'PERSIAN GULF AND GULF OF OMAN. RESOURCES AND COAST DEFENCES. 1903.' [‎42v] (91/120)

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PERSIAN GULF The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .—RESOURCES AND DEFENCES.
To the E. of Aleppo the commercial prospects of the new line
are at present somewhat vague. According to the original plan
the main line was to pass through a number of important places
which will now be served by branch lines only.
The original route involved costly engineering work, especially
among the foot-hills of the mountains between the Euphrates and
Tigris, and those E. of the Tigris, whilst the shorter route now
propor>ed does not cross the latter river at all, anti keeps to the
plains.
This means that the line will pass through much unproductive
country, and will leave the most valuable districts on one side ;
but, in view of the heavy kilometric guarantee, it is to the
advantage of the company to construct the railway as quickly
and cheaply as possible, and to let the commercial future take
care of itself.
It may be noted that the conditions concerning the strength
and gauge of the railway apply to the main line alone, so that
the company will probably economise in the construction of the
branch lines.*
As the Turkish Government appears to be more interested in
the strategical than in the commercial value of the railway, the
shorter main route, with its advantages of quicker and cheaper
construction, is equally acceptable to both parties to ihe
concession.
The proposed railway would confer on Turkey the strategic ad
vantage of being able to transfer troops rapidly from European
Turkey and Asia Minor to Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
or vice versa, and would obviate the necessity for sea transport via
Suez, which is the usual method of communication at present.
3.—Summary of Scheme for the Defence of Koweit.
In September 1901 it was found necessary to devise a scheme
for the defence of Koweit from attack by land. The following
is an account of the conditions obtaining and of the measures
proposed at that time.
The scarcity of water in the district round Koweit, makes
military movements depend very largely on the position of the
wells.
To the S. and W. of the line Koweit-Jehara, there is “ for
many miles ” a desert stated to be Avaterless and understood to
be on that account impracticable for a large hostile force.
° It is understood that the branches from the Tigris valley to Erbil,
Kifri, and Hit are not likely to be constructed unless petroleum is found
in paying quantities. The surface indications of petroleum in the vicinity
of these places are favourable, but no development has taken place as yet.