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A picture with a very intriguing story. Following the Dofar Rebellion in Muscat and Oman (Now, known as the Sultanate of Oman) in the 1960's, the U.K. was asked to provide air force assistance to the country in the form of a secret mercenary detachment, in order to quell continuing attacks by Yemeni guerrilla fighters in the south of the country. Basically, we maintained an airforce base that facilitated the operation of ex-RAF fighter pilots attacking the guerrillas in their mountain hideouts.
During this period, Edward Heath, the leader of the government's opposition, made a secret visit to Salalah for talks with Qaboos bin Said, the sultan's son (I have the only film of this visit). Questions where asked in government about this meeting, and the existence of U.K. military personnel in the area, which has been totally denied to this day.
The following year, Edward Heath became Prime Minister and, coincidentally, the sultan's son instigated a coup against his father, Sultan Said bin Taimur. The sultan was expelled to the U.K. in quiet exile until he died a few years later.
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Sunday 17 July 2011
Photo - Muscat and Oman
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That is an interesting bit of history. Britain's rulers have been experts at intrigue. The Americans do to seem to be as effective.
ReplyDeleteI presume this situation is no longer classified.
I must admit that the phrase, "to this day", may be incorrect. Wikipedia does describe the existence of British 'contractors' in Salalah at the time. Nevertheless, it may be wise if I bury the film inside a block of concrete somewhere.
ReplyDeleteStill waiting for the book.
ReplyDeleteI imagine that you could have guessed by now that writing a Blog is far easier than writing a memoir.
ReplyDeleteNot a memoir. A proper book - a novel loosely based on real events. It would sell. Maybe a traditional publisher would pick it up, but you could self-publish. It would be fascinating.
ReplyDeleteFor many years I have struggled with a search for some kind of plot. Should it be a first person account of a secret agent on 'the run' from both British and Omani agents, or a third person account of intriguing events inside MI-5 and the sultan's palace (The old sultan's wife was German ... that could bring East Germany into play). But finding a plot that would extend to 50 thousand words, or so, seems like facing a huge mountain.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, I wonder if there is a software application that permits the insertion of a plot, names of characters, a range of locations, then press Enter and out comes a best seller. No, honestly, I didn't really think that!
Correction: It seems that it was the sultan's Prime Minister who had a German wife. Nevertheless, fiction, loosely based on real events, can cope with that, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to write it, do it. Blogging and thinking about it will not get it done. Besides, the first several drafts will not be the final product so don't worry it to death. Let the juices flow!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteJohn, couldn't have said it better myself.
ReplyDeleteJohn, if Honda had never produced a maintenance manual for your car, Debby knows that I could painfully, but happily, write one for you. Permit me to take this encouraging discussion off-blog ... to your e-mail.
ReplyDeleteBernie
ReplyDeleteI hope this post finds you OK and adds to an old string.
Very intriguing; I am currently researching the political/military interface in Oman from late 1950's through to mid 1970's and was aware of several visits by British government and 'related' people starting in 1969, but not that Edward Heath made a visit. I am wondering if he was on one of the flights made by a HS125 that I have a passenger list for that states "+1".
I understand you are in Ontraio, I visit about twice a year and will be there about the end of November and would welcome the chance to meet and discuss, if possible.
Would appreciate contact by email - nigelhart56@gmail.com
PS have you seen the novel The Frankincense Tree, seems to have your basic plot
Hi Nigel;
ReplyDeleteIt is a coincidental interest to hear from you as my writer neurons have been twitching my fingers recently (It happens once every decade).
Thanks for the gmail address ... I shall be in contact.