"السكك الحديدية - بلاد الرافدين وسياسة [خطوط الاتصالات]" [و‎‎٤‎٥] (٢٠٤/٨٩)

From:- G.O.C.Mesopotamia#
6/10/17.
2 .p ,m.
To: -
X .4047,
C . in C. India.
repeated War Office.
fS>
Reference ray X.3436 September 1st and y ur 6045.S
September 21st. I again wish to draw your attention to
the fact that the petition is most unaatj^fao-tory' an regards
railway personnel. The position at the end of August wan.
that there was a deficit of 530 in Engineering 382 In
locomotive, 22 in stores and 627 in traffic e Total 1561,
and at end of September the position was that only following
fru(\touu4
percentages of dir (I group) demand for September - October
han arrived. Engineering 64?? locomotive 81?? stores 65^
traffic 39??. There is special shortage in the important
classes of drivers and stationm&sters-. Practically the
v
whole personnel are ona years engagement and a large
number terminate in November and December. I am dependent
great
to very/ extent on the efficient working of the railways
and any limitation of their working will restrict my freedom
of action. By end of year I should have following
Railways working. The Basra Nasiriyah line, the Basra
£)urn.ah Amarah line, Kut-el-ihiiara Baghdad line*, the Baghdad
Baqubah line with extension to Fallujah line, Baghdad
Musaiyib line and the Baghdad Sumarra lino with branch, and
I should be glad to know what steps can be taken to ensure
the efficient working of those lines. The position would
be Improved if the termination of engagements were increased
from one to two years, but the only alternative solution
should that net be possible seems to be the formation of
a railway operating division similar to that in France, as
I consider it very desirable that all the operations in
personnel of the railways in this country should be under
military law and in uniform. )u •
General Freeland on his arrival (see C.I.G.S’ 4244S
cipher of October 3rd) would be able to advise on this