'Summary of correspondence relative to surveying operations and river conservancy in Mesopotamia' [‎30r] (59/96)

t( Edavana 5 5 sailing the following day, i.e., Tuesday, 25tli January. I pointed
out that I could not possibly leave without seeing the equipment off and at my
request the Director, Royal Indian Marine, wired to the Quartermaster-General,
Delhi, asking his approval to my remaining behind in Bombay for this purpose
and sailing by the mail for Basra on the 29th January. This was agreed to and
the staff sailed by the " Edavana " on Tuesday, 25th January.
5. The survey equipment, as I have pointed out, was discharged from the
4 4 Orna '' by the ship's staff on the 23rd January—the date stated by the Govern
ment of Burma in their telegram—but the Marine not being aware of the steamer's
arrival in Port took no action and thereby the chance of shipping the equipment
with the staff on the " Edavana " was lost. Commander Huddleston informed
me that there would not be another transport to Bombay for some considerable
time, but I pressed the urgency of the matter upon him and he arranged in con
sultation with Commander Douglas for the '' Havildar Custodian; police sergeant; jail or prison guard. 5 ' to come into Port and
take our equipment to Basra via Karachi.- This arrangement was made on the
27th January and I was told by Commander Douglas that the equipment must
be alongside the " Havildar Custodian; police sergeant; jail or prison guard. " on the following day, otherwise it could not be
accommodated.
As regards the actual transfer of the equipment from the Victoria to the
Alexandra Dock, I was informed that Commander Douglas would see to this,
but on reference to that officer I found that he only dealt with stores delivered
alongside the transport and he suggested I should write to the Director, Royal
Indian Marine, and get the assistance of the Marine Store-keeper. This was done
and I understand eventually the Commissioner's Conractor effected the
removal of the equipment. I went to the dock and personally inspected the
transfer of the equipment, but would point out that this was not work which
I should have been called upon to do when I had so many other matters connected
with tne dredge^ to discuss and arrange with the Chief Constructor of the
Dockyard.
6. I can state with assurance that had I not remained behind to arrange for
the transhipment of the equipment that even more serious delays than those we
are now faced with would have occurred. Had prompt action been taken on the
arrival of the 4 c Orna ' 9 on the 22nd, to tranship the equipment I consider it could
have been placed on board the <£ Edavana " and brought to Basra along with
the staff and myself.
(Sd.) E. C. NIVEN,
Assistant Director, River Conservancy.
Letter No. 54424, dated the 17th May 1916. (Diary No. 54424.)
From—The Chief of the General Staff, Simla,
To—The General Officer Commanding, Force " D," Basra.
I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your memorandum No. 1142-12 -Q.,
dated 3rd April 1916, forwarding a letter No. I49-A-I6, dated the 28th March
1916, from the Director General, Port Administration and River Conservancy,
showing the various causes which had prevented that officer from commencing
dredging and other conservancy work in connection with the River Tigris and
Hammar Lake.
I 2. You explain that all necessary action has been taken in Mesopotamia to
smooth away and remove, as far as may be possible, any causes for the delay in that
country, and suggest that enquires may be instituted in regard to the delays
which had apparently taken place in India, particularly at Bombay, in forwarding
the plant and equipment for the dredger.
[ 3. In reply I am to say that the necessary enquiries have been instituted in
this country.
4. I am, however, to inform you that a copy of correspondence relating to the
delays referred to has been communicated to the Government of India by the