TRUCIAL COAST DIARY FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31 JANUARY 1953

GENERAL:

Security Force:

The month under review has been full of activity, and the sudden arrival on the Trucial Coast of new detachments of the British Forces, to be used in connection with the Saudi/Trucial States boundary dispute will no doubt become a noteworthy event in the history of these parts.

The various happenings in connection with the arrival of these forces took place under a veil of secrecy, but this was seen through with greater ease than was contemplated, and there are few people who could not read the intentions written on the countenances of H.M.G. Now that the situation has unravelled itself, the need for secrecy in the first place seems rather doubtfully justified, and failure to keep it has kept those with grandstand privileges entertained with comic opera activities. The whole operation should be regarded as a lesson in Security and, what is most important, in co-ordinating the assistance which was to be sought from nearly every member of the small British community on the spot.

The decision to bring forces to the Trucial Coast was made by the Foreign Office whilst it was engaged in fresh talks with the Saudi Government as to the means of having the boundary dispute arbitrated. The talks broke down, but it is understood that the Foreign Office is having a last try to reach an acceptable solution. In the meantime, the forces are being used for flag-waving, and are familiarising themselves with the area in preparation for any calls that may be made on them. One such call has already been made, to deal with some Bani Kaab trouble-makers, as reported on below. The P.O.T.S has been given a free hand in using this Security Force to restrain the Saudis from any further infiltration into Trucial Oman and to uphold the terms of the Standstill Agreement. Gratifying that it may be, that the F.O. should have decided to adopt a strong-handed approach to the problem, this is rather offset by the fact that at present, at any-rate, our show of strength amounts to upholding the Restriction line. However, it is likely that sometime in the near future action may be taken against Saudi convoys passing through the Restricted Zone.

At present the Security Force consists of a complete R.A.F. Regiment Armoured Car Squadron, and a Squadron of thirteen Vampires and two Meteor Jet Fighters. Also, the T.C. Levies are being expanded, many supernumeraries are being recruited and instructors from the Aden Levies are due to arrive shortly, and a new British Officer is on his way here.