Page 259 - Gulf Precis (VI)_Neat

Chapter XII. 233

(vii) Alleged unsuitability of the Comet for the services required at
Baghdad. Proposed supply of steam launch for the use of the
Resident, 1887—90.
2GG. In May 1887, when tho Comet grounded during a trip to Baghdad,
the Resident represented that she was not
Eitrrnal n.. October 1887, Nos.lS5.lS3.
suitable for work on the Tigris between
Baghdad and Basrah, and suggested having her sent elsewhere and replaced
by a more suitable vossel.
2G7. The matter was then considered in tho Military Department and for
various reasons it was decided that her services should be retained. Tho princi­
pal reasons were—
(1) that she could not he sold except at a great loss ;
(2) that tho sanction of Her Majesty’s Government would bo re­
quired ;
(3) that her sorvices could not be utilised elsewhere.
268. Upon these considerations tho Resident was informed that the Govern­
ment of India had decided not to make any change until further experience and
better pilotage had shown whether it was not possiblo to prevent the mishaps
of which tho Resident complained.
2G9. In January 1889 Colonel Twcedie represented that a stoam-launch for
the Residency would be much more useful and economical than the steamer
Comet, which was at the disposal of the Resident.
270. In a letter No. 1598-E., dated 16th August I860, and a demi-official
of the same dato Colonel Twcedie and Colonol Ross wore asked respectively for
their opinions on tho suitability of the Comet for service at Basrah, where possi­
bly it would he more usefully employed if the Assistant Political Agent, Basrah,
were also appointed Agent at Mohammerah as had been then proposed. Colo­
nel Tweedie’s attention was also drawn to the opinion expressed by Mr. Plowden
in his memorandum dated 1st March 1883, from which it vould seem that it
would not be desirable to remove the vessel from the river Tigris, where slie had
been stationed since 1S84i and where her presence appears to have been needed
for the protection of the British communities and generally for the prevention
of outrages on British merchant vessels trading on the river.
271. In reply Colonel Tweedie quoted some of his previous remarks on
the subject and said—
External A., February 1890, Nos. 74*79.
•* From the tenour of all which, it will he apparent how far I have been
from advocating the removal of the Comet except as a companion measure to
Baghdad being furnished with another vessel, built on different lines and ad­
ministered less as a unit in a great department (Indian Marine) than as a
means of carrying out certain reasonable duties in Ottoman waters.”

“ Our privileges quo ad the Comet rest, if I am not mistaken, on a stronger
and older basis than does the maintenance of Lynch’s two steamers now carry­
ing the mails between Baghdad and Basrah. Jf as is not impossible, that Hue
of steamers should otic day cease to run, then a steamer like the Comet would he
essential to us as a despatch boat and means of transport merely: two duties
she is well fitted for, only at the present time the Lynch's steamers rather sup*
plant her in regard to them”
272. He thcrofore thought that tho Comet might ho utilized at Basrah and
drawn occasionally to Baghdad to maintain our right to keep her on inland
water.
273. Colonel Ross thought that the Comet could he usefully employed at
Basrah in visiting Mohammerah and paying an occasional visit Co Ahwaz on
the Karun.
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