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File 3047/1909 'Railways: Asiatic Turkey; railway construction in Asia Minor' [‎109r] (222/368)

The record is made up of 1 volume (182 folios). It was created in 1908-1911. It was written in English and French. The original is part of the British Library: 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. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity. .

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u u 5 /
[This Document is the Property of Iiis Britannfc Majesty's Government.]
ASIATIC TURKEY AND ARABIA.
>s ~ "
CONFIDENTIAL.
[45974]
/>T , Sir A - Nicolson to Sir Edivard Grey .—(Received December 20.)
(No. G59.) '
^ ir ’ T Tj A xn? xi , SL Petersburg?!, December 14, 1909.
AVE the honour to report that the “Novoe Yremya’’ publishes to-day an
article on proposed railway construction in Turkey, of which the following 'is a
summary :—
„ “ wlll . 1 not on general significance for Russia of this or that tendency
of iurkish railway policy, but will content ourselves with recounting, as an example,
the history of the Anatolian Railway. While the strategic importance of this line was
clear to everybody in Russia, few thought out seriously the results which its con
struction^ mighty entail on Russian commerce. Since its construction, the demand in
Constantinople for Russian flour and live-stock has declined The construction of new
lines towards the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. will have even more influence on Russian trade with
the Middle East, and it is therefore necessary to make arrangements before they are
built. ^ It must be regretted that the policy of Russia towards Turkish railway con
struction has hitherto been hostile. AYe are now reaping the fruits of that policv.
When the Bagdad Railway was projected in 1903 Russia and England adopted an
unfortunate attitude. The realisation of the original plan would have been far more
advantageous to the interests of France, Russia, and England, and to Russian commerce
in particular. Judging by latest news from Constantinople, Russian policy in regard
to railway construction would seem to have changed, and to be taking a course more in
accordance with Russian commercial interests, and more likely to strengthen neighbourly
relations with Turkey. As regards the renewed proposal for the construction of a
narrow-gauge line between Samsun and Sivas, it is to be hoped that the question will
be settled in a manner consonant with Russian as well as with Turkish interests. The
joining of Sivas with the sea by a direct line will give the cheapest possible outlet for
the agricultural produce of the region, and its significance for Turkey is therefore
obvious ; but for Russia its significance is not so simple. The new route will create a 1
rivalry in the Black Sea between the produce of north- eastern Anatolia South-east Turkey today. and that of
south Russia and the western Caucasus, and it will also facilitate the introduction of
foreign goods into lurkey, and subsequently into Persia. These inevitable disad
vantages will be partially balanced by the introduction of Russian capital and labour
into the building of these new lines and the creation of a new market for Russian iron
and coal. The participation of Russian financiers in the construction of railways in
Asia Minor is of equal importance, both politically and economically, and the Russian
Government is bound to take all steps within its power to assist Russian financial
groups in participating actively in Turkish enterprise. But the Government must not
risk one rouble from the Treasury. We have already sowed hundreds of millions of
roubles in Asia, and have reaped war, sedition, hatred, and the necessity of further heavy
sacrifices.”
1 have, &c.
A. NICOLSON.
. i/
[December 20 .]
Section 5.
No. 1 .
[2546 w—5]

About this item

Content

The volume comprises telegrams, despatches, correspondence, memoranda, and notes relating to the construction of railways in Asiatic Turkey, 1908-1911, as well as oil concessions in Mesopotamia.

Correspondence outlines the proposal to develop a railway from Tripoli via Homs and Deir and along the Euphrates to the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , to compete with the Baghdad Railway. The company was designated 'The Anglo-Syrian Tripoli - Homs Railway and Tripoli Harbour Improvement Company'.

Correspondence also discusses the different consortia bidding for oil concessions in Mesopotamia and the relative significance of French, Russian and German involvement. Included in the volume is a letter (folios 49 - 153) from William Knox D'Arcy giving a 'List of Turkish concessions connected with oil now being sought'.

The principal correspondents in the volume include the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Sir Edward Grey) and the Ambassador to Constantinople (Sir Gerard Lowther).

Extent and format
1 volume (182 folios)
Arrangement

The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the rear to the front of the volume. The subject 3047 (Railways: Asiatic Turkey) consists of 1 volume,

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 178; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio.

The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.

Written in
English and French in Latin script
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File 3047/1909 'Railways: Asiatic Turkey; railway construction in Asia Minor' [‎109r] (222/368), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/10/166, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100030544746.0x000017> [accessed 28 March 2024]

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