Page 24 - The Postal Agencies in Eastern Arabia

With British assistance the Sultan finally re-established his
authority by 1959 since when, except for minor incidents, the Sultan­
ate has been relatively peaceful. Meanwhile, Britain continues to give
financial assistance and to provide officers for the only armed force,
the Oman Levies; and, by Treaty, has the use of Masirah Island as an
R.A.F. Staging Post.

Britain’s recognition in 1970 of the new Sultan, a more pro­
gressive man than Said bin Taimur, may well help to encourage a
peaceful settlement with the Omani tribes; and may also help to stem
the influx of Chinese-backed dissidents from south-west Arabia.

The recent discovery of oil west of the Hajar Range has
brought the prospect of great wealth to the country. One almost
certain consequence will be the sudden transition of Muscat from the
near Middle Ages to the 20th Century ; and, no doubt, will see the end
of the present rather picturesque practice that requires all who have
occasion to pass through the town after dark to carry a lighted lantern!

The Indian Rupee of 16 Annas (of 100 Naye Paise from
1957) was used in Muscat until 1966 when the same unit was divided
into 64 Baize. In 1970 a new currency, the Saidi Rial of 1000 Baizas,
was adopted.

THE FIRST POST OFFICE

It had long been recorded that Muscat Post Office was opened
in 1856; but an official despatch in the India Office Library gives
May 1st. 1864 as the actual date. From then until December 19th.
1947, with the sole exception of the 1944 A1 bu Said bi-centenary
issue, contemporary Indian stamps without overprint were in use.
Pakistan stamps (overprinted on India) were then used from
December 20th. 1947 until March 31st. 1948; and G.B. stamps sur­
charged ‘Value only’ from April 1st. 1948 to April 29th. 1966.
Throughout this 102—year period the use of these stamps can only
be recognised by the postmark.

The Post Office was originally under the Bombay Circle, and
the first stamps placed on sale were the QV East India issue. The
major use was for lA anna stamps, although values up to 8annas are
occasionally seen.
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