File 788/1919 Pt 4 ‘MESOPOTAMIA DISPOSAL OF RIVERCRAFT’ [‎45v] (86/240)

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The rates of Commission payable were
21 per cent, on the proceeds of sales np to £2,000,000.
9 L „ exceeding £2,000,000 but not exceeding £4,000,000.
The Board reserved its right to sell direct where considered desirable.
The Italian Government, in consideration of being given priority over private persons in the
purchase of such surplus property as they required, and being allowed to pay in local currency, agmed
to waive any claim for customs dues on sales. This priority did not convey any preference as regF, fs
P The general policy as to local disposal or return home of stores followed the same lines as
that in France, regard being had to the greater cost and difficulty of transport home. The sale of
all surplus property in Italy has now been completed.
Salonica.
Approximate realisations to 30th June, 1920, £3,200,000.
A commission agreement similar to that in Italy referred to above was entered into with the
British Trade Corporation on the 31st March, 1919. Considerable sales of huts,. &c., were made to
the Greek Government, and all the property declared surplus has now been disposed of. Customs
duties have been levied on sales at a flat rate of 10 per cent.
Egypt.
Approximate realisations to 30th June, 1920, £2,800,000.
Owing to the unsettled state of the country, surpluses thrown up for disposal have not up to the
present been so large as expected. Sales have, however, proceeded satisfactorily, but much work yet
remains to be done by the Disposal Board organisation in Egypt. The Egyptian Government, fol
lowing the practice which obtained in respect of sales of stores by the Army, claimed an 8 per cent,
duty on sales, and that claim has had to be admitted.
Mesopotamia.
Approximate realisations to 30th June, 1920, £1,800,000.
A Disposal organisation was set up in August, 1919, the work of disposal having up to that
date been carried out by the Army authorities. The local market for the sale of surplus property is
a limited one, and it has now become necessary, and this necessity is likely to become accentuated
in future, to bring suitable stores to India for sale due regard being had to the cost of freight and
handling.
The main item hitherto disposed of consisted of the vessels of the Tigris and Euphrates fleet
declared surplus to the requirements of the local Military and Civil Authorities. The sale of these
vessels was undertaken by Lord Inchcape, who placed his services gratuitously at the disposal of the
Minister for the purpose. The general conditions under which Lord Inchcape undertook the mission
are shown in Appendix D. The sale price for the 362 vessels sold is about 1,32,00,000 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. .
Other sales of articles suitable for local consumption have on the whole proceeded satisfactorily.
The Civil Government levy a duty of 10 per cent, on sales.
India, including Burma.
Approximate realisations to 30th June, 1920, £1,600,000.
Surplus stores, the property of the Imperial Government in India, are under arrangements
made by the Indian Government, disposed of under the supervision of the Indian Munitions Board.
In view of the responsibility attaching to the Minister for the disposal of all surplus property, wherever
situated, it was decided to send a Commissioner with a small staff to India, so that the Disposal Board
should be placed in closer touch on questions of policy and the general conduct of sales, more particularly
as many of the stores lying in Mesopotamia will ultimately have to be sent to India to find a market.
Arrangements were made with the Indian Government through the 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. accordingly, and are
working satisfactorily. The Indian Government charge a Customs duty of 7 ^- per cent, on sales.
East Africa.
Approximate realisations to 30th June, 1920, £600,000.
Before the formation of the Disposals Board the lAar Office had set up an organisation
under a Geneial Officer for dealing with all surplus property arising out of the campaign in East Africa.
In view of this, and of the comparatively small amount of property remaining for disposal after the
formation of the Board, it was arranged that the Army authorities would complete the sales without the
intervention of the Board.
Other British Military Stations Abroad.
Under arrangements made between the War Office and this Ministry, sales generally have been
carried out under the authority of the local General Officer Commanding.' In some cases, e.g., Malta
and Mudros, the services of the Disposal Board staff in the neighbouring countries have been utilised.
Ministry of Munitions,
July, 1920.