Protection of British Nationals in Iraq. Report by the Joint Intelligence Committee

Effects on British Interests in Basra and at R.A.F. Stations. 5. At present the navigational facilities in the Persian Gulf and the Shatt al Arab, and the administration of the Port of Basra are the responsibility of the Basra Port Directorate. The Port Directorate is a financially autonomous body under the Iraqi Government, and its direction and senior staff are British. The establishment of hostile government might involve the displacement of British officials in the Basra Port Directorate, and a consequent decline of efficiency in the following services :(a) Port Administration.