Page 622 - PERSIAN 9 1941_1947

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VII. french interests.

The French Consulate remained olooed throughout the
year. The French Consul at Bombay proposed to visit muscat
Informally, but cancelled hlo visit later.
VIII. AMERICAN INTERESTS.
In April, a party consisting of Mr. Parker Hart,
American Consul at Dhahran, Commander Herring of the United
States Navy and a number of other American Officers arrived
from Dhahran by air in connection with the disposal of
American equipment at Masirab and Salalah. They visited
Maslrah and Salalah.
Another party of American officials which included
Commander Herring, Lt. Commander Maxwell and American Vice-
Consul visited Muscat again in May.

IX. MISSIONARY WORK.
The American Mission continued its work under the
charge of the Rev. Dykestra and Dr. W.W. Thoms, hut the
former left for the United States of America on leave in
May and had not returned till the end of the year. Dr.
W.W. Thoms left for India for his usual summer recess in
August and returned in November.
X. SLAVERY.
14 slaves applied for manumission certificates
during the year under report and all the 14 were granted.
Of the 14 applicants 6 were captured slaves and the
remainder domestic slaves.

H. ENEMY ACTIVITIES.
Nil.
HI. WEATHER.

The summer was very unpleasant owing to the lack
of rain during the previous year. Total rainfall during
the year amounted to 55 cents.
PART II.
I.RULING FAMILY.

(a) His Highness Saiyid Said b5n Taimurt Els Highness the
Saltan remained in Muscat till the middle of December, after
which he left for Dhofar in a A.I.O.C. Tanker specially arranged
for him.
During his stay in Muscat he visited Sur twice. He
received numerous requests from the people there to Improve
amenities in the way of a piped water supply, eleotrlc light,
a school and a hospital. His Highness is reported to be con*
sidering the matter. Arrangements to procure the services of a
doctor from India were made but no one was appointed till the
end of the year*

In February,