Papers of the Interdepartmental Conference on Middle Eastern Affairs [‎83v] (166/290)

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Position on the 25th July, 1919.
Work in hand.
(1.) Earthwork between Sa-
mawa and Hilla.
(2.) Bridge over Euphrates at
Samawa.
(3.) Dismantling of Basra-
Amara line to provide track
material.
Latest orders given by W.O.
(1.) Work in progress may
continue.
(2.) Hilla-Baghdad not to be
converted at present.
(3.) Works not of an immediate
military necessity to be post
poned.
Policy as now proposed.
Expenditure anticipated in
financial year 1919-20, 93S,000L
(Previous estimate of l,118,000h
less 180,000L required for
Quraitu line.)
2. Baghdad-Khanikin Line.
Work done.
(1.) Line opened to Quraitu
20 miles north of Khanikin and
on Persian frontier. Orders for
extension from Khanikin to
Quraitu were given by W.O. in
February 1919.
Line being opened, no definition
of policy is necessary. Expen
diture anticipated on this line
during current financial year
amounts to about 180,000h mainly
on account of quarters and com
pleting such items as engine
sheds, watering arrangements,
&c.
Work in hand.
Completion of necessary quar
ters, &c., on line.
3. Lme to Mosul via Kif ri and Kirkuk.
Work done
(1.) Reconnaissance over the
route has been completed. De
tailed survey not yet put in hand.
(2.) Earthworks at Kizil Robat
commenced and in hand.
(3.) Temporary bridge over
Diyala completed.
(1.) Metre gauge should be
laid from Kizil Robat to Kifri by
using materials available with
G.O.C. or promised from India.
(2.) Provision of miles rails
from France and sleepers from
India to complete to a point
about 70 miles from Kizil Robat.
(3.) Laying to Kirkuk when
materials from Kut-Baghdad line
become available. Estimated ex
penditure in this financial year
280,000L, in next year 120,000L
4. Extension towards Mosul from Standard Gauge Railhead on Tigris
Work done.
(1.) Linking of standard gauge
from Baiji about 27 miles com
plete.
(1.) On completion of standard
gauge to Shergat a 60-centim.
fine to be laid to Qaiyara (42
miles south of Mosul). GO centim.
material to be sent out from
England. Estimated cost S7,500L