The early 1960s are often characterised as an era of decolonisation, but the debate about how and why the British withdrew does not apply in Oman. The development of the oil industry was the primary justification for the continuation of the defence of Oman, but relations with the Sultanate were scarcely addressed because it was a separate concern for the Foreign Office. Anglo-Omani relations concerned funding the Sultan’s Armed Forces, and it was in British interests to fund their expansion because it was much cheaper than deploying forces, and it achieved the crucial political objectives of lowering Britain’s profile in the country. Said bin Taymur received remarkable financial support although he offered very little in return.