File 1855/1904 Pt 5 'Koweit: Coal depot.' [‎100r] (208/374)

No. 2461 (Conti Jeitial), d ited Bushire, the nth (received 19th) September 1910.
From -Lieutenant-Colonel P. Z. Cox, C.S.I., C.I E , Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department,
Simla.
I have the honour to refer to the correspondence on the subject of the
proposed coal Depot at Koweit, ending with Foreign Department letter No.
1288-E. A., dated 21st June 1910.
2. Under instructions from his Department, the Sub-Engineer on duty in
the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. has since visited Kovveit and worked out plans and estimates
for the coal godowns, together with plans for the proposed jetty and light
tramway, on which estimates will be prepared in Karachi.
I enclose a copy of a letter from the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , Koweit, explaining
_ Mr. Starrs’ proceedings in consultation
o. -49, ate 2;t juy igio. with himself; also a copy of the plan ^
showing the arrangement proposed for the shed and jetty, which has my approval.
3. The fact that accommodation for 7,500 tons has been estimated for \
instead of 3,600, the amount taken into calculation by Major Knox in making
his tentative proposals and endorsed by me in my letter No. 912, dated 22nd
March 1908, needs some explanation.
I beg reference to paragraph fi) of the ,f Memorandum about Bushire Coal
Depot ” enclosed with the communication just quoted. It is true that the
average annual consumption at Bushire is about 3,000 tons, but the fact that
by the rule of <£ established proportions, ” on the basis of which the Bushire
Depot is worked, we are directed to maintain 2^ years supply in order to be
prepared for emergencies, was not sufficiently taken into account. In Bushire
owing to the impracticability of obtaining sufficient accommodation for 7oOO
tons, the difficulty has to be got over by our receiving our coal in frequent small
consignments ; but this is both an expensive arrangement to Government and
a troublesome one to this Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. , and therefore in opening a new Depot where |
we have plenty of room, it seemed advisable that an estimate on the 2% years
supply basis should at any rate be placed before Government. ,
Mr. Storrs was accordingly directed to prepare his plan and estimates on
the latter basis and this he has done ; but the accommodation has been designed
and estimated for in such a manner (by providing 7 sheds to hold about 1,000
tons each) that the Government of India can proceed with the project piecemeal
as it were according to the probable requirements of the near future, from time
to time.
4. Having regard to the tentative estimates submitted by Major Knox in
1908, I fear the Government of India may find the present proposals somewhat
formidable, as the cost of the 7 godowns works out to Rs. 1,43,247 and the
quarters for the coaling establishment to Rs. 2,654. Total Rs. 1,45,900.
On the basis of the rent paid in Bushire for the accommodation of 2,800
tons coal, Vi's., Rs. 1,715 per annum, the sum which would have to be paid for
renting accommodation for 7,500 tons works out to Rs. 4,594. By building the
Depot now proposed, Government will thus be saving an amount which repre
sents 3'2 per cent on their capital outlay of Rs. 1,43,247. Regarded as interest
on capital outlay, this may not seem a handsome return, but even with 3
godowns to start with, more accommodation would be provided than is at present
available at Bushire, and in any case, there should be a considerable saving in
the cost of the landing of coal and the coaling of ships, as was pointed out by
Major Knox in his letter No. 39, dated 22nd January 1908.
Moreover the buildings will be of a solid and permanent character and will
be valuable evidence of our predominant position in Koweit.
For these reasons, 1 very much hope that the Government of India will be
pleased to consider the project favourably.
5. The only items in regard to which, as a layman, I venture to think
economy should be possible, are :—
(1) Foundations
(2) Doors
(3) Ventilators
Depth could perhaps be reduced.
Cost seems excessive.
Wood might be substituted for iron.