Correspondence to A. T. Michelson, 1946, and E. B. Debler, 1949

              July 31, 1946  Mr. A. T. Mitchelson c/o Department of Irrigation  Utah State Agricultural College.  Logan, Utah  Dear Mr. Mitchelson:  Your letter of July 8 was received some time ago.  An answer was dictated, but it was not transcribed due to the fact that a typewriter was not available at the time.  I am therefore writing to direct to Logan where I presume you have arrived before this.  Meanwhile, I have been out of the city on an extended trip.  It is rather difficult to give you concrete facts and figures relative to irrigation expansion in Iran during the past decade for the reason that my notes and all reference materials are in Iran.  Therefore, what I give you must be from memory.  Iran is probably one of the oldest irrigated sections of the world, and so far as I am aware, the largest canal system that was ever built anywhere in the world was put into operation in Southwestern Iran probably more than three thousand years ago.  It is possible that the system was developed as many as five thousand years ago.  Indications are that the entire Karun River was entirely diverted at a point near the present city of Ahwaz where canals were dug on either side of the river.  The canal on the east side was more than 100 kilometers wide below the intake.  The one on the west side had similar dimensions and covered a vast area of silt lands extending all the way down to the vicinity of the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.  These canal systems have been in complete ruin for more than a thousand years and there is not any sign of present day use.  This is because of the destruction of the diversion dam and the fact that is has never been rebuilt.  There are ruins of numerous irrigation systems of smaller capacity in southwestern and coutcentral [southcentral] Iran, none of which are in operation at the present time, not because the lands have deteriorated in quality, but because through invasion, the ancient irrigation systems of Iran were destroyed, and up to the present time, there has been no concentrated plan of restoration inaugurated.  Meanwhile, the country has survived by virtue of the development of small irrigation projects scattered throughout the county.  Most of the development has been made individually by individual owners who have, in the largemajority [large majority] of cases, developed their water supply from underground by digging underground channels known as kanots or sometimes spelled ghnats.  The surface streams on the interior of Iran are very limited in capacity and most of them are intermittent, flowing onlyly [only] for a short time in early spring during the period of most heavy precipitation and during the time when snows are melting in the mountains.  In practically every instance individual developments of small ditches have been made from surface streams and this supply of water is supplemented by water developed from underground by the kanot system.  Attempts have been made at numerous times to develop extensive irrigation projects in Iran as is shown by the reports that have been prepared by eminent foreign engineers.  Some of these date back more than 100 years.  Actual developments, however, of large scale projects have been confined to the past 10 year period.  Most of the actual work on these projects has been accomplished during the past five years.  Prior to March 1942, three separate ministries of the Iranian Government were interested in irrigation development.  These were the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of the Interior.  In March 1942 the work of these ministries were combined into a single department under the Ministry of Agriculture with an American (L. M. Winso) as director.  The first work undertaken was to complete various projects that had been undertaken by the separate ministries.  At Bebehan in a valley north of the coastal range, and south and west of the high mountain range that skirts the west and southwest portion of the country, diversion had been undertaken from the Mahrun River, leading through a high ridge to the fertile lands of the valley.  Very little progress had been made, but with the organization of the new department, an appropriation was provided that was sufficient to finish the project and it was carried through to completion in 1945.  Water was carried to the lands which had formerly been arid, and had produced crops only once or twice in five years.  This project comprises an area of about six thousand hectares and the water makes it possible to produce a diversity of crops of all kinds including cotton and some citrus fruits.  At Shaban Kareh in southern Iran, about 90 kilometers north of the ancient port of Bushire, a diversion dam was built by the Ministry of finance and completed in 1942.  But the canal system was not finished until 1943 and 1944.  In fact there are still improvements to be made.  This project comprises an area of approximately 20 thousand hectares.  It includes about 22 villages that had formerly subsisted very largely on dates produced around the fringe of the area where a limited water supply was available by various means of development.  The new project provides extensive possibilities for expansion and one of the features of the project is that of providing a means by which the peasants may ultimately become the land owners.  This feature of the undertaking has not been entirely successful due to opposition on the part of officials in the capital city.  The climate of the project is tropical and crops grown cover a wide variety of products with wheat as the principal crop and cotton as a secondary crop.  At Ravansar in the area north Kermanshah and near the southern border of Kurdistan an irrigation project of approximately ten thousand hectares was begun by the Department of Agriculture.  This project is devoted very largely to the production of wheat and barley.  The water for the project is obtained by direct diversion from springs in the vicinity.  During 1944 and 1945 surveys wer [were] carried forward and plans were made for developing a large project in the vicinity of Tehran.  It is proposed to build a dam at the base of Mt. Damavan.  The Lahr River discharges normally into the Caspian Sea, but it is proposed to drive a tunnel some 5 ½ kilometers long through the mountain range and deliver the water of the reservoir to lands south and east of Tehran.  The water supply will be sufficient for approximately 100,000 hectares or more.  This will supplement developments already made on the Varamine plain which is sparsely irrigated at the present time, but flood waters from Djarje Rud.  