1. 'File 2/6 KARACHI - ADEN AIR ROUTE by IMPERIAL AIRWAYS (B.O.A.C). II-A/8'

Description:

Abstract: The volume contains correspondence in the form of telegrams, letters, and reports related to the establishment of the Karachi-Aden, and the Muscat-Aden Air routes. The correspondence in the volume is also about the agreement between the Government of India and the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman to the building of air facilities-landing grounds for air aviation at Salalah, Masirah and Ras al-Hadd and the use of those grounds by the Royal Air Force as a war measure.The correspondence in the volume is also related to the following:The use of both Khor Jarama and Masirah Island as refuelling stages for the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC)The security measures taken at the landing groundsThe arrangement for accommodation for Royal Air Force crewThe arrangement for the Muscat State Engineer to supervise the work at SalalahThe arrangement for labour to accompany the engineerThe extension of the landing ground at MuscatPreliminary survey of Murbat (Marbat)Charter of the Shaikh of Dubai’s launchDisturbances caused by the villagers at Ras al-HaddThe Sultan of Muscat and Oman communicating with the Wali of Sur, and other Shaikhs to facilitate the work related to the landing grounds.The correspondence in the volume also includes the following: a copy of a report prepared by Flight Lieutenant Egglesfield on the Karachi-Aden experimental flight; reports prepared by J H Campbell, Executive Engineer, Civil Aviation Directorate, India on the progress of work at the landing grounds; a copy of an agenda of a meeting to be held in relation to the Muscat-Aden Air route; and a copy of the minutes of the meeting held between representatives of BOAC and the Civil Aviation Director in relation to the Southern Arabian Route.The main correspondents in the volume are: the Government of India, Simla; the Government of Muscat and Oman; the Political Agency, Muscat; the Political Residency, Bushire; J H Campbell, Executive Engineer, Civil Aviation Directorate, India; and the Chief Secretary to the Government of Aden.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 242; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 2-242; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.

2. 'File 2/10 III II- B/1- Vol. II. II. AVIATION. B. ROYAL AIR FORCE. (1) Reconnaissance of Basrah, Aden, Muscat, Masirah, Murbat, Sauqrah Bay etc. Air Route'

Description:

Abstract: The volume contains correspondence in the form of letters, telegrams and reports related to the Royal Air Force (RAF) reconnaissance in various regions in Oman including Sauqrah Bay (referred to as Khor Gharum/Gharim), Shuwaimiya and Khuria Muria Bay.The volume includes correspondence with the Muscat and Oman, Council of Ministers regarding certain Shaikhs who had influence over the people of Sauqrah Bay to accompany RAF personnel during their operation there, and to help enforcing tribal responsibility for maintenance and safeguarding of the landing grounds and the petrol stores.The volume also includes copies of agreements between the Muscat Political Agency and Shaikh Said bin Sultan Al-Maj‘ali for rent and care of the landing grounds at Shuwaimiya and Khor Gharum/Gharim. It also includes an extract of a report of an expedition to Shuwaimiya by the commanding officer, HMS Deptford, covering the period March-April 1938.Among other correspondents in the volume are the Political Residency, Bushire; Royal Air Force Headquarters, Iraq; Senior Naval Officer, Persian Gulf; and the Foreign Secretary to the Government of India.A number of pages have been bound into the volume upside down (ff 28-36 and 110).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 201; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.

3. 'File 2/25 II. Aviation. B. Royal Air Force. 3. (o) Shuwaimiyah Landing Ground and Petrol Store.'

Description:

Abstract: The file contains correspondence in the form of letters and telegrams related to the construction of a Royal Air Force landing ground and petrol store at Shuwaimiyah, south-east Oman. The correspondence in the file covers the following: the urgency to establish operational airfield at Shuwaimiyah to help combat the submarine menace; the availability of water supplies at Shuwaimiyah; the possibility of troubles arising from the local tribes and the security arrangements there; the Muscat Government appointing local representatives at Shuwaimiyah; the Secretary to the Sultan of Muscat and Oman, Ali Muhammad Al-Jamali providing statements showing the due rent of the landing ground and the receipts when the rent was paid; the supply of labourers and their fees as well as details related to the dhowsand labourers arriving at Masirah and Shuwaimiyah.The file includes copies of draft agreements between the Political Agency, Muscat, the Muscat and Oman Government, and Muhammad bin Sullaiyim, Shaikh of Batahrah tribe, at Shuwaimiyah in connection with the development of the landing ground there.The main correspondents in the file are: Headquarters British Forces, Iraq; Headquarters British Forces, Aden; Royal Air Force, Masirah; the Political Agency, Muscat; the Persian Gulf Residency, Bahrain; and the Government of Muscat and Oman.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 157; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 1-155; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.