Page 20 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf) 1907-1953

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Although the Sultan had promised to borrow Inclomira:»in
only from His Majesty's Government, advances |
were obtained by him from M. Goguyor (n French [lOitfR].
merchant), tho Khojas (Muscat subjects), and
various firms, against future payments of cus­
toms dues. In August 1007 tho Political Resident i,,^ oilhc,
in the Persian Gulf reported that a further sum lu‘,Jm7
lind been borrowed from M. Goguycr against- the L
security of tlicso dues. It seemed to him a good
opportunity for olficial remonstrance, unless it
might be considered better to wait until tho ter­
mination of tho French Flag cuso.
The control of the Arms Traffic may not im­
probably evoke a wish in some quarters to inter­
nationalize the Muscat Customs Administration.
It is perhaps ihcreforo not unfortunate Hint in Customs Reorganization.
view of the state of the Sultan’s financial affairs,
and the recent conclusion of the Muscat Arbitra­
tion Award negotiations, occasion may soon occur
for reviving tho proposal to reorganize this
Department under British auspices.

The Afusundim Peninsula.
The following description of tho Musamliui
Peninsula is taken from Lord Curzou’s book on
Persia:—
“Fifteen miles from the extreme point of Rus
Musandim the promontory again narrows to an
isthmus, named Maklab, not more than half a
mile in width, by which it is united to the main­
land. On the eastern sido of this isthmus a
splendid bay, called by the natives Ghubbch
Ghazireh, and by tho Luglish Malcolm’s Inlet,
sweeps in from the sea. On the western side is
an oven finer natural liar hour, more completely
landlocked, and providing anchorage for the
largest vessels, known as lilphiustone’s Inlet.
Tho station of Khasab, at the entrance to this
wonderful cove, has before now been recom­
mended (amongst others by Sir Lewis Polly) for
permanent occupation by the British, as a naval
base in the Persian G ulf. Here the entire British
fleet might safely ride at anchor.
“ When the telegraph cable was first being laid
These sums arc being repaid by deductions from the
Sultan's subsidy. In Septenil>.*r 190G (tho latest information
received) thu balunee due from tho Sultan to the Government of
India on account of tho above was stated to bo -19,7'jl rupees
(viz., 31,79» rui>cc8 on account of the udvance for the yacht;
13,000 ruj»ees baluuco duo on tho other two loans).