'A strategical study of Persia and the Persian Gulf' [‎29] (37/150)

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gaffe #and 10' high, and beyond a plain of loose sand, very difficult
for carta or even men or mules, The nearest camping ground IB
400 yards distant in a palm grove, 200 yards south-west of the
Consulate. Landing could be effected at any point up to 3 miles
west of the town, or 9 or 10 miles east, but it would be through
surf in small boats, and the troops would have to wade a long dis
tance at low water. The surf is only dangerous with a strong
gale, bad weather seldom lasts more than 2 days at a time. Ad
vantage should be taken of high water to land stores. There is
no estuary in the vicinity which could be used.
Landing facilities.—Poor, very few suitable boats available.
No wharves and a dilapidated pier which is left high and dry at
low water. Poor storage accommodation near pier.
Convoy grounds.—There is ample open space to the east, and
| mile to the north-east of the Customs pier, outside the town.
Brackish water is obtainable by sinking wells, but good drinking
water is only to be had at Naiband, miles distant. Grazing
is not procurable anywhere near.
Water is distant, not abundant, and either brackish or impure.
The best for drinking is obtained from the shallow wells at Naiband,
If a force of 2,000 men were landed, a base dep6t would have \
to be maintained here, however rapidly the force moved jnto the
interior, so a condensing ship, or plant ashore would be necessary,
Camping ground.—Large open space, sandy, well drained,
and flat, exists all around Naiband and close to the water-
supply.
Roadstead,—The anchorage at Chahbar is exposed to the moft#
soon, and dangerous during that seasoft,
a ar ' Large numbers of ships, drawing up to
20', could anchor in calm weather about 2 miles from the beach.
Good shelter from the monsoon exists to the north of Has Kgjblab,
where there is deep water. The distance round the bay by iand to
Chahbar is 28 miles.
Coast—The coast, south of the promontory on which Chahbaf
is situated, is rocky and consists of cliffs 10' to 50' high. North
of the promontory is a sandy beach, varying in breadth from 10 yards
at the point to 200 yards opposite the village. The water north, of
the promontory is shallow, except for a distance of 800 yardf
opposite the village, where boats drawing 5' can approach to withm
20 yards of shore, even at low tide. - - - - - -