File 1283/1913 Pt 5 'MESOPOTAMIA TRADE Issue of new Trade Report' [‎102r] (199/270)

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i-Shirin. In developing tbe fields it would be desirable to aim primarily at
providing oil for consumption of tbe country at a reasonable price, so that
the resources of the country may be developed for the country s advantage
and not exploited for the benefit of existing oil companies.^ , , ,
54 . As regards industries, there is little _ to be said. Mr. Lloyd noted
that the silk industry, formerly one of the most important in Iraq, was showing
sio-ns of revival. Systematic cultivation of mulburry trees should be possible
over a large extent o*f Mesopotamia and the deputation of a qualified silk expert
would seem desirable at an early date in order to decide on the best metnod o .
reviving the cultivation of the silk worm. Tanning and working the leather
were among the most solid industries in the country though the finish was
generally poor and skins badly handled. The institution of up-to-date an-
neries under experts might be expected to be a profitable venture. The unique
art practised bv the Sabaean metal workers of inlaying silver with antimony
should be capable of exploitation, if sufficient workers could be collected to
enable the manufacture to be carried on a large scale. , „
Small development is, however, to be looked for under the head ot
« industries ” since Mesopotamia is and will remain for a long time essentia y
an agricultural country. . . . -j.
55 . The great bulk of the import trade was before the war the tiansit
business with Western Persia through Baghdad, the real centre of cominercia
interest. Basrah was primarily the seaport of Baghdad though its trade m
dates and grain gave it an importance of its own and the local market
piece-goods, suglr, etc., wal showing signs of expansion. The Persian trade
through Khanikin will continue to be of great importance in the future, but if
the agricultural regeneration of Mesopotamia takes place on the lines anUci-
pated,°the purchasing power of the people will be very largely increased am
the demand for imports of all kinds will expand.
56. The principal articles of import at Basrah m addition to piece-good*
were gunnies, coffee, machinery, sugar and wood. Mr. Lloyd m his report ot
1908 laid stress upon the following points
( 1 ) The demand for mechanical pumps for irrigation, for agricultural
machinery, high speed handlooms, silk weaving plants, etc.
As regards mechanical pumps, there was a large sale in Baghdad before
the war, perhaps as many as 100 a year, varying from 5 to 40 horse power
Arabs eagerly take advantage of the assistance of these pumps and t
should be a very large sale for them especially in Upper Mesopotamia where
at present flow irrigation is more difficult. ^ It is understood that the Bevenue
Department have already opened a branch in Baghdad for the repairing o
machines and for the provision of oil and it is rendering much assistance to
small cultivators in the neighbourhood. a ^ , _ r ,
Having regard to the anticipated abundance of oil fuel, Mesopotamia
should offer a wonderful field for engineering enterprise and engineering firms
would do well to send out accredited agents to demonstrate the possibilities ot
mechanical power as applied to agriculture. There should be a great opening
for the sale of modern ploughs and other agricultural machinery. The country
is ideal for the use of machinery as the plains are perfectly level, ffiere is not
a stone in the soil and the general character of the soil is not so heavy as to
hamper tractors; Where the country is flat or undulating with a soil homoge
neous over large areas, it is possible to employ a comparatively cumbrous
engine which would be almost useless in confined fields with heavy gradients
and changes in the nature and consistency of the soil. Leep ploughing is not
necessary and the conditions resemble those in the United States oi* the w est o
Canada/ With a view to popularise agricultural machinery m Mesopotamia
it might he as well that Government should make advances to assist intending
purchasers and should also provide instructions in the use of the machines.
Commercial companies should construct and popularise the models best suited
to the country. mi • ^ ^
(21 The tendency in the towns towards greater luxury. The introduc
tion of European furniture, English and French dresses in the harems and
uou cl ^ ^ articles of personal adornment.
Deference has been made previously*
* See paragraph 45.