"ملخص المراسلات المتعلقة بإدارة ميناء البصرة وإجراءات للسيطرة على حركة الملاحة البحرية في بلاد الرافدين." [ظ‎‎٥] (١٣٤/١٠)

6
I was aware that the dredger required renewal of the pump-casing. This
was actually being done in Rangoon under the superintendence
of the Public Works Department, but I am informed the Indian
Marine officers at Rangoon, through some misapprehension, stopped
the work and despatched the dredger to Bombay.
In the matter of the alleged despatch of the pipe line and pontoons in three
different steamers, I invite a reference to telegram No. M.-109, dated
18th January, to my address which reads as follows :—
Begins. " Principal Port Officer, Rangoon, wires Jamiary 17th. Begins.
' Oolabaria ' sailed to-day towing ' Myittha.' ' Oolabaria ' has on
board whole of pipe line of dredger ' Oswald' consisting of 40 pipes
closed at each end and 36 feet by three and a half diameter weighing
two and a half tons each. Twenty pipes open each end 40 feet by two
and a half diameter weighing one and a half tons each. These
pipes have projections on them which make towing difficult. Nume
rous other plant for dredging purposes. List is being posted. Also
roofs and gear for ' Myittha ' and ' Rebel/ Whole measures about
six hundred forty cubic tons. Ends. Cargo for dredger will be
transhipped in Bombay about 1st February. 4 Myittha's' tow will be
arranged onwards same date." Message ends.
As already stated I fail to understand why the whole of.the pipe line and
pontoons should not have been despatched direct to Basrah from Rangoon instead
of laboriously transhipping at Bombay.
Maintenance of Transport Service on the Tigris.
(12) In connection with above T made the following remarks in my report,
dated 3rd March, on River Conservancy operations in Mesopotamia.
General remarks on transport service on the Tigris.
1 have been asked verbally whether any limit can be placed on the number
of river transports that can be accommodated on the river and in my judgment
there is no limit within reason, but I consider the transport service requires organiza
tion and institution of traffic rules and regulations.
The usual rule of the road is that steamers going up the river give way to
steamers coming down because the former are naturally under better control, but
I understand this rule is not enforced. With large increases in the number of river
transports some crossing stations will possibly be required and a comprehensive
scheme carefully drawn up.
I would point out that a perfect transport service depends upon the follow-.
ing
(1) sufficient number of steamers,
(2) adequate means of repairing and maintaining vessels,
(3) a navigable river at all times of the year,
(4) competent management of the transport service by one responsible-
officer,
and if all these are not co-ordinated there will be failures and breakdow ns.
% With reference to (4) I would suggest that whoever is in charge of the trans
port service should also issue orders for the upkeep and maintenance .of the vessels,
as divided responsibility in this case would militate against efficiency.
(13) In the matter of adequate means of repairing and maintaining vessels,
I was asked my opinion on proposals for the establishment of a Marine Dockyard
at Basrah. I examined the project and reported generally on the same, but the
work is not under my control and I have no knowledge as to the progress being
made. On the urgent necessity for the work I remarked as follows :—
I would observe that I entirely concur with you that as adequate repairing
l^ase for river craft is an urgent and immediate necessity, and as I have had long