File 1484/1916 ‘Persia; Quetta-Nushki Railway Extension’ [‎21r] (48/524)

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Enclosure No. 1.
No. 814 P.-16, dated the 11th December 1918.
From The Secretary, Railway Department (Railway Board),
To The Engineer-in-Chief, Nushki Extension Railway.
I am directed to inform you that it is understood from a telegram received by
Government from the Agent to the Governor-General in Baluchistan, that large
numbers of Persian tribesmen are staking out claims atDuzdab, presumably with a
view to demanding compensation for land required for railway purposes there.
2. It is probable that you already know about this, but I am to suggest that as
far as possib e you should so locate your line as to obtain the area required on land
which is of little or no value. It seems advisable that you should inform the
-rolitical authorities as early as possible of the area required in order that if
possible, compensation for it may be settled at once.
Enclosure No. 2.
No. C.-31, dated the 14th December 1918.
From—The Engineer-in-Chief, Nushki Extension Railway,
To—The Secretary, Railway Department (Railway Board).
! beg to acknowledge your letter No. 814—P.-16, of 11 th December and to state
that the matter brought to my notice will receive my careful consideration.
I would, however, remark that in my opinion there is on cause for any anxiety
whatever and the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , Chagai, entirely concurs with me. The land on
which the railway premises will be located is unculturable and devoid of karezes,
springs or surface water and is therefore of little or no value-.
( 62 )
No. 814—P.-16, dated Delhi, the 7th January 1919.
Endorsement by the Railway Department (Railway Board).
{i) Telegram from the Engineer-in-Chief, Nushki Extension
Railway, Dalbandin, No. 0-188, dated the 31st December 1918.
Progress for week ending 28th December 1918. Earthwork
twentyeight decimal twenty, seven, rail head twenty eight decimal
twenty seven beyond Mirjawa. Material received during the week:
rails nil, sleepers nil. Issued during the week: rails six decimal
nought one sleepers three decimal eight five. Balance in hand,
rails twenty one decimal fourteen sleepers ten decimal thrity three.
Weather fair, health good. Railhead held up owing to heavy
earthworks.
(ii) Telegram No. 814-P-16, dated 4th January 1919, to Engi
neer-in-Chief, Nushki Extension Railway, Dalbandin.
Your telegram 0-188 of 31st December shows balance of sleepers
very low. Have you made satisfactory arrangements for bringing
forward more sleepers so that platelaying will not be delayed.
Extract from telegram from the General Officer Commanding, 4th ( Quetta, Division,
to the Inspector General of Communications, Birjand, received with Army Depart
ment endorsement No. 17098, dated the 20th December 1918.
Matter of private trade has become one of great urgency. Trade for which
Persian Consular certificates have been issued must be allowed. In view of reduced
programme it is proposed to transfer Ghilzai camels earmarked for you to Political
authorities for carriage of private trade to Neh via Duzdab and west of Palankoh
range. Telegraph whether this is feasible without unduly interfering with your
arrangements ; also wire extent to which trade camels can be permitted northwards
of Neh.
A copy of the marginally
noted papers is forwarded to
the Foreign and Political
Department for information.