The Star. WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 1913. THE BAGDAD RAILWAY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10768, 14 May 1913, Page 4

The Star. WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 1913. THE BAGDAD RAILWAY.

Important negotiations have apparently been in progress concerning the Persian Gulf end of the Bagdad Railway, and from the fact that Turkey has agreed to transfer her share of this line to Britain it may be assumed that British control of the Persian Gulf section is likely to be assured. The first section of this railway was opened for traffic nine years ago, and the work has been proceeding rapidly in the open country of the remaining sections, but between the opened sections there are twenty miles of tunnelling to be constructed. The scheme, when it is completed, will enable the traveller to go by train from any European capital to Constantinople, across the Bosphorus to Scutari, and then by train to a port at the head of the Persian Gulf. Originally the Germans, who promoted the enterprise, planned that the railway should terminate at Basra, but a convenient port was needed, and Koweit, which is, to all intents and purposes, a British protectorate, was naturally suggested. The outcome of recent negotiations appears to bo that the railway will terminate at Koweit and that Britain will control the final section. But a French account of the plans of the promoters states that the enterprise is likely to assume far larger proportions than was originally intended. Russia is now seeking an interest in the line, particularly with a view to the construction of a branch to Teheran. Northern Persia could be opened up by way of the Russian Central Asian line, but the route would be a remote one, and obviously it is preferable that an outlet .should be provided, under international control, to the Persian Gulf. A branch from Bagdad to Khanikin, and an extension of this branch to Teheran, would serve the purpose admirably. Ultimately, if the trade of the region warrants it, the railway will be extended from Basra round the eastern coast of the. Persian Gulf, and a line will be constructed from Busliiro to Ispahan. These schemes are rather nebulous at present, howover. Still, there is a probability that the railway through Asia Minor from Scutari to Basra and Koweit will be open by 1918, and by that time a reasonable idea of the trade prospects will have been obtained. Turkish enterprise is to be diverted now from Europe to Asia, and the effect of the development of Asia Minor cannot be estimated at present. If the great scheme for the irrigation of Mesopotamia is carried to a euecessfu 1 conclusion the railway will pay its way handsomely. There is a further. extension of this lino in contemplation, of course, the idea being ultimately to carry it from Basra to Bushire, from Bushire to Bandar Abbas, and then along the Persian coast to link up with the Indian lines at Karachi.