File 1283/1913 Pt 5 'MESOPOTAMIA TRADE Issue of new Trade Report' [‎7r] (9/270)

Minute Paper.
Department
7
(•
(C-j |v^
figures are low probably because of the vast
numbers of sheep taken by the army. (Much could
be done in improving the quality of the wool).
(iii) Gum : On N. and H.E. frontiers and
hills of South Persia. Collecting areas Mosul
and Sulaimaniyah. Requires cheap means of
transport.
(iv) Tobacco : in Sulaimaniyah and Arbil
divisions. An e:xpert who toured the tobacco
growing districts stated that radical
improvements in methods of growing, curing and
baling are necessary before the tobacco can
become suitable for export.
(v) Oil; Speculative(?)
(To these may be added, though not mentioned in
the report,
(vi) Reeds for pulp, all ready for use^
Fruits of various kinds, besides dates,
if exploited.)
Attention is drawn also to p.Sl paragraph (viii)
°n cotton . The Government experimental farms have
shown excellent results, and the British Cotton
Growing Association has reported favourably.
Notes are contained in the report as (ix)
((xi) Hides are not mentioned but may be
considered.)
4). Important factors in the trade situation are
.ed to and discussed in the report, such as
Currency difficulties, the exchange, the lack of
enterprise and improved business methods in tine
Sulphur and (x) Gyps^um.
British
(x) (68860) Wt. P813/41 3000 4-19 W B & L