Page 117 - Records of Bahrain (6)_Neat

Local administration, 1946-1950 105

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i
reluctance accepted an Indian instead. In a recent
conversation tlio Gultan again asked for a British
administrator and listened favourubly to a suggestion I
made that ho should act in subordination to the British
Minister of Foreign Affairs. In fact my view is that ho
should be more or less the assistant of this officer and
act for him.during his absences. I have referred to this
matter in a despatch I have recontly had the honour to
address to you on tho subject of Gwadur affairs (No.6/(22/16)
dated tho 14th April 1948) and recommend that tho Sultan's
request should be acceded to if a suitable incumbent can bo
found. A fairly young man is required with administrative
experience in India. A knowledge of Arabic is not necessary
but he should know Urdu. The post will be a very lonely
ono. Thoro are no amenities at Gwadur and the place is
extreraoly dirty but the climate is better than that of
Muscat. There i3 reasonably good accommodation in tho Rest
House.
16. The first essential Is to find a British
Minister of Foreign Affairs for Muscat. Tho Gwadur appoint­
ment should bo filled if we can find a suitable man who is
willing to accept tho drawbacks of the place. In the
present undeveloped state of Muscat territories there is
no need to press the Sultan to appoint any other British !
advisors or administrators. He has great faith in tho
British and will almost certainly turn to us if ho requires |
experts to assist him o.g. in tho development of his
fisheries.
17. I am sending a copy of this despatch to tho
Head of tho British Middlo East Office, Cairo.

I have the honour to bo
Sir,
With groat truth and respect,
Your most obedient, humble Sorvnnt,
i

:

Political Resident, Persian Gulf.

NPG.