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from the Interior appearing more heavily armed, no rcpurcussions have been
visible in Muscat territory proper.
Sheikh Muhammad bin Isa el Harithi deputed by Sheikh Isa of Qabil the
Imam’s right hand, arrived at Muscat in June. The ostensible object of his visit
was (he settlement of outstanding cases between Muscat and Oman. The Sheikh
was the bearer of a letter from Sheikh Isa to the Sultan in which pointed refer­
ence was made to the “ desirability of settling our cases without reference to non­
.
believers ”. His Highness was good enough to show this letter to the Political
Agent.
None the less, Sheikh Muhammad visited the Political Agent and sought by
roundabout methods to sound his views and seek his assistance, lie also bore
a letter for the Political Agent from his father, couched in very different terras
from that addressed to the Sultan.
The Sheikh’s visit was unproductive of results and he returned to Oman
in due course having effected nothing.
5. Trade and General.—This subject has already been dealt with elsewhere
in this report.
6. Muscat Infantry.—Command of the Corps remained with Subedar Major
Fateh Khan till 24th February, when he proceeded on retirement. At a cere­
monial inspection of the Corps on the eve of the Subedar Major’s departure, His
Highness presented Fateh Khan with a medal in recognition of his 13 years’
service with the State.
Command subsequently devolved on Subedar Muhammad Ibrahim till the
latter’s dismissal for misconduct in October, when responsibility for the training
and military administration of the Corps was temporarily assumed by the Poli­
tical Agent, at a special request of the Sultan.
It is hoped that the services of a suitable officer as Commandant of the Corps
will be obtainable in the near future.
(Sd.) C. E. U. BREMNER,
Major,
Political Agent and II. B. M.’s Consul, Muscat.