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'Railways Mesopotamia and L of C [Lines of Communications] Policy, Vol. II' [94r] (187/274)
The record is made up of 1 file (135 folios). It was created in 3 Dec 1917-24 Jun 1918. It was written in English. The original is part of the British Library: 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. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity. .
Transcription
This transcription is created automatically. It may contain errors.
2
**. T
operating in theatres oast of the Mediterranean. But, apart
fre^ this, the fulfilment of cur present responsibility
depends on the continuance of the efficiency of Indian
railways. If a breakdown of these linos occurred
Mesopotamia's maintenance v/ould at once be imperilled, both
Kp r ypt and Solbnika Y/culd be affected. Under those circum
stances I strongly deprecate any farther demands on India
for rolling stock.
Personnel. Labourers and Gangmen + o numbers asked for
could be supplied. It would be impossible to find the
2 5 experienced engineers which are demanded. Of the
additional 60f^ running staff we should not be able, even
approximately, to provide anflf categories such as station-
masters, drivers, signallers, shed staff, specialist clerks.
So far, in fact, from being able to meet additional demands
we are experiencing great difficulties in responding to
those put forward under existing conditions. In conclusion
after having reviewed the situation from both a strategical
and administrative point of view I do not consider the time
opportune for a demand of this nature. After over three
years of war I consider that Generals operating in different
theatres of war should be prepared to accept what is
practicable, rather than to aim at ideals, moreover, although
we have learnt from experience the disadvantages associated
with the Tigris line railway, we do not know what difficulties
and dangers of strategical and political and physical nature
may confront us on the Euphrates lino. I sufrp-ust therefore
that Freeland and Marshall be instructed to reconsider with
a view to economy in personnel and material, the further
improvement and development of existing railways and. river
communication.
About this item
- Content
The file, marked secret, contains correspondence and notes regarding rail and river transportation in Mesopotamia [Iraq] during the First World War. The papers cover several matters, including:
- The construction, conversion, maintenance, and expansion of the railways in the region, including regular progress reports from the Director of Railways, Baghdad
- Military operations targeting the Turkish railways in Palestine
- Planning and progress of the Mesopotamia Transport Commission
- Supply of railway materials, rolling stock, and personnel
- Postwar railway policy in India and Mesopotamia
- The question of substituting oil fuel for coal supply in river and rail transport.
Correspondents include: the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Egypt; the Chief of Imperial General Staff; Director of Railways, Baghdad; the War Office; the Commander-in-Chief, Army Headquarters, India; the Major General Sir Henry Francis Edward Freeland, Chairman of the Mesopotamia Transport Commission; the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Mesopotamia; the Chief of the General Staff, India; the Director General of Movements and Railways, War Office; and the Assistant Director of the Inland Water Transport, Mesopotamia.
- Extent and format
- 1 file (135 folios)
- Arrangement
The file is arranged in chronological order, from the rear to the front.
- Physical characteristics
Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 137; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel; these numbers are written in coloured crayon.
- Written in
- English in Latin script View the complete information for this record
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'Railways Mesopotamia and L of C [Lines of Communications] Policy, Vol. II' [94r] (187/274), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/MIL/5/788, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100098484043.0x0000bc> [accessed 1 August 2026]
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Copyright: How to use this content
- Reference
- IOR/L/MIL/5/788
- Title
- 'Railways Mesopotamia and L of C [Lines of Communications] Policy, Vol. II'
- Pages
- front, front-i, 2r:136v, back-i, back
- Author
- East India Company, the Board of Control, the India Office, or other British Government Department
- Usage terms
- Open Government Licence