Page 519 - PERSIAN 9 1941_1947_Neat

Imports Exports
1943-44 1944-45 1943-44 1944-45
Aden and Aden
Protectorate 3.20* 2.04* 4.00* 0.5456

Africa 16.40* 41.54* 2.00* 0.59*
Australia 4.40*
India 68.00* 31.82* 56.00* 39.11*
Iraq 0.60* 14.51* 12.50* 2.49*
Persia 3.00* 2.20* 4.00* 13.24*

Persian Gulf 6.80* 2.19* 21.00* 41.95*
Portuguese 1.00*
India
United Kingdom 1.00* 0.19*
United States 0.11* 0.39
of America
Palestine 0.10
Syria 1.59
100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

The main imports were cereals, coffee, sugar and
tea; and exports consisted mainly of dates and fish.

(2) The exchange rate of the Maria Theresa
dollar, the local currency, remained fairly constant through­
out the year, opening at Es.223/- per 100 U.T. dollars and
closing at Rs.248/- per 100 H.T. dollars. The highest rate
was'Rs.260/- recorded in July and the lowest Rs.213/- in June.

(3) Trade conditions were as favourable as could
be expected, except for the marketing of the date crop. Prices
fetched for Muscat dates in India had, in previous years, been
rising, but during 1945 the difficulty of transport, particular-
lyfor distribution within India, caused a considerable drop in
prices and losses* to a number of merchants.

V. THE SOUTH ARABIA AD ROUTE.
The American Air Transport Command ceased operating
from aerodromes in Muscat territory in May. These aerodromes
continued, however, to be operated by the Royal Air Force.
VI. FRENCH INTERESTS.
The French Consulate remained closed throughout
the year and it is understood that the French Consulate building
has now been returned to the Sultan by the French Government.
VII. MISSIONARY WORK.
The American Mission continued its work under the
charge of Rev. Dyke at ra and Dr. V.V. Thoms. Plans have been
prepared and a site cleared for the addition of two infectious
diseases wards to the Mission Hospital at Mutrah.
Slavery