'Summary of correspondence relative to the administration of the Port of Basrah and measures for the control of the shipping traffic in Mesopotamia.' [‎8v] (16/134)

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3. Regarding "Personnel and Equipment." I liave done my best to arrange
for a complete and self-contained unit which, as will be readily understood, it i&
difficult to provide against all contingencies and for works which are in the stage
of consideration.
For example, I have not provided a launch which will act as a tender to the
dredger because I supposed that the two dredgers here had been given this
necessary equipment, and I understand the launch " Barhein " has been so used
to a recent date.
Also, although I have ordered two survey launches, I have not provided a
motor boat or preferably steam pinnace which is an absolutely necessary auxiliary,
because I was informed there were a large number of motor boats here, and that
one could probably be spared.
4. If there is no objection, I shall be glad if a copy of this memorandum may
be sent to the Government of India along with the Army Commander's order in
regard to the exact delimitation of my duties.
(Sd.) GEORGE C. BUCHANAN,
Director General of Port Administration and River Conservancy,
No. 1179-3-Q,
From D. A. & Q. M. G. y
General Headquarters,
Force " D."
To SIR GEORGE BUCHANAN, Kt ., C.I.E., *
Director General of Port Administration
and River Conservancy,
Force " Z).' r
Ba&rah :
12th January 1916.
AVith reference to your letter unnumbered, dated 10th January, I am directed
to observe as follows :—
In a separate communication I am forwarding to you for opinion proposals
and estimates for the establishment of a Royal Indian Marine Dockyard at
Basrah which was sanctioned by the Army Commander prior to your arrival in
Mesopotamia and the work upon which is now in hand. This is the only out
standing matter connected in any way with Port Administration upon which you
have not already been consulted. Ail other matters in'regard to the wharves and
jetties, conservancy of the estuary, rivers and lakes were dealt with in my letter
No. 1179-2 Q., dated 8th January, and are therefore under your consideration.
3. In regard to personnel and equipment, I am to point out that in view of
the present situation it will probably be better and quicker in the end if you arrange
for a steam pinnace. The present situation in regard to river craft is as follows :
Iti order to meet the despatch of urgent reinforcements to the front and to withdraw
wounded we have to use every available river craft of every description. We are
little by little getting further craft from India, but their date of arrival here is very
uncertain and we are also faced with heavy losses in sea passage. If all goes well
by the end of April next when we expect to receive all vessels, etc., from India and
England, we should then have sufficient river craft here to be in a position to meet
with requirements of yours for the same. But for the next two or three months,
due to military operations and requirements, it is highly improbable that you can
be assisted in any way from this source; unless, therefore, you consider it desirable
to defer all surveys, dredging work, etc., it would seem best that you should demand
from India everything that you consider necessary to enable you to put any work
you contemplate in hand at once,
l
*