This project will also provide adequate hydro-electric power for all of northern Iran, since the water supply will be dropped through an elevation of more than 900 meters before it is used for irrigation.  Plans were also made for development of Zayende Rud, which supplies water for the lands above and below Isfahan, the ancient capital of Iran.  This valley is some 250 kilometers long and plans have been made for developing a series of storage dams along this river and a tunnel leading through the high mountain range to carry water for Courang river, a tributary of the Karun.  These plans also include a series of hydro-electric plants for power development.  One of the important phases of this project has been the control and distribution of the water of Zayande Rud by providing impartial distribution.  It has been possible to mature crops throughout the entire length of the valley and to prevent famine during dry years when normally the water would have been consumed by the upper users leaving the lower half of the valley completely dry during the summer months.  One of the important lines of improvement during the past five years has been that of providing water for domestic use and for limited irrigation within the borders of the larger cities.  The first system to be installed was at Bushire where the entire city had formerly never had any regular water supply except that caught from rainfall by directing the run-off into sisterns [cisterns].  A supply of good water was developed from underground beneath a series of white sand hills about 26 kilometers out of the city.  It was carried to the city in pipes made by the local people and installed under engineering supervision.  The distribution system throughout the city is provided by means of iron pipe and the water is raised to the main supply reservoir by means of pumps.  The city of Tehran has been provided with a partial water supply by driving deep wells and pumping the water from these wells.  Plans have been prepared for developing water for Hamidan and Kermanshah.  Considerable attention has been given to the problem of improving kanot systems from which a major supply of water is obtained for villages through out Iran.  This is a factor of great importance for the reason that it affects a great majority of the agricultural lands of the country.  I trust that these notes will be of use in preparing the material you have been requested to furnish to the Encyclopedia Britannica.  I expect to be in Logan and I shall be pleased to confer with you in person relative to these problems.  Very sincerely yours, L. M. Winsor  LMW/kw  COPY  1202 Crystal Avenue Salt Lake City, Utah  July 31, 1946 c/o Department of Irrigation  Utah State Agricultural College  Logan, Utah  Dear Mr. Michelson:  Your letter of July 7 was received some time ago.  An answer was dictated, but it was not transcribed due to the fact that a typewriter was not available at the time.  I am, therefore, writing you direct to Logan where I presume you have arrived before this.  Meanwhile, I have been out of the city on an extended trip.  It is rather difficult to give you concrete facts and figures relative to irrigation expansion in Iran during the past decade for the reason that my notes and all reference material are in Iran.  Therefore, what I give you must be from memory.  q  Iran is probably one of the oldest irrigated sections of the world, and so far as I am aware, the largest canal system that was ever built anywhere in the world was put into operation in southwestern Iran probably more than 3000 years ago.  It is possible that the system was developed as many as 5000 years ago.  Indications are that the entire Karun River was entirely diverted at a point near the present city of Ahwaz where canals were dug on either side of the river.  The canal on the east side was more than 100 kilometers long and had a width of 220 meters at a point some five kilometers below the intake.  The one on the west side had similar dimensions and covered a vast area of silt lands extending all the way down to the vicinity of the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.  These canal systems have been incomplete ruin for more than a thousand years, and there is not a sign of present day use.  This is because of the destruction of the diversion dam and the fact that it has never been rebuilt.  There are ruins of numerous irrigation systems of smaller capacity in south western and south central Iran, none of which are in operation at the present time, not because the lands have deteriorated in quality, but because through invasion the ancient irrigation systems of Iran were destroyed, and up to the present time there has been no concentrated plan of restoration inaugurated.  Meanwhile, the country has survived by virtue of the development of small irrigation projects scattered throughout the country.  Most of the development has been made individually by individual owners, who have in the large majority of cases, developed their water supply from underground by digging underground channels known as Kanots (sometimes spelled ghnats).  The surface streams on the interior of Iran are very limited in capacity and most of them are intermittent, flowing only a short time in early spring during the period of most heavy precipitation and during the time when snows were melting – 2 – in the mountains.  In practically every instance individual developments of small ditches have been made from surface streams and this supply of water is supplemented by water developed from underground by the kanot system.  Attempts have been made at numerous times to develop extensive irrigation projects in Iran as is shown by the reports that have been prepared by emminent [eminent] foreign engineers.  Some of these dated back more than one hundred years.  Actual developments, however, of large scale projects have been confined to the past ten-year period.  Most of the actual work on these projects has been accomplished during the past five years.  Prior to March 1942, three separate ministries of the Iranian Government were interested in irrigation development.  These were the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of the Interior.  In March 1942 the work of these ministries was combined into a single department under the Ministry of Agriculture with an American (L. M. Winsor) as director.  The first work undertaken was to complete various projects that had been undertaken by the separate ministries.  At Bebehan in a valley north of the coastal range, and south and west of the high mountain range that skirts the west and southwest portion of the country, a diversion had been undertaken from the Mahrun River leading through a high ridge to the fertile lands of the valley.  