File 21/2 'Coal Depot at Koweit' [‎148r] (294/389)

FROM RESIDENT GURNAH
TO ADMIRAL B MBAY
NO 7 B
dated Jan 2nd 1015
Kowelt co Ilnr station.
Transfer of station from Bustilre was contemplated originally
botn on naval gr ounds and in view of greater economy and conven
lence of handling t Ko®eit, and, from a political polot of view,
with the object of strengthening our footing there.
Pending c ncluslon of negotiations with Turkey lb referen; to Gulf
questions the execution of the project was postponed.
The letter ground has n w ceased to exist; for some time to com©,
however there will be a regular service of transports and store
ships to Basrah and these at present have to go down to Kowelt to
coal from colliers sent there, as also have H.M.'s larger vessels
wh ch are pevcnted,a^art from the neutrality laws) from coaling at
Bushire by the distance from the shore of the anchor ge.
Pending the c nstruction of the shed, it would seem convenient
and economical if coal were put down at Kowelt on the ite of the
projectfedg coaling depot in charge of 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. and
covered, as is dono elsewhere in the Bulf, by mats ,
If this is concurred in by you could you urge it on the Admiralty
completion
and Likewise press for the gfixclxilax ■. thout furtherdelay
ing -e£T
of the coal/shedi xix. sanctioned for Ko.elt
COX