File 342/1913 'Mesopotamia: Euphrates and Tigris Steam Navigation Co; mail contract' [‎39v] (85/286)

ns these steamers are detained in Baghdad for quite uncertain periods,
owing to the unsufficiency of the wharf at the Custom House, w r e could
not recommend the Government of India to increase the subsidy in
order to obtain an accelerated service. Because all that could be
gained under present conditions, of heavily-laden steamers and barges,
and a low river, would he a possible slight increase of speed during high
river when the service is already punctual. Navigation at high speed
with very little water in the river would be impracticable.
In conclusion, I would venture respectfully to remind you that
during the last decennial period this Company has been spending very
large sums of money upon tbe development of the Persian trade via
the Knrun. More than half of this trade is Indian, and the Indian
Government do not at present contribute anything towards the service.
The advantages of the service have already been reaped in a practical
form by the Government of* India, the material for the new overland
telegraph line having been conveyed to its destination in Persia by the
Company’s steamers on the Karun, and across the Ahwaz-Isfahan Bead,
which has been constructed at the Company’s expense.
With reference to the letter from the Government of India,
No. 150, Poreign, dated the 21th September 1903, as to the conditions
of the renewal of the contract with the Euphrates and Tigris Steam
Navigation Company for the conveyance of mails between Busreh and
Bagdad, which terminates on the 30th April next, I am directed by
Mr. Secretary Brodrick to request that he may be informed whether
Lord Lansdowne has any observations to make upon the enclosed draft*
the Contract for a further period of ten years.
Mr. Brodrick will also be glad to learn whether Lord Lansdowne
thinks it expedient to consult Sir N. O’Conor with regard to approaching
the Porte again with a view to obtain permission for Messrs. Lynch to
use a third steamer on the Tigris.
I am directed by the Marquess of Lansdowne to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant relative to the question of the
renewal of the Contract with the Euphrates and Tigris Company for the
conveyance of mails between Busreh and Bagdad.
It appears to Lord Lansdowne that the communication which the
Secretary of State for India proposes to address to the Company is
likely to result in a renewed application from Messrs. Lynch for
permission to use a third steamer oa the Tigris. Sir N. O’Conor in his.
The Secretary of State
for India.
I have, &c..
Prank Bottomley,
Secretary.
Enclosure No. 3.
India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. to Eoreign Office.
Sir,
India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. ,
2nd March ] 901.
* See Enclosure 5.
of a letter which it is proposed to
I am, &c.
The Under Secretary of State,
Eoreign Office.
A Gokley.
Enclosure No. 4.
Eoreign Office to India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. .
22nd March 1904.
Eoreign Office,
Sir,