Very little progress had been made, but with the organization of a new department, an appropriation was provided that was sufficient to finish the project, and it was carried through to completion in 1945.  Water was carried to the lands which had formerly been arid and had produced crops only once or twice in five years.  This project comprises an area of about six thousand hectares, and the water makes it possible to produce a diversity of crops of all kinds including cotton and some citrus fruits.  At Shabankareh in southern Iran about ninety miles north of the ancient port of Bushire, a diversion dam was built by the Ministry of Finance and completed in 1942.  But the canal system was not finished until 1943 and 1944.  In fact there are still improvements to be made.  This project comprises twenty thousand hectares approximately.  It includes twenty-two old villages that had formerly subsisted very largely on dates produced along the fringe of the area where a limited water supply was available by various means of development.  The new project provides extensive possibilities for expansion, and one of the features of the project is that of providing a means by which the peasants may ultimately become the land owners.  This feature of the undertaking has not been entirely successful due to opposition on the part of officials in the capital city.  The climate of this project is tropical and crops grown cover a wide variety of products with wheat as the principal crop, and cotton as a secondary crop.  At Ravansar in the area north of Kermanshah and near the southern border of Kurdistan an irrigation project of approximately ten thousand hectares was begun by the Department of the Interior and was completed by the Ministry of Agriculture.  This project is devoted very largely to the production of wheat and barley.  The water for the project is obtained by direct diversion from springs in the vicinity.  During 1944 and 1945 surveys were carried forward and plans were made for developing a very large project in the vicinity of Tehran.  It is proposed to build a dam some 125 meters high for storing water on the Lahr River at the base of Mt. Damavan.  Normally the Lahr River discharges into the Caspian Sea, but it is – 3 -  proposed to drive a tunnel some five and one-half kilometers long through the mountain range and deliver the water of the reservoir to lands south and east of Tehran.  The water supply will be sufficient for approximately one hundred thousand hectares or more.  This will supplement developments already made on the Varamine plane which is sparcely [sparsely] irrigated at the present time by flood waters for Djarje Rud.  This project will also provide hydro-electric power for all of northern Iran since the water supply will be dropped through an elevation of more than nine hundred meters before it is used for irrigation.  Plans were also made for development of Zayende Rud, which supplies water for the lands above and below Isfahan, the ancient capital of Iran.  This valley is some two hundred and fifty kilometers long, and plans have been made for developing a series of storage dams along the river and a tunnel leading through the high mountain range to carry water from Courang River, a tributary of the Karun.  These plans also include a series of hydro-electric plants for power development.  One of the important phases of this project has been the control and distribution of the water of Zayende Rud by providing impartial distribution.  It has been possible to mature crops throughout the entire length of the valley and to prevent famine during dry years when normally the water would have been consumed by the upper users leaving the lower half of the valley completely dry during the summer months.  One of the important lines of improvement during the past five years has been that of providing water for domestic use and for limited irrigation within the borders of the larger cities.  The first system to be installed was at Bushire where the entire city had formerly never had any regular water supply except that caught from rainfall by directing the runoff into sisterns [cisterns].  A supply of good water was developed from underground beneath a series of white sand hills about twenty-six kilometers east of the city in pipes made by the local people and installed under engineering supervision.  The distribution system throughout the city is provided by means of iron pipe and the water is raised to the main supply reservoir by means of pumps.  The city of Tehran has been provided with a partial water supply by driving deep wells and pumping the water from these wells.  Plans have been prepared for developing water for Hamidan and Kermanshah.  Considerable attention has been given to the problem of improving the Kanot system.  There are probably one hundred thousand villages in Iran around which the principal agriculture of the country is concentrated in small farm tracts, and the principal source of water supply comes from underground through a network of Kanots that literally extend over the entire country with the exception of certain extensive desert areas.  Statistics do not reveal the number of villages nor the number of Kanots that have been developed, and there is not any indication as to the total length of the underground channels.  It is very probable that there are three hundred thousand individual kannots, since each village has from one to ten separate kanot systems.  These kanots vary in length from one kilometer to forty kilometers.  They extend below the surface from ten to three hundred meters.  In fact there are a few exceptional cases of extremely old kanots that are four hundred meters below the surface.  These latter were dug in very ancient times, so long ago that there is no information, legendary or otherwise, as to when the developments were made.  Because of the importance of this feature of irrigation development, a con-  -4- siderable amount of attention was spent during the past five years in working out and putting into operation plans for improving this network of underground channels.  It is essential that maintenance work be done each year to remove sediment and boulders that cave in in order to keep the systems in working order, otherwise they fail, and then the village that is supported by such a system is abandoned and goes into ruin.  In the past kanot work has been entirely by hand labor, but during the past five years, a system has been developed for utilizing mechanical hoists and for removing the sediment between sumps developed in the underground channel at intervals of three to five hundred meters.  This has made it possible to reclaim some of the old kanots that have been abandoned and has reduced very materially the cost of annual maintenance on systems that are still in operation.  