IOR/L/PS/20/C149

This file contains two printed reports written by Sir George Buchanan, Director of Port Administration and Conservancy, Indian Expeditionary Force "D".

The details of the reports are as follows:

1) 'Report on the Conservancy of the Shatt-El-Arab River from the Port of Basra to the Persian Gulf' (folios 1-7);

This report is separated into the following sub-headings:

(a) General Description of the River.

(b) Physical Characteristics.

(c) Obstructions to Navigation.

(d) Removal of the Outer Bar.

(e) Lighting and Buoying.

(f) Pilotage.

(g) Financial.

(h) Conclusion.

A number of charts and plans referred to in the report are contained in a seperate pocket at the rear of the folder (folios 21-29).

2) 'Report on the Development of the Port of Basra' (folios 8-18)

This report is separated into the following sub-headings:

1) Suitability of Basra as the Principal Port of Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf.

2) Trade Prospects.

3) Administration.

4) Works and Equipment.

5) Import Trade.

6) Export Trade.

7) Inland Vessels' Trade.

8) Trade with Southern Persia.

9) Miscellaneous private trades and industries.

10) Finance.

11) Charges on Vessels.

12) Dues on Goods.

13) Inland Vessels' Trade.

14) Land Rents.

15) Conclusion.

This report includes an appendix entitled 'A brief note on the future development of the Port of Basra and its communications by land and water, by Sir George Buchanan, Kt., C.I.E., Director of Port Administration and Conservancy, Indian Expeditionary Force, "D" (folios 16-18).