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Any such schorao, if successfully carried out, will practically destroy the Karun as a
navigable rivor,aud will put an effectual stopper upon the enterprise of Messrs. Lynch.
Evon now the depth of water is only 3 feet in many places, and the steamers run aground
constantly on their way up to Ahwaz. A reduction of even 6 inchos in the depth would block
navigation for tho four months from August to December. Our Indian experience in tho
Punjab has shown that largo navigable rivers, such as the Jumna. Ravi, Chenab, Sutlej and
Jbelum, are drained quite dry for most of tho year by big irrigation schemes, and I entertain
little doubt that this also would be the fato of tho Karun.
Ilia Majesty’s Government must, therefore, balance the advantages to be d*rived from
irrigation against tho damage that will he inflicted upon llritish commerce. It is obvious that,
if Messrs. Lynch aro pushed out, and if their placo is taken by Belgian officials and Dutch
engineers or coneessionnaircs working a big irrigation project in purely Belfisb or in anti-
British intorcsts, wc should bo very greatly the losers by the change.
i
On tho other hand, if we had a substantial or preponderating voice in the control, wo
might bo able to replaco one form of commercial activity by another; and might open up
another route for navigation to the plains of Arabistan by utilising the Khor Musa, or one of
the adjoining inlots which we bavo recently oxplored, and by making now roads from thence
into the iotorior.
What I havo said emphasises the suprome importance of British participation and joint
control in any Karun irrigation scheme, if it is to bo started, but convorsely also tho striking
danger to British interests that would result if we were left out of sight in any such enterprise.
Perhaps the Foreign Office might see a copy of this note, since the point of view must on
no account bo lost, and I know the Karun well from personal observation.
333. Such being tho largo British interests involved, the Foreign Office
telegraphed to Sir A. Hardingo on 27th August with reference to his Despatch
No. 133, dated 19th July 1904
H If such a scheme is to be put into execution it is obviously important that control and
management should remain in our hands. We consider that immediate steps should be taken
to ascertain how far irrigation works could be carried out on Karun with reasonable prospect
of success and without impeding navigation, and that,' if enquiry proves satisfactory, Shah
should be encouraged to pursue project under British auspices. It is therefore proposed that
engineer of Indian Irrigation service should be sent to Arabistan to investigate, without attract­
ing unduo attention, and report upon project. We could then form more accurate opinion as to
its political and financial possibilities.
° Government of India are being consulted on question of furnishing additional £200,000 ;
they are also being asked whether they can spare services of competent engineor, if required.
** What are ’your views and do you 6ee any objection to proposed despatch of engineer ? ”
334. Sir A. Hardinge saw no objection to the proposed despatch of an
engineer to Arabistan.
335. We may then note the following telegraphic correspondence between
the Government of India and the Scoretary of State

Tolegram, No. 2878-E. A., datod tho 4th Soptombor 1904.
From —His Excolloncy the Viceroy, Simla,
To—His Majesty's Secrotary of State for India, London.
With reference to Sir A. Hardingc’s telegram of 28th August, regarding the Persian loan,
I understand that His Majesty’s Government contemplate sending an Indian engineer to
investigate the irrigation works in Arabistan.
From information given by Lorimer and Burton, we see that the whole of the plain of
Arabistan is irrigable from Karun and other rivers, and the Sheikh of Mohammerah has
sounded Lorimer about tho likelihood of Government assistance, if he undertakes irrigation
schemes. Though we. are very 6hortbaudcd hero, we will do our best to spare an Irrigation
engineer, if required, but he should go soon to start work in Ootober. On the 1st
November Willcocks from Egypt proposes to visit Mesopotamia. I would suggest that his
opinion on the project, prepared by an ungiuecr, might bo obtained, as it would carry weight
with capitalists " °

Tologram, dated tho 8th Scptombor 1904.
From—Hia Majosty’e Secretary of Stato for India,
To—His Excollonoy the Viceroy.
Your telegram dated 4th September, Karun irrigation. Foreign Office enquire with
reference to moiety of cost, what would be pay and allowances (of) suitable offiocr.