'Reports on (1) the Conservancy of the Shatt-el-Arab river from the Port of Basra to the Persian Gulf and on (2) the Development of the Port of Basra. By Sir George Buchanan Kt., C.I.E' [‎7v] (18/62)

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pilot fund in satisfaction of the revenue which would be lost to it through the
employment of their own men.
improvements (42) The following improvements in the working of the pilot service have
already effected. a l r eady been made under my direction
(1) A steam pilot vessel with a competent European pilot master in com
mand has been placed on the station. Until recently the Light Vessel
was used as a combined pilot vessel and light vessel ; a most un
satisfactory arrangement, as it was quite impossible for the Port
s Officer to effectively control and supervise the movements, discip
line and general maintenance of the pilot service at the Bar, a dis
tance of 70 miles from the port, the consequence being that pilots
were not under proper control.
A European pilot master now posts the pilots to vessels, and is also able to
supervise and check their work.
(2) A detailed survey has been made of the Ear and the best track laid out,
and charts which are checked by re-survey from time to time, are
furnished to the pilots. Formerly the pilots went where they pleased ;
if they did not get across the Bar on one track, they tried another.
FINANCIAL.
(43) In order to pay for river improvement works, it is usual to levy dues
on ships and goods entering or leaving the port. Dues on ships are generally levied
on the nett registered tonnage, and on goods by the ton weight. Under existing
conditions it is difficult to make any proposals in this respect, as it is not possible
to forecast the extent of trade after the war either in vessels or in goods.
It is also impossible to estimate accurately the cost of the works until further
information is collected and the survey is made that is detailed in paragraph 27
of this report; but I estimate approximately the cost of the works (including the
capital cost of the dredgers at present prices) at £600,000.
In my report on the development of the Port of Basra, I have remarked that
it is universally recognized that the interest on the capital cost of port and river,
development works cannot, in their earlier stages, be wholly paid out of the charges
imposed, and that the State or other controlling power must in the general in
terest be prepared to undertake financial responsibility. I suggest that, in the first
instance, the cost of the works should be a charge against the State, to be ultimately
transferred as a debt to the Port Tiust and Eiver Conservancy Board which
administers the port and river.
CONCLUSION.
(44) The works recommended in this report cannot be regarded as absolutely
necessary for the prosecution of the war, but it is an undoubted fact that all future
developments in Mesopotamia will depend first and foremost on the facilities given
for the navigation of vessels of deep draught to and from the Port of Basra.
The Mesopotamian Trade Commission in paragraph 70 of their report, remark
that it is highly desirable the dredging of the Bar should be carried out as soon as
possible, and the interests of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, Limited—and, in
directly, the Admiralty—are alone of almost sufficient importance to warrant the
execution of the work.
I submit that at least the preliminary works and investigations recommended
in paragraph (27) of this report should be carried out at once.
Dated, Simla, the 20th June 1917. GEORGE C. BUCHANAN.
G. M. Press, Simla.—No. 71(w)A.D.—2-7-17—500—M.D.
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