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FROM BAGDAD TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Sir K. Cornwallis No. 231
27th March, 1945
DEPARTMENTAL NO.1
D. 4.41 p.m. G.M.T. 27th Maroh, 1945
R. 6.40 p.m. B.S.T. 27th March, 1945
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My telegram No. 947 of 1944 paragraph 2 and related corres- pondence.
Port Director who is much discouraged over difficulties he has encountered during recent months and who does not consider that he enjoys full confidence of Iraqi Government, is not anxious to renew his contract which expires in January 1946
but under which he is entitled to 6 months leave before expiration date. In other words Mr. Colman would like to go on July 15th next and not (repeat not) return.
2.
Much as I regret this on personal grounds, for his relations with me and my staff have always been excellent, it cannot be denied that Port Director has many critics and indeed enemies and in all circumstances I think only through pressure would Iraqi Government agree to appeal to him to stay. But I am not in favour of forcing them to accept un-wanted official if other means are available of protecting our interests.
3.
In this latter connexion would you see any objection to Port Directorate being administered by Iraqi State railways? In that case I think that there would be little difficulty about transfer of Mr. Humble from the Middle East Department to take Mr. Colman's place in an acting capacity with a view to succeeding him next year. Mr. Humble would be directly responsible to Director General of the railways. The former is well liked by both Iraqis and British and would I am advised be good man to deal with the bar dredging service and staff problems generally. I am also advised that having had previous experience of port work he has the necessary technical qualifications and marine knowledge as well.
4. The foregoing is purely tentative but one great attraction. of the plan is that it would preclude the necessity for search of new Port Director outside the country at a time when good men are not easily come by. I think also that co-ordinated administration of the railways and the port should tend to greater efficiency.
5. Please telegraph your views.
(0.T.P)
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