File 50/1914 Pt 10 'Persian Gulf: Lighting and Buoying; Supply of Lighthouse Tender; the Nearchus' [‎14r] (32/470)

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3. ns regards the proposed transfer of the control of the
Nearchus” to the Senior Naval Officer, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , the
director. Royal Indian Marine, points out that the responsi
bility for the efficient lighting, and buoyage of the Persian
Gulf lies with him. To transfer the only means of maintaining
efficiency to an officer who is on war service and is uncon
cerned with lights and buoys, personnel, material or provisions,
or anything to do with the lighting system may in practice
prove unsatisfactory. Moreover, the officer commanding the
ff Nearchus ,f is responsible to the Director, Royal Indian Marine,
for the lights and buoys hut under the arrangement proposed he
would be under the orders of fhe Senior Naval Officer. In these '
circumstances a difficult situation would arise,
4. As to the cost of coal only being debited to the Department
concerned when the ,f Nearchus ,r is employed on work other than tkac
that of lighting and hggyxyg buoyage of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , it
has been ascertained that the only chance the vessel has of
undertaking small repairs, adjustments and care of boilers and
machinery is during the short intervals that can be spared
from her rounds of visits. Should these opportunities have to
be given up to meet political necessities, the life of the ship
and machinery will be very much curtailed and her repairs bill
when she visits a dockyard will be largely in excess of the
estimated amount for yearly upkeep. If the "Nearchus" is to
give a satisfactory return of services and be administered aricikia
within the budget sanction, she should be kept to her legitimate
duties as far as possible.
5. I am to request that your views may be forwarded to the
Government of India by telegraph if possible.