'File 2/21 R.A.F. landing ground at Beit al Falaj (Petrol Store at Muscat).’ [‎71r] (145/307)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Department.
EXPRESS LETTER (AIR MAIL).
[N.B. This is an ORIGINAL message sent by AIR MAIL which provides a means of communication more
expeditious than the ordinary mail and is cheaper than the telegraph. It is intended to be treated,
on receipt, with the same expedition as if it had been telegraphed. To save time and to obviate
formalities it is drafted in the form of a telegram. It is authenticated by the signature of a
responsible officer of the Department.']
No. C 66*?-2/21 «wdo Political Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. , Muscat .
Dat^ th e 20th October 19/& .
To
The Mr Staff Liaison Officer,
l a h r a i n.
The Royal Air Force aerodrome at Muscat is now in
need of relevelling and surfacing. As this aerodrome is situated
in a valley, erosion is inevitable and if the aerodrome is to main
tained in a serviceable condition, repairs should be carried out at
least twice a year.
2. During the war the previous maintenance contract
with Khan Bahadur Nassib bin Mohammed & Sons, A.I.O.C. Agents,
Muscat, was terminated and the servicing of the aerodrome undertaken
by the Aden Command. After the closure of Ras al Hadd station and
the withdrawal of a large number of R.A.F. personnel from Muscat
territory, this arrangement had to be terminated. In December,1945,
I was asked by the Clerk of Works, A.M.D.G.W., fAasirah, whether I
would undertake the supervision of repairs on his behalf. This I
agreed to do to the best of my ability and the repairs were carried
out in March, 1946, after the winter rains. The cost of these
repairs came to Rs.1072-11-0.
3. Before your recent visit to Muscat, I had made a
request to the Headquarters, British Forces, Aden, for further funds
for repairs, but assume that they are now no longer responsible for
the maintenance of this aerodrome and that the matter has been refer
red to you. I shall be grateful therefore if you will let me know
how the matter stands and whether you wish me to continue to supervise
repairs. If so, it will be appreciated if a heavy roller can be
sent to me at Muscat for the purpose. I should also like two or
three wind-socks and one new wind-sock frame.
A.S.R.
Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , Muscat .
(Signature)
s. 44 .
MFP—101 5 8&P—(M-1870}—9-2-39—20,000.
(Designation