I trust that these notes will be of use in preparing the material you have been requested to furnish to the Encyclopedia Britannica.  I expect to be in Logan and I shall be pleased to confer with you in person relative to these problems.  Very sincerely yours, L. M. Winsor  LMW/kw  COPY  1202 Crystal Avenue Salt Lake City, Utah  July 31, 1946  Mr. A. T. Michelson c/0 Department of Irrigation Utah State Agricultural College  Logan, Utah  Dear Mr. Michelson:  Your letter of July 8 was received some time ago.  An answer was dictated, but it was not transcribed due to the fact that a typewriter was not available at the time. I am, therefore, writing you direct to Logan where I presume you have arrived before this.  Meanwhile, I have been out of the city on an extended trip.  It is rather difficult to give you concrete facts and figures relative to irrigation expansion in Iran during the past decade for the reason that my notes and all reference material are in Iran.  Therefore, what I give you must be from memory.  q  Iran is probably one of the oldest irrigated sections of the world, and so far as I am aware, the largest canal system that was ever built anywhere in the world was put into operation in southwestern Iran probably more than 3000 years ago.  It is possible that the system was developed as many as 5000 years ago.  Indications are that the entire Karun River was entirely diverted at a point near the present city of Ahwaz where canals were dug on either side of the river.  The canal on the east side was more than 100 kilometers long and had a width of 220 meters at a point some five kilometers below the intake.  The one on the west side had similar dimensions and covered a vast area of silt lands extending all the way down to the vicinity of the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.  These canal systems have been incomplete [in complete] ruin for more than a thousand years, and there is not a sign of present day use.  This is because of the destruction of the diversion dam and the fact that is has never been rebuilt.  There are ruins of numerous irrigation systems of smaller capacity in south western and south central Iran, none of which are in operation at the present time, not because the land lands have deteriorated in quality, but because through invasion the ancient irrigation systems of Iran were destroyed, and up to the present time there has been no concentrated plan of restoration inaugurated.  Meanwhile, the country has survived by virtue of the development of small irrigation projects scattered throughout the country.  Most of the development has been made individually by individual owners, who have in the large majority of cases, developed their water supply from underground by digging underground channels known as Kanots (sometimes spelled ghnats).  The surface streams on the interior of Iran are very limited in capacity and most of them are intermittent, flowing only a short time in early spring during the period of most heavy precipitation and during the time when snows were melting       – 2 – in the mountains.  In practically every instance individual developments of small ditches have been made from surface streams and this supply of water is supplemented by water developed from underground by the kanot system.  Attempts have been made at numerous times to develop extensive irrigation projects in Iran as is shown by the reports that have been prepared by eminent foreign engineers.  Some of these dated back more than one hundred year.  Actual developments, however, of large scale projects have been confined to the past ten-year period.  Most of the actual work on these projects has been accomplished during the past five years.  Prior to March 1942, three separate ministries of the Iranian Government were interested in irrigation development.  These were the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of the Interior.  In March 1942 the work of these ministries was combined into a single department under the Ministry of Agriculture with an American (L. M. Winsor) as director.  The first work undertaken was to complete various projects that had been undertaken by the separate ministries.  At Bebehan in a valley north of the coastal range, and south and west of the high mountain range that skirts the west and southwest portion of the country, a diversion had been undertaken from the Mahrun River leading through a high ridge to the fertile lands of the valley.  Very little progress had been made, but with the organization of a new department, an appropriation was provided that was sufficient to finish the project, and it was carried through to completion in 1945.  Water was carried to the lands which had formerly been arid and had produced crops only once or twice in five years.  This project comprises an area of about six thousand hectares, and the water makes it possible to produce a diversity of crops of all kinds including cotton and some citrus fruits.  At Shabankareh in southern Iran about ninety miles north of the ancient port of Bushire, a diversion dam was built by the Ministry of Finance and completed in 1942.  But the canal system was not finished until 1943 and 1944.  In fact there are still improvements to be made.  This project comprises twenty thousand hectares approximately.  It includes twenty-two old villages that had formerly subsisted very largely on dates produced along the fringe of the area where a limited water supply was available by various means of development.  The new project provides extensive possibilities for expansion, and one of the features of the project is that of providing a means by which the peasants my ultimately become the land owners.  This feature of the undertaking has not been entirely successful due to opposition on the part of officials in the capital city.  The climate of this project is tropical and crops grown cover a wide variety of products with wheat as the principal crop, and cotton as a secondary crop.  At Ravansar in the area north of Kermanshah and near the southern border of Kurdistan an irrigation project of approximately ten thousand hectares was begun by the Department of the Interior and was completed by the Ministry of Agriculture.  This project is devoted very largely to the production of wheat and barley.  The water for the project is obtained by direct diversion from springs in the vicinity.  During 1944 and 1945 surveys were carried forward and plans were made for developing a very large project in the vicinity of Tehran.  It is proposed to build a dam some 125 meters high for storing water on the Lahr River at the base of Mt. Damavan.  