Oil prospecting

This file reviews the oil situation in Muscat and Oman. It includes correspondence relating to :

• Review of oil exploration developments with reference to Shell's interest in the region (1-6, 11, 12, 18, 20)
• Problems of security and the appointment of an oil advisor to the Sultan of Muscat and Oman Saeed Bin Taimur (7-8, 21)
• Visit of the Mecom family, owners of MECOM Oil, to the Sultan and the gift to him of a Buick car (9)
• Petroleum Development Oman Limited's (PDO) wish to drill on the Rayda structure in Oman (12)
• MECOM Oil's right to operate on the Muscat-Sharjah border (16-17, 19)
• Discussions on oil revenues, production and recruitment of an oil advisor and oil liaison officer including contribution from Shell and Political Resident J S R Duncan, information gathering concerning the suitability of David Ovens and Cooper Brothers as possible advisors (22-25, 27)
• Record of a meeting relating to oil operations in Oman on 7 December (26)