'Summary of correspondence relative to the administration of the Port of Basrah and measures for the control of the shipping traffic in Mesopotamia.' [‎28r] (55/134)

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(it) Rules and regulations for preserving the rivers in a navigable condition
and for regulating the traffic thereon.
This allotment of duties has been referred to War Office and Admiralty and
their concurrence has been obtained.
The scope of his duties has been discussed with Sir George Buchanan. He
recognises that his work can only be carried on in close consultation and co-opera
tion with the Inspector General of Communications and that the responsibility
for the control and co-ordination of all traffic rests with the Inspector General of
Co mmunicat io ns.
In his duties as Port Administrator, he will exercise full control of traffic and
works within the port under the direct orders of General Officer Commanding.
I? " "
^orce D.
His duties in regard to River Conservancy are keeping the river in a navigable
condition and foimulating the rules of the road so as to keep the channel fit for the
Inspector General of Communication traffic at all times.
The Commander-in-Chief considers and War Office agrees that while in all
matters Sir George Buchanan will work in close co-operation and consultation
with the Inspector General of Communications it is desirable in the interests of
smooth working that he should have direct access to you and take orders on matters
from you himself in connection with his duties which require your decision.
A letter follows giving further details explanat^y of Sir Buchanan's duties,
but the above outline should be used as a working basis pending the arrival of
further instructions.
Letter No. 54760, dated the 18th-19th May 1916. Serial No 13
From—The Chief of the General Staff, Simla,
To—The General Officer Commanding, Force " D."
I am directed to inform you that it has been brought to notice that the in
tentions of the Government of India in regard to the appointment of Sir George
Buchanan as Director-General of Port Administration and River Conservancy
have not been carried out.
2. I am now, therefore, in continuation of my telegram No. 53445, dated
11th May 1916 (Serial No. 12), to issue the following detailed instructions :—
On his return to Basrah, Sir G. Buchanan in his capacity of Director General
of Port Administration will be an independent Staff Officer of General Officer Com
manding, Force " D," to whom alone he will report and from whom alone he will
take his orders. Sir G. Buchanan will have entire control of the port itself under
the direct orders of the General Officer Commanding, Force, saving and excepting
the essentially marine duties such as the movement of vessels in and out berthing,
moving, the provision and control of pilots and harbour masters.
3. In order that the traffic management may be properly regulated, arrange
ments will be made by the Government of India for the appointment of an official
to be designated Traffic Superintendent, who will be placed directly under Sir
G. Buchanan's orders. He will be responible for the unloading of vessels, the
despatch of goods to the various departments to which they belong and the wharfage
arrangements generally.
4. Engineering works should be carried out partly by the Construction Staff
of the Department of the Director General of Port Administration and partly
by the B. G. R. E. In the matter of wharves, landing stages, sheds, and roads for
port purposes, the B. G. R. E. and the Traffic Superintendent should meet in con
sultation with the Director General of Port Administration and decide on what is
required, the Director General of Port Administration reporting direct to General
Officer Commanding, Force " D,"' for necessary sanction.