"تقارير إدارة أقسام ومناطق الأراضي المحتلة في بلاد الرافدين لسنة ١٩١٨. المجلد I" [و‎‎١‎١‎٩] (٤٧٠/٢٤٢)

They have also been of the greatest assistance both during and after the
occupation of 4 Anah and as convoy guards on the road between ‘Anah and Hit.
At the present time the Shabanah strength is :—
—
Arab Officers. j
Mounted.
Foot.
Sanctioned
-
1
142
105
Actual
-
1
112
86
11. Labour. —In a Division where the population is hardly sufficient to meet
the needs of agriculture, the demands for labour sometimes have been difficult
to meet.
For the last tw r o or three months, however, all labour required for military
purposes has been forthcoming and from between 1,500 to 2,500 coolies have been
continually employed.
The tribes have been called on to excavate canals and to repair roads passing
through their lands. At one time the tribes were finding daily :—
On the ‘Aziziyah Canal - - - - 700
Saqlawdyah Canal _ . - - 500-800
Abu Ghuraib - - - 500-600
Owing to the increased cultivation, however, unless the labour demands decrease
in the coming year, difficulty will be encountered in meeting them.
12. Miscellaneous. —The signing of the Armistice and the relaxation of the
various restrictions on the local inhabitants were a source of great satisfaction, and
the resultant increased activity in trade, followed by an all-round reduction of prices,
has added to their satisfaction.
13. Establishment and Personal. —Revised lists of establishments suitable
now and for post-bellum staff are being considered throughout the Division. There
has been no difficulty in getting Arab establishment, but considerable difficulty has
been experienced in finding men suitable for responsible positions of trust.
(Signed) L. M. Yetts,
Captain.
For Political Officer.