File 4613/1919 Pt 1 'Mesopotamia: Land Policy (Tenure and Acquisition) (General file)' [‎319r] (77/98)

Minute Paper.
Department.
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The R and S Dept: is consulted,presumably,with the object of
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obtaining general advice,based upon their knowledge of Indian con-
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ditions. The Dept: has no knowledge of,and is not competent to
advise in detail regarding, conditions in Mesopotamia.
2. Mr: Garbett's contention that the question should be
examined, in much further detail,and with a closer attention
to future possibilities, -w-ill--j 6 robabl- 7 -be agreed "fo by this ^ ^
. The scheme submitted by the Civil Commr: seems
much too sketchyjand it leaves points which are obviously of
cardinal importance undetermined. Nor has the effect of any
extensive granting of leases of State land been closely exam
ined .
3. As regards the purchase of the rights of private individuals
by non-domiciled persons,and (e) of para: 3 of Mr: Garbett’s minutr,
the question of securing for the State a share of the unearned
increment would seem to be a separate matter, distinct from the
question now under consideration. Any such measure would,it is
presumed, be adopted as a matter of general State and agricul
tural policy,irrespective/purchases by non-domiciled persons,
and applicable generally throughout the State. Subject to this
suggestion,there would appear to be no objection^f%oro tbe
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—of view—
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of this I 1 opt-:-to the proposal.
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4. State leases stand on a different sstx footing. Experience
in India suggests that it is essential to examine the problem in
all its aspects,and to deal with the subject in full detail,before
satisfactory results can be attained. The question of control
is hardly touched on,for example,in the Civil Comm’rs letter;
the limitations as regards area ( which are of paramount
practical importance) are not mentioned; and there is no indicati-
on as to terms ( the crux of the question from a practical
point of view). An infinity of trouble,and of economic loss,
| will be saved by careful attention to general policy and
! practical details at this stage If,as appears from Mr: Garbett’s
minute, the major problems regarding irrigation,labour,
(13,231). Wt. P813-41. 3,0C0. 8/18. S.J.F.&Co.