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would no longer have been available in later years, and most of all by the establishment during this year of an organisation with the requisite specialist branches and with a knowledge of the type and
scope of the problems to be encountered. We believe that on this basis it will be possible to develop the whole plan within the broad framework indicated by Command 7030, and to achieve the results anticipated by the end of the six year period. To sum up, the foundations of the Scheme have now been surely laid, and no problems have arisen to disturb our confidence in its final success. The difficulties which have been encountered form, in fact, the experience which is the essential prerequisite for carrying out an undertaking of this magnitude, and should not be considered without reference to their context and to the substantial body of achievement recorded in this report.
46. In setting out the reasons why the first year's operations were below the target, the Corporation would be the last body to underestimate the work which had been done by the Managing Agency. Equipment for the job had been assembled in East Africa from all over the world. There were, on February 29, 1948, to name but a few of the principal items: 571 heavy tractors, 119 rooters, 214 agricultural tractors, 1,023 ploughs, harrows, discs, cultivators and other pieces of agricultural machinery, 955 lorries and even 10 landing craft engaged on transport of supplies along the coast and up the Lindi creek. Not all of this equipment was in operating condition; but all had been obtained and shipped to East Africa. Roads and airstrips had been made. Men had gained experience. Buildings were going up fast. And small though the acreage planted had been, a crop of groundnuts was grown.
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