear and valid written title should be obtained from the Sultan
of Muscat for the land ; and the conduct of this preliminary measure should,
I think, be entrusted to cool and experienced hands: so conducted it would
probably be easily arranged. But if any eccentricity were committed in this
part of the business, much delay might ensue.
2nd. —The neighbourhood of Mussundoom should be carefully examined,
in view to selecting a spot suitable to the objects we have in view, in respect
ot water, extent of ground, non-command of position, calm and land-locked
harbourage, &c.
3^- The ground should be laid out with forethought, to meet possible
distant future requirements; the public stores and offices should be as compact
as possible, and their site uncommanded whether ijy land or sea. Cuttings or
seeds from trees found indigenous in the neighbourhood should, without loss of
time, be planted along the proposed roads and in groups near the watering places
. and landing points. Emancipated slaves, at present agented by a 30 Rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf.
Moonshee at Bassidore, might aid in the public works as free men.
4th. i he old scantling of our camp houses at Bushire, still available
I am told at Bombay, might be sent up for use.
5th. Moving buoys should be laid down in the anchorage for the general
convenience of shipping ; the moorings for Her Majesty's ships being a little
apart from the others.
6M. If practicable, a serviceable road* should be made from the settlement
along the coast line to the so-called Pirate Towns and Forts. A good caravanserai A roadside inn providing accommodation for caravans (groups of travellers).
should be erected at the settlement terminus of this line for the convenience of
all travellers, and 1 believe that the free, frequent, friendly, and beneficial
interchange of visits which would then ensue, as between the maritime Arabs
* I rom the hasty glimpse I had of this coast in 1857, I fear that a road could not be made
between the Elphlnstone Inlet and Ras-al-Khyma. But the distance is short by sea; and from Ras-
•I-Khyma northward, along the Pirate coast itself, the coast is low and easily traversed.
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