Page 209 - PERSIAN 8 1931_1940_Neat

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The availability of this rapid means of transport 1ms proved of invaluable
assistance to (lie Political Agent in visiting Dhofar and other outlying portions
ot the biutnnalc which would have otherwise remained inaccessible.
7. A via lion, Gc.ucrui.- The Aerodrome at Gwadur has been regularly used
by Imperial Airways for their weekly service whilst Uoyal Air Force units
lrom ’Iraq and Quetta respectively have also alighted here in the course of Ion-*-
distance onuses. A lew private individuals have also availed themselves oi
the aerodrome.
Jlis Highness the Sultan has now hcen pleased to accord passage and land­
ing facilities at this Aeiodromo to the Dutch Government for the benefit of the
K. L. M. Coy. and it now merely remains to settle the consideration.
The hopes that it would be possible to establish an emergency landing
ground at Kallm for the use of Imperial Airways have not matured owing to the
obdurate attitude of the Sheikh of this place. An emergency landing ground
has been selected therefore at Shinns and is now available for use.
8. Foreign Interests.—American interests remained in the hands of the
Political Agent during the year.
The French Consulate remained closed hut Monsieur Cassin, the French
Vice-Consul at Bush ire, paid a short un-oflieial visit to Muscat in March.
During his stay, his chief concern was the repair of the French Consulate
building and the finding out of such little French properly that still remains in
Muscat.
Monsieur Cassin left for India on the 17th March to obtain his pilot’s cer­
tificate as an aviator and, on his return journey, came ashore for a few hours
only.
9. Missionary Endeavour.—The work of the American Mission (The Dill eh
Reformed Church of the TJ. S. A.) was in the main carried on by the Herd. Mr.
and Mrs. Dvksira and Doctor and Mrs. Harrison. Dr. Storm, who returned
from Dhofar in January, proceeded on a short tour to Sur, before taking long
leave in April.
The new Mission Hospital at Matrah though not yet fully completed was
opened in October and the Medical Officer in charge (Dr. Harrison) has since
occupied his new residence which adjoins the hospital.
Both hospital and residential quarters arc equipped throughout with every
modern convenience including electric light and fans, running water in baths
and closets, septic tanks, refrigerators and labour saving devices in the kitchen
department. The entire residential quarters and essential portions of the hos­
pital are lly-proofcd throughout.
Inspile of adverse financial conditions the responsible Mission authorities
considered the foregoing as essentials to the health and well being of their
stall.
The buildings have been so designed, and constructed of such materials, as
to obviate the necessity of “annual repairs ” for the next 15 years under normal
conditions.
10. Slavery.—21 slaves, comprising 17 males and 4 females, took refuge in
the Agency during the year and were manumitted in due course.
11. Climate.—The total rainfall during the year amounted to 4.31" whilst
the maximum and minimum temperatures registered were 112° in May and
55.3° in January respectively.
12. Ofjiciat Visit*.—H.M.S. “ Hawkins ”, Flagship of Vice Admiral H. 10.
Thmbar-Nasmith Commanding the East Indies Squadron visited Muscat on 24th
October and left on the same day.
H m S “ Enterprise ” and H.M.S. “ Colombo ” both of the East Indies
Squadron paid official visits to Muscat on 3rd April and 9th December respec­
tively.
The visit of the 1st Destroyer Flotilla of the Mediterranean Fleet has
already been referred to.
Visits of Government Officials to this Agency are shown in Appendix “ 13 ”
of this report.
IclSOFD