The Persian Government will provide guards for the safety of personnel, aircraft and stores at the seven above-mentioned aerodromes, and will levy such landing fees as may be approved by the I.C.A.N. at these stations. Sir Percy Loraine considered that this was a very successful result. The demand that buildings must become Persian property was dictated by a desire to claim the acceptance of all responsibilities demanded from the Persian Government by the I.C.A.N. Sir Percy Loraine thinks that it will be easy to assure the use of these buildings to Imperial Airways for a term of years. By the end of our negotiations, I think that the Persian Ministers realized that we had no ulterior motives in establishing a service along the Persian Gulf. They promised every possible assistance, and are prepared to take part in a detailed reconnaissance during the winter in order to locate and mark three new aerodromes and the necessary emergency landing places. I do not think that we need anticipate any trouble from the present government in existing conditions. THE PERSIAN GULF SURVEY Colonel Burchall and Colonel Minchin inspected the Persian Gulf from the air on their way to Karachi. They have returned filled with apprehension regarding the expenditure which will be involved by salvage, and are of opinion that three-engined aircraft will be absolutely necessary for this section. I think that they have somewhat exaggerated the difficulties of the terrain. Three years ago I classed the Persian Gulf as a section which would require 3-engined aircraft, and drew up a specification to this end, which is today known as the Middle-East commercial aircraft. After flying over the route twice last winter however, I felt prepared to admit the possibility of using one-engined aircraft provided the latest type engine and very expert maintenance were available.
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