'File 2/9 Anti-British propaganda' [‎193r] (390/748)

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M AL NAHAH M (Beirut) 19.12• 38
" Al Fahmr M of Beirut published on the 19th December 1938 the
following article from its correspondent in Basrah*
" At the beginning of the century, the State of Oman was
having very close commercial relations with America. American inte
rests were rather important in Oman. But the relations diminished
after the British had imposed their protection over the coast of
Oman which they named Sultanat of Muscat. The Hinterland opposed
to the protection and took the arms. They succeeded in keeping
their independance. This hinterland is known as the Sultanat of
Oman. Its capital is Nezoui in the Jebel Akhdar and its religious
leader is Imam si Khalili.
H Fpr the past four years, the United States have been trying to
re-establish new relations with that part of the Arab world where
oil is abundant. American Companies started to compete with British
Companies for the exploitation of the oil.
M The mangnificent reception made to Sultan Said Ben Timur
of Muscat when he visited Washington last year shows the American
will of establishing close commercial relations with Oman, The
Sultan was officially received by Pt. Roosevelt and was presented
with many magnificent gifts, ihile he was staying in nmerica
political and commercial circles approached him on the subject of
relations between the two countries. In Bagdad, the American Consul
shows much interest and attention to the Sultan*s brothers who are
studying in Baghdad at the expense of the Iraqi Government. The
Consul has offered them the use of his private car whenever they
want it and offers now and then a reception for them at the American
Legation.
M The British Governwment watches with some alarm the American
tactic. American Companies are richer* and more powerful than
British companies. This is why we see many of the latter going into
partnership with the .jaerican Cos for the exploitation of Arab soil.”
» The Government of Muscat intends to build a carrossable road
which would link Muscat with the regions of Batna, Has Kheima and
Debi, This is probably the prelude of the British plan of unification
of Muscat with its neighbours. On the other hand the British are
trying to convince the Iman of Oman to come to an agreement witt
the Sultan of uscat. They have sent Soliman Cl Baroni from Baghdad
to approach him on the subject. Britain desires to see the union
of the small states into a Kingdom ruled bp the bultan of Muscat.
It would be a new country including the Oman hinterland and several
neighbouring principalties, with a population of about 2 millions.
It would be a strong; ally at the east of tta Arabia*-”
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