File 4613/1919 Pt 6 'Mesopotamia:- Land Policy. Mr. Gedge's investigations' [‎173r] (25/44)

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Baghdad,November 15th 1919.
To
ijieat-uol. A *T .Wilson ,C *S d « ,C ,M *G e , etc. etc,
Ag: Civil Commissioner for Mesopotamia.
Sir,
I have the honour to inform you that my purpose in
visiting Mesopotamia as the Representative of the East -
Africa Lands & Developement Coy .and the Eai«tbi Consolidated
Mines Ltd . ,both of 19 St.Swithins 1 Lane ,London E .C . is in
order to investigate the present agricultural conditions
and possibilities of the country and if found practicable,
to ask H «,M.Government to consider the grant of concession
on a comprehensive scale for reclamation and developement
of the land by scientifically approved methods.
*
Such a scheme can only be carried out by the aid of
ample financial resources which my companies are well able
to command. v $ *
previous to my knowing England ,1 had the honour of an
interview with Sir A*E.irtzel at the India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. who
expressed his sympathy with the project though unable to -
give it official recognition,in view of the uncertainties
of the Political situation. At his request I had also a
further interview with Mr.GCh’bett.
As a preliminary .therefore,I would ask you to kindly
rant me facilities to acquire information on the following
subjects
System of land Tenure.
Tke Arab population and their Vested interests.
The labour position generally.
The question of imported labour.
Transport.