ABSTRACT
In 1960, the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman was an independent state. Although not legally under British protection, the sultanate and Britain had very strong ties and the Sultan heavily relied on British assistance. HMG subsidized the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF), where seconded and contract British officers served. In addition, the Sultan granted the RAF facilities in his territory and often, at the Sultan’s request, Britain handled Muscat and Oman’s foreign affairs. Unlike Bahrain, the sultanate had not yet had the benefit of even modest oil revenue. The cautious Sultan, therefore, steadfastly refused to permit development. Oman lacked schools, healthcare facilities, and roads.
