File 1283/1913 Pt 5 'MESOPOTAMIA TRADE Issue of new Trade Report' [‎59r] (113/270)

(a) For the first this country is dependent upon the P.& 0.
6c 3.1. Oompnnies under Lord Inohoape who also virtually
oontrcls river traffic. For the second we depend at present
upon the willingness and ability of H.M.Gr. to develop the
Railway system in this country on the lines already recommend
ed and to negotiate a satisfactory extension into Persia
from Lhaniqin.
(d) Phe labour position is most unsatisfactory, skilled
laoour of every sort is exceedingly scarce and exceedingly
dear. This applies not merely to technical trades but to
almost all branches of industry including the clerical estab-
lishments.
4. I agree with Mr. Watkins in considering' that the British
firms who have been operating in Mesopotamia during the past
year have shown little tendency to improve upon their pre War
methods to make the best of the situation in which they find
themselves, a situation which is in many ways most hopeful for
British frade.
My own experience of them, as potential contractors and
as tenderers for the supply of commodities for the use of the
Civil Administration has been unsatisfactory, fheir methods
are amateurish and their dealings unbusiness like.
This may be due pertly to current trade conditions, out
it is not encouraging.
There are numerous competent and well rim netive firms
in the country with whom it is very desirable that firms in
G-reat Britain should get into touch, and this office is
giving facilities to the oest of its ability to this end.
I have the honour to be.
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
Lieut.-col., I.A*♦
Ag. Civil Commissioner in Mesopotamia.