Normally the Lahr River discharges into the Caspian Sea, but it is – 3 – proposed to drive a tunnel some five and one-half kilometers long through the mountain range and deliver the water of the reservoir to lands south and east of Tehran.  The water supply will be sufficient for approximately one hundred thousand hectares or more.  This will supplement developments already made on the Varmine plane which is sparcely [sparsely] irrigated at the present time by flood waters for Djarje Rud.  This project will also provide hydro-electric power for all of northern Iran since the water supply will be dropped through an elevation of more than nine hundred meters before it is used for irrigation.  Plans were also made for development of Zayende Rud, which supplies water for the lands above and below Isfahan, the ancient capitol [capital] of Iran.  This valley is some two hundred and fifty kilometers long, and plans have been made for developing a series of storage dams along the river and a tunnel leading through the high mountain range to carry water from Courang River, a tributary of the Karun.  These plans also include a series of hydro-electric plants for power development.  One of the important phases of this project has been the control and distribution of the water of Zayende Rud by providing impartial distribution.  It has been possible to mature crops throughout the entire length of the valley and to prevent famine during dry years when normally the water would have been consumed by the upper users leaving the lower half of the valley completely dry during the summer months.  One of the important lines of improvement during the past five years has been that of providing water for domestic use and for limited irrigation within the borders of the larger cities.  The first system to be installed was at Bushire where the entire city had formerly never had any regular water supply except that caught from rainfall by directing the runoff into sisterns [cisterns].  A supply of good water was developed from underground beneath a series of white sand hills about twenty-six kilometers east of the city in pipes made by the local people and installed under engineering supervision.  The distribution system throughout the city is provided my means of iron pipe and the water is raised to the main supply reservoir by means of pumps.  The city of Tehran has been provided with a partial water supply by driving deep wells and pumping the water from these wells.  Plans have been prepared for developing water for Hamidan and Kermanshah.  Considerable attention has been given to the problem of improving the Kanot system.  There are probably one hundred thousand villages in Iran around which the principal agriculture of the country is concentrated in small farm tracts, and the principal source of water supply comes from underground through a network of Kanots that literally extend over the entire country with the exception of certain extensive desert areas.  Statistics do not reveal the number of villages nor the number of Kanotsthat have been developed, and there is not any indication as to the total length of the underground channels.  It is very probably that there are three hundred thousand individual kanots, since ach village has from one to ten separate kanot systmes.  These kanots very in length from one kilometer to forty kilometers.  They extend below the surface from ten to three hundred meters.  In fact there are a few exceptional cases of extremely old kanots that are four hundred meters below the surface.  These latter were dug in very ancient times, so long ago that there is no information, legendary or otherwise, as to when the developments were made.  Because of the importance of this feature of irrigation development, a con- -4 – siderable amount of attention was spent during the past five years in working out and putting into operation plans for improving this network of underground channels.  It is essential that maintenance work be done each year to remove sediment and boulders that cave in in order to keep the systems in working order, otherwise they fail, and then the village that is supported  by such a system is abandoned and goes into ruin.  In the past kanot work has been done entirely by hand labor, but during the past five years, a system has been developed for utilizing mechanical hoists and for removing the sediment between sumps developed in the underground channel at intervals of three to five hundred meters.  This has made it possible to reclaim some of the old kanots that have been abandoned and has reduced very materially the cost of annual maintenance on systems that are still in operation.  I trust that these notes will be of use in preparing the material you have been requested to furnish to the Encyclopedia Britannica.  I expect to be in Logan and I shall be pleased to confer with you in person relative to these problems.  Very sincerely yours, L. M. Winsor  LMW/kw  1202 Crystal Avenue Salt Lake City, Utah (5)  September 3, 1946  Mr. A. T. Mitchelson Senior Irrigation Engineer Box 180 Berkley, California  Dear Mr. Mitchelson:  I am very sorry to have missed you again. If I had known you were in Logan, I should have made a special trip to see you.  As it is, I drove to Ogden in accordance with our telephone conversation, but could find no trace of except that you had checked out of Hotel Ben Lomand.  So I went on to Logan where I had a long talk with Mr. Clyde and Dr. Israelson.  I also had a visit with Dr. Ahi and he informed me that you had not received my report on irrigation in Iran.  I am, therefore, enclosing a copy of the report that I mailed you on July 31 to Logan.  I presume that you had left Logan before it reached there and for some reason or other it has not been forwarded to you.  I inquired of Mr. Clyde and he knew nothing about it. In reading the copy of my report to you, we have discovered some inconsistencies.  These have been in the original copy, but to make sure that the corrections are made, my son is recopying his notes and I have dictated anew [a new] paragraph with respect to the kanot system at the last end of the report.  I trust that this delay has not caused you embarrassment with the people who are preparing the encyclopedia, and if there is any further help we can give you, we shall be pleased to hear from you.  Meanwhile, I am sending Dr. Ahi a copy of what I have written, and will ask him to check it and add any information which he may have that will be of service to you.  Very sincerely yours, L. M. Winsor  LMW/kw  cc: Dr. Ahi  1202 Crystal Avenue Salt Lake City, Utah  Ambassador Hussein Ala Imperial Government of Iran Iranian Embassy Washington, D.C.  Your Excellency, A few days ago Mr. E. B. Debler, former Chief Hydraulic Engineer Bureau of Reclamation, called me from Denver to ask for help and advise [advice] relative to conditions in Iran.  