Page 207 - PERSIAN 9 1941_1947

• 13 -

specially constructed to take medium machine suns. A line
of sunken and qamouflaged emplacements has been constructed
between the landing ground and the Port In the' dual role of
protecting either the Fort or landing ground in the event
of dive-bombing.

For the defence of Muscat and Matrah from Oman, a
line of Sangars is being constricted from Ruv/i to the sea
and this will cover all approaches-to Matrah, the approaches
to Muscat being already covered. Forward gun positions

have been made for the artillery as the guns have
insufficient *crest clearance1 to bring fire to bear in
the V/ataiya area from Bait-al-Falaij.

(iii) Batinah Coast. The important forts from a defensive
point of'view are in a sufficiently good state of repair
to be defended in case of attack by a tribal enemy.
(iv) Launch. This has done excellent work and given no
trouble. She has done two trips up the Batinan and several

patrols as well as numerous trips to Ras al Hadd on behalf
of the Political Agent. Her armament has been increased
by one additional medium machine gun.

(v) Wireless. All the transmitters and seven generators
ordered from England early in the year were received very
badly damaged and only one transmitter and two generators
were able to be put into working order. Another has now

been made ready and is to be sent to Dhofar. It is unlikely
that the remaining can be repaired before the .end of the
War.
Communication with Dhofar was maintained for a short

period but was not satisfactory. Even with powerful sets,-
wireless telegraphy communication between Muscat and Dhofar
is very difficult,during the monsoon period.
(vi) Muscat Infantry.

(1) Strength. The Fprce remained up to strength
throughout