Page 199 - PERSIAN 9 1941_1947

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the rupee and the hoarding of silver is given'as the* main
reason for its appreciation.
(v) The price-control committee functioned during the

year end the hope expressed in the previous report that
it would prevent the worst forms of profiteering, has
been fulfilled. It became evident, however, that to
function fairly, rationing would have to be combined with
price-control, This is however, a consummation never

likely to be achieved in Muscat.
(vi) Well-established merchants with capital behind them
made good profits during the year, but some . smaller men

carrying on business on borrowed money suffered badly when
the time came for them to repay thaler loans raised when
it was cheap in relation to the rupee, There were,
however., no really large failures.
5. TKB SOUTHERN ARABIA AIR-ROUTE.

(i) The development of the three I!uscat aerodromes on
this route was the most important of the year. At it*s
beginning they were practically unusable by high-performance'

aircraft} at itfs end they were the halting places for as
many as eighty American "Liberhtors*1 per week and were
being used as well by operational aircraft of the R.A.F.j
while the buildings for their ground staffs and garrisons

had been completed. Started as an alternative to the
•Iraq route at a time when it seemed possible that, the
Axis forces might close it, the Southern Arabia route is
now an important subsidiary. The Civil Aviation Department,

India were responsible for its construction until in July
they gave over to the authorities noted below.
(ii) Salalah. After some initial difficulties concerning
the agency by whom the work was to be carried out and with

the local labour, work here proceeded smoothly. The
Sultan's presfence and his continuous willingness to
ensure