In the course of our discussion I concluded that he is contemplating a trip to Iran.  Mr. Debler did not give me any details as to the nature of his mission or assignment, but I am happy that he has been called for there is no one who is better qualified for service in Iran whether it be in the service of the Government direct or with an engineering firm who may be considering an engagement.  In the abiding interest I have in your wonderful country and her splendid people I am always pleased to help, and so I have outlined a number of the more promising projects as a guide for Mr. Debler.  I am also pleased to do this for him.  We have been friends and [?] for many years and I know how [?] [?] any trust you may place in him.  [?] regards to Madame Ala. Mr. Ambassador [?] for you continued health LMW  October 17, 1949  Mr. E. B. Debler 2390 South Madison  Denver, Colorado  Dear Mr. Debler:  Since you telephoned me, I have been working on an important asignment [assignment] from day light to dark and have not had an opportunity before to work up the data necessary before writing you.  Im [I’m] pleased to pass along a brief outline of the project which I consider of most importance in opening up some of the many undeveloped resources of Iran.  (1) In the area north of Abadan on both sides of river Karun is a vast plain that was under extensive irrigation thousands of years ago, during the time of the Prophet Daniel and long before.  At Ahwaz a diversion dam diverted the waters of the Karun into two great canal systems one on either side.  The main canal on the east side, which runs through the present City of Ahwaz, had a bottom width of more than 600 ft.  It has been out of use so long that the natives in Iran did not even know of its former existence.  It remained for me to discover the old canal system and trace it through.  Five or six miles below Ahwaz the first diversion runs east and it is larger than most of the great Snake River canals.  The old canal on the west is not marked so plainly.  The bed of this canal has been farmed at intervals by dry farming method, at various locations between Ahwaz and Basrah.  When I was in Iran we placed about two thousand acres under extensive cultivation at a spot some 22 kilometers west of Ahwaz on the river Karkeh by means of large pumps.  The former barren soil responded very well and two crops were produced the first year by planting wheat in the fall and harvesting it in April of the next year.  This was followed by various kinds of sorghum crops including common field corn and sessimi which produces seed that they grind for cooking oil.  We also produced successfully a large acreage of sugar cane and established a small sugar mill for the refinement of sugar.  This vast plain on river Karkeh is made up of similar soil to that on both sides of river Karun.  There are numerous small villages along the Karun where very limited crop production is in evidence by means of pumping, but the ancient irrigation system is completely out of us; however, it can be readily restored.  A rock ledge runs all the way across at the point of diversion.  (2) In the vicinity of Bushire about 90 kilometers north, on river Shahpur, we completed a diversion dam and a canal system that had been started in a crude way some years before and there we placed about twenty thousand acres under irrigation with good results.  Mr. E. B. Debler  - 2 -  October 17, 1949   (3)  Along the coast line between Ahwaz and Bushire is another extensive plain, parts of which may be readily irrigated from the river Zaiden.  This is development requires a diversion dam, near the site where a dam formerly existed, which was destroyed by invasion as were all of the other extensive developments in the country.  (4)  North of Ahwaz below the former capitol [capital] of Media (Shushtar) is an island about 50 kilometers long and 20 to 25 kilometers wide, that was formerly irrigated from the river Karun by a diversion dam near Shushtar.  A part of the dam was destroyed by invasion but can readily be repaired and the canal can again be put into operation; in fact I was successful in doing enough work on the system to supply water for villages already in existence, but the entire land was formerly under irrigation and you can see the old irrigation system when you fly over the area.  (5)  In the north west of Sheraz there is opportunity for limited development by repairing an underground channel through the crest of the water shed, and by building a storage dam high in the mountains on the other side where there is a natural reservoir-dam site with a permanent supply of water coming out of a cave in the lime stone.  This project is probably too small for consideration at this time.  But the need for additional water is very great.  (6) At Isfahan, formerly called The Center of the World, there is a valley about 150 miles long which is the heart of the agriculture of Iran at this time; but there is an intensive water shortage and a lack of adequate control with a result that the villages east of Isfahan have a shortage during the season of low water flow.  While I was in Iran I succeeded in taking complete control of the river for two weeks and by so doing saved a famine in the area down the river.  By re-distribution of the water we were able to give all of the villages enough for their needs in finishing the wheat crop to a point where it would mature.  While in Iran I made a survey covering three promising reservoir sites on the upper reaches of the river, one of which was to be for electric development as well as for storage.  We made preliminary studies of two additional sites but there are three that are especially promising.  The Engineer who made these surveys is now the Irrigation Service in Tehran.  His name is Farzaneh.  He is a very capable and promising young Engineer.  (7)  On the head waters of Zindeh Rud and just over the divide is a location known as Kuh-i-rang where Shah Abas started to cut a notch through the divide 150 years ago for the purpose of diverting the water from several large springs, on the west side of the divide.  This project was not completed but with our present day equipment to drive a tunnel through the short distance to the head waters of Zindeh Rud from the Kuh-i-Rang water shed and the springs, this would be a simple task.  This probably would call for a dam on Kuh-i-Rang.  We completed the first section of a road leading through Bakteri territory to the head waters of Zindeh Rud; but the entire project was not completed pending the time when suitable heavy equipment could be procured.  (8) In the area north west of Kum is the village Saveh near which is the remnants of an ancient storage dam.  