Page 210 - PERSIAN 8 1931_1940_Neat

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-Administration Report 1933.
Part II.

.1 ho measures taken to deal with the grave financial situation, and to mini­
mise (lie effect of the cessation of the Arms Traffic subsidy, will be dealt with
under the appropriate heading.
It may not be inopportune however to mention here that the fact that the
Mate is still solvent and that its revenues show a tendency to improve is largely
due to the Rulers’ own energy and perspicacity in dealing with financial mat-
icrs.
In order to more closely familiarise himself with conditions prevailing
Ins State, Ihs Highness conducted a rapid tour of inspection through the
Batmah between 1st and 17th February.
As a result of this tour the Sultan acquired much useful information as.
to the possibilities of increasing his revenues without unduly enhancing the
burden of taxation lor his subjects.
On the 20th February His Highness, accompanied by the Political Agent,
embarked on HALS. “ Shoreham ” for Gwadur there to finally dispose of ihe.
Esa case, which was fully referred to in last year’s report.
From personal investigation of the affair His Highness was fully satisfied
that the Wali of Gwadur had failed conspicuously in his duty both in this case
and in many other matters. The Wali in consequence was. summarily dismissed
service and removed to Muscat.
The Baluch community, whom His Highness held to be largely responsible
for the equanamity and freedom with which the outlaw Esa had entered Gwadur
was fined lis. .1,000, of which sum Rs. 500 was paid to Bana, the Khoja victim
of Esa’s assault, as compensation for his injuries.
On return to Muscat the Sultan was fully occupied in the final arrangements
for the administration of his Government during his absence on a protracted
visit to his southern province of Dhofar.
He set out on this journey in the State launch “ al-Saidi ” on 31st March
and, after twice narrowly averting shipwreck due to tempestuous seas, readied
Dhofar safely some eight days later.
The Political Agent visited His Highness at Salalah (Dhofar} on loth
December. It was certainly apparent that whilst the Sultan had undoubtedly
benefited by his sojourn in Dhofar, his visit had not solely constituted a holiday.
During the time he lias spent there, His Highness has toured practically the
whole of the Province, acquainting himself with the tribes and conditions, and
gradually consolidating his influence in these loss civilised parts of his State.
He has inaugurated Dhofar Customs on a sound basis and has also carried
out many constructional improvements in Salalah and the neighbourhood.
Whilst the advisability of the prolonged absence of the Ruler from the scat
of his Government is open to question, there is considerable truth in His Jligh-
ness’s assertion that ho has been enabled from a distance to gain a better
perspective of his administration and to realise defects in the same than if he
had remained present at his headquarters.
Whilst in no walk of life is a reduction in income welcomed, the necessity
for the cut in allowances and salaries was appreciated and accepted by all mem­
bers of the Ruling House with the exception of Saiyid Nadir.
This individual, who is the eldest of His Highness’s uncles and at the samo
time is in receipt of the highest allowance next to that of the late Ruler paid by
the State, has seen lit to pose as an aggrieved person and to refuse his pay. im
example has fortunately not been emulated by others.
Three other Uncles of the Sultan, i.e. Saiyid Hamad (Wnli of Matrahl
Sftiyid Mahmud and Saiyid Shaliab together with a fourth member, ha\e consti­
tuted the Muscat Council during His Highness’s absence.

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