‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 14. PART II. (From 16th to 30th September 1915.)’ [‎63r] (130/276)

Turning now to Lieutenant Stoddard’s report. He dicusses three minor
schemes:—
(i) To improve the agricultural position in neighbourhood of Basrah by
placing sluices on existing creeks.
(ii) To extend some of these creeks inland so as to bring more land
under cultivation.
(Hi) To reclaim a small fraction of the marsh area covered by Sir
William Wilicocks’ comprehensive scheme, by constructing
the Euphrates Barrage and a drain from the Barrage to the Khor
Abdullah via Zubair.
I have not the technical knowledge to differ from General Remington’s
professional appreciation of above schemes but agree with him that project for
the irrigation of the Basrah Area cannot be satisfactorily considered without
reference to Sir William Willcocks’ full plans.
Judging by the data at present available, it does not appear that the
remunerative prospects ol (i) or (ii) are such as to make it like this that Govern
ment would entertain either of them.
As regards the (Hi) project, however, there is to my mind a good deal to be
said, as apart from its apparently remunerative character, and the fact that it
is an actual slice of Sir William Willcocks’ integral scheme ; it seems to have
the strategical advantage of doing aAvay, in a great measure, with the flooded
area between Basrah and Shaiba, which so complicates the defence of Basrah.
It will also, incidentally, be a great boon to Zubair both because it will
improve the route between Zubair and Basrah and because the drain from the
Barrage to the head of the Khor Abdalla will provide it with an improved
water supply and possibly communication with the sea.
I hardly think it likely that without a good deal more examination, the
Government of India will seriously consider even this scheme but see no reason
why Lieutenant Stoddard’s report should not go on, to. shew Government the
lines on which we are thinking and with the suggestion that the third scheme
seems worth immediate further examination with a view to sanction in
principle.
Even as regards this scheme, however, since it cuts m o
Willcocks’ main project, I think his views should be asked on if, and to one
familiar with the subject, this could probably be done m a telegram.
Memo No. E. 5-11—39, dated the 26th August 1915.
From—The Brigadier General, R. E.,
'p 0 —The Deputy Adjutant and Quartermaster-General, General Headquarters.
I submit 2nd Lieutenant Stoddard’s report on possible irrigation scheme
in the Basrah District. i cr w
I should be very loth to say that the scheme put fo.rwar y ir •
Willcocks on pages 34 to 40 of his Report on Irrigation m Mesopotamia is
impracticable, especially as he says he had studied the quesLon for tno years
and had decided that this was the best method of deahng with te tract
hut I consider that Lieutenant Stoddard has discussed this schem ^ /
and I agree with him that the information and deails given are 9 nv
criticise the proposals fairly. It certainly is not evident how a barrage at 2 or
even 2-5 metres above M. S. L. will suffice to provide water for a large area
the average level of which would appear to he over 2 metres above M. b. D.
It is more than probable that Sir W. Willcocks had a g° od d ^ 1 1 1
information on the subject than he thought necessary or advisable to publish m
his book.
If it should he decided that the Basrah Irrigation scheme should ^investi
gated and developed, I consider that it would be only right that Srr W Willcocks
himself should he referred to. In the meanwhile, considering the difficulties,
the large cost, and the comparatively small anticipated return, I am of opinion
that it, is not worth while to discuss it further. .
2 We next come to the consideration of the much less ambitious proposa s
put forward in paragraphs 7 to 9 of Lieutenant Stoddard’s repor wlnch cons'st
in putting in automatic tidal sluices on the creeks so as to hoid the water up to
high tide level, and extending the creeks or canals into the deseit, th
providing irrigation only from the river direct.