The main dam is still intact but evidently they did not put it down to solid foundation.  Water found its way under the dam.  At the time of my departure from Iran I had plans partially completed for restoring this dam into service provided that our further detailed study proved it to be feasible.  In my opinion the project is one of the most promising in the country, since the cost would be very small compared to the great benefits, where villages are already established and farming is under way.  Mr. E. B. Debler   - 3 -  October 17, 1949  (9)  On River Kohr north east of Shiraz and near Persepolis the Sitidal and Darus, the ancient king of Isreal, there are two extinct  ancient canals systems that can be readily restored to service by building a rather expensive diversion dam. The ancient dam was destroyed when Persepolis fell.  (10) North of Kazvin and over a low chain of mountains is a river called Shahrud.  This river can be diverted through the mountain to supply water for Kazvin and surrounding territory where the soil is very productive and water is very scarce.  Splendid results would follow such a diversion.  (11)  Probably the most important project that would challenge the Bureau of Reclamation or any large Engineering Company, is the proposed storage dam on River Lar which flows from the high mountains north of Tehran to the east around the south side of Mt. Danvad, which extends to a height of 18,500 feet.  At the base of this mountain is a dam and reservoir site that has had extensive study and a years investigation by an Engineering Firm from England under my general supervision.  Plans for this project are in a fair state of completion.  They call for a dam about 350 feet high and a tunnel through the mountain about seven thousand kilometers long.  When completed this project would supply water to an extensive agricultural area in the vicinity of Tehran where agriculture in a limited way has already been developed by the use of under-ground water and by limited diversions from Jaja Rud.  This will give you an idea regarding the vast opportunities open for development in Iran.  I have only listed some of the important ones.  I could outline a dozen more.  It is a real challenge to the Engineering profession and I am hopeful that something may come from the feeler which you have sent out.  Now in regard to living conditions, you will find adequate hotel accommodations and adequate food at the various centers throughout the country.  You should plan to travel early in the day and avoid late afternoon travel on most of the roads, unless conditions have changed radically since I was there.  Banditry was very common and you should have a dependable guide for any trips you may take.  It is my feeling that you can make a reasonable survey covering most of these projects by air, as a means of giving you an overall picture of the situation; then make your detail studies in areas that look best to you.  There may be a certain amount of collusion on the part of certain officials for the development of the project which they personally favor.  For this reason you need to have an opportunity to see for yourself and to discuss the problem with someone who has no prejudice.  I have failed to mention the importance of domestic water they need so much in Iran. At the request of his Majesty the King, I was successful in developing a water supply for Bushire.  This project was completed under the immediate supervision of Engineer Farzaneh, whom I mentioned above as being honest, straight forward, and capable.  With the help of the United States Army I developed a plan for supplying the City of Tehran with domestic water.  These plans were left in my office and  Mr. E. B. Debler – 4 – October 17, 1949  should be available.  I also did preliminary work on plans for a water system for Hamadan.  All of the towns in Iran need domestic water.  This is one of the most urgent of the projects in my opinion.  They also need additional electricity and hydro-electric development is possible in some of the most important projects, particularly the one last mentioned near Tehran where there is a drop of 900 meters after the water comes out of storage at River Lar.  You will need formal dress when calling upon his Majesty.  This includes silk hat, cut-away morning coat, and striped trousers.  This type of dress can be rented in Tehran.  I am seriously hoping you will be able to go through with this undertaking.  Sincerely yours, By L. M. Winsor  LMW:nj  December 17, 1949  MEMORANDUM  For His Majesty-Pahlevi  Summary of Irrigation Development Projects for Iran in order of their importance as outlined by L.M. Winsor, for His Majesty Pahlevi December 7, 1949  1.  Larr  This calls for a dam about 350 feet high, a tunnel through the mountain from the reservoir to the Teheran side, a series of hydro-electric power plants, one at the dam and two or more on the south  side.  Also a s series of distribution canals.  Plans for this project were completed in 1946, and filed with the Ministry of Agriculture.  2.  Saveh  Restore and rebuild the ancient storage dam and provide an adequate distribution system.  (Pumps and other needed equipment were assembled at Teheran in 1946.)  3.  Shustar  Repair the ancient diversion and bridge at Shustar and place the entire island under irrigation.  Develop hydroelectric power adequate to supply all the needs of southwestern Iran.  4.  Ahwaz Rebuild the ancient diversion dam at Ahwaz and provide water as required on both sides of River Karun.  This project will develop slowly because the local people do not take kindly to work such as is required in tilling the soil.  It may be necessary to bring in a colony of Italians, Egyptians, or others who are used to hard work in a hot climate.  Extensive plantings of sugar can may be made under this project, and sugar can be produced in sufficient quantity to feed half the world.  Note: 80 Hectares of sugar can were put into production under pumps from River Karkeh west of Ahraz, in 1944-1945, and a sugar mill imported from India produced sugar successfully.   5.  Isfahan Build a series of at least three dams on upper Zayande Rud and divert the waters of Kuh Rang through the divide to Zayande Rud.  Develop hydro-electric power adequate for needs, in Central Iran.  This project is of sufficient importance to justify a high priority.  6.  Eastern Border below Mashad.  This area should be studied to determine what can be done to relieve the situation, where a large population of splendid workers, battle against great odds in seeking out an existence.  7.  Kanots  Much work is needed to improve methods of cleaning and to provide more water.  By drilling deep below the flow line at the mother well, and at strategic locations it is believed that artisian [artisan] water can often be obtained that will improve the supply.  