"الملف 73/7 V (D 38) وضع الكويت، والمعاهدة الأنجلو-تركية" [ظ‎‎٧] (٢١٦/٢٧)

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The attitude of the Ministry of Public Works may be, no doubt, due in part to
the belief that the National Bank of Turkey is not likely to take up the concession.
You are aware of our general attitude as regards new business m iurkey ; and if
the bank alone were concerned, we should not be justified in asking for assistance
from the Government. It is, however, a question of works in which an important
British firm of contractors—Sir John Jackson (Limited)—is interested ; and, failing
the National Bank of Turkey, there can be little doubt that Sir John Jackson would
be able to secure financial co-operation from other quarters. We are anxious to en
sure that Sir John Jackson's interests shall not suffer by our withdrawal; and, if
circumstances should require it, I hope that we may have Sir Edward Grey's sup
port in claiming that the concession should not be allowed to lapse through an un
reasonable interpretation of the option clause.
Believe me, etc.
H. BABINGTON SMITH.
(Received on the 1st December 1913, with Political Secretary's letter No. 46, dated the
14th November 1913.)
ASIATIC TURKEY AND ARABIA. [November 10.]
CONFIDENTIAL. Section 2.
[50835]
No. 1.
Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received November 10.)
(No. 900.)
g IR Constantinople, October 30, 1913.
I have the honour to forward herewith an extract from a despatch from His
Majesty's Vice-Consul at Adana, reporting on branch lines of Baghdad Railway
Company.
I have, etc.,
LOUIS MALLET.
Enclosure in No. 1.
Vice-Consul Matthews to Mr. Marling.
(No. 61. Extract.)
Adana, October 13, 1913.
With reference to my despatch No. 45 of the 31st July last, I have the honour
to report that the branch line of the Baghdad Railway Company from Toprak-kaleh
to Alexandretta will probably be opened to traffic next month (November).
With regard to the contemplated branch line from Ulu Kishla via Kaisarieh to
Sivas, it is stated that Ulu Kishla is favoured as the point of junction by the Turkish
Government, while the railway company would prefer a point further west, Chai-han,
between Ulu Kishla and Konia being mentioned in this connection. It is stated
that great natural difficulties exist between Ulu Kishla and Kaisarieh, and the rail
way company are doubtless also influenced by a desire to have the junction as near
the port of Haidar Pasha as possible.
I learn that surveys and studies will shortly be undertaken to the north of
Diarbekir, in the direction of Sivas. It is stated that information is required res
pecting the route of the branch line from El Halif via Mardin to Diarbekir, and for a
contemplated extension md Kharput and the Dersim to Sivas.