8.  Other Localities  Too numerous to mention are in serious need attention.  – 2 – A.  Domestic Water  There is a serious need for developing a supply of clear, pure water for domestic use in each and every city in Iran.  In some cases, the water required may be obtained from underground by drilling and pumping.  In other cases, pure water may be obtained from springs, but this is a rare exception.  In still other cases, water is available in natural streams in which event it must be stored in supply reservoirs and tanks and purified before using.  In each instance, piping to centers of distribution is necessary, and in some cases it may be piped to individual homes.  To obtain an adequate supply of pipe it is suggested  that a “Transite” pipe factory be built in Iran where asbestos, the principal ingredient, along with cement, is available.  B.  Agriculture  Farming methods and practices in Iran are extremely primitive.  They do things in the same way that their forefathers did them, back to the beginning of history.  It will require a long time to introduce and adopt improved methods and practices.  The change must be gradual.  I found warehouses overloaded with farm machinery of the type being used some years ago in America, but I did not find any of it in use.  Some energetic sales agent, together with dishonest local government representatives, had brought this equipment to Iran.  It is unsuited to the present needs, hence it is not being use.  It is necessary that the transition be made gradually.  This calls for a modification in farm practices along with the introduction of new and untried methods of operation.  To bring this about, it is suggested that demonstrations be made, first in a very limited way, then expanded to various localities, and finally to the country at large.  Introduce first the small tractor-pulled small plow; also cultivators that are operated by the same tractor, and finally a small harvester, operated by the same tractor.  When the peasants see how nicely the equipment operates and how much more land they can handle, they will be enthused, and their neighbors will be enthused.  In this way, the methods can be changed.  This, along with the program of irrigation development, will go a long way toward the goal of making Iran the Bread Basket, not only of the Middle East, but in fact, of the entire Eastern world.  C.  Sewage  Next to an adequate water supply the most needed improvement in Iran is a system for disposing of waste products and sewage.  The foul smelling streets and allies are an abomination to modern civilization.  To completely eliminate this situation will require many, many decades of constant effort.  Notwithstanding this, it can never be realized unless a start is made.  Therefore, it is suggested that a system of sewage disposal be provided at Teheran, and at other large centers at the same time that domestic water systems are installed.  D.  Fish and Wildlife  During the period of 1926 to 1941, guns were taken from the nomads and peasants, and fishing was restricted; wildlife in Iran had an opportunity to recuperate.  – 3 – During the years 1943 to 1945, there was a shameful slaughter, mostly by American soldiers, who were given the freedom of the land without check or restriction.  I am more ashamed of this, perhaps, than I am of other atrocities committed by thoughtless, irresponsible American soldiers under the influence of whiskey.  At any event, there is serious need for providing areas where hunting is prohibited and where fish and game may propogate [propagate], in order to prevent the complete extinction of certain species.  It may also be possible to introduce types of game birds, animals, and fish, not found Iran, and in this way improve the wildlife situation.  The Fish and Wildlife Service in America will be pleased to cooperate in this program, and, I am sure, they would even sent a man or men, to Iran to help in organizing a program for Wildlife Management.  NOTE: Added by the author, November 24, 1951: Such a man, , has already gone to Iran.  I have had no report recently of his accomplishments, but before his departure, he came to Utah from Washington, D.C., to see me and to work up a tentative plan of approach to the problem.  Signed:  L.M. Winsor Former Director-General of Irrigation in Iran   December 17, 1949  MEMORANDUM  For His Majesty-Pahlevi  Summary of Irrigation Development Projects for Iran in order of their importance as outlined by L.M. Winsor, for His Majesty Pahlevi December 7, 1949  1.  Larr  This calls for a dam about 350 feet high, a tunnel through the mountain from the reservoir to the Teheran side, a series of hydro-electric power plants, one at the dam and two or more on the south  side.  Also a s series of distribution canals.  Plans for this project were completed in 1946, and filed with the Ministry of Agriculture.  2.  Saveh  Restore and rebuild the ancient storage dam and provide an adequate distribution system.  (Pumps and other needed equipment were assembled at Teheran in 1946.)  3.  Shustar  Repair the ancient diversion and bridge at Shustar and place the entire island under irrigation.  Develop hydroelectric power adequate to supply all the needs of southwestern Iran.  4.  Ahwaz Rebuild the ancient diversion dam at Ahwaz and provide water as required on both sides of River Karun.  This project will develop slowly because the local people do not take kindly to work such as is required in tilling the soil.  It may be necessary to bring in a colony of Italians, Egyptians, or others who are used to hard work in a hot climate.  Extensive plantings of sugar can may be made under this project, and sugar can be produced in sufficient quantity to feed half the world.  Note: 80 Hectares of sugar can were put into production under pumps from River Karkeh west of Ahraz, in 1944-1945, and a sugar mill imported from India produced sugar successfully.   5.  Isfahan Build a series of at least three dams on upper Zayande Rud and divert the waters of Kuh Rang through the divide to Zayande Rud.  Develop hydro-electric power adequate for needs, in Central Iran.  This project is of sufficient importance to justify a high priority.  6.  Eastern Border below Mashad.  This area should be studied to determine what can be done to relieve the situation, where a large population of splendid workers, battle against great odds in seeking out an existence.  7.  Kanots  Much work is needed to improve methods of cleaning and to provide more water.  By drilling deep below the flow line at the mother well, and at strategic locations it is believed that artisian [artisan] water can often be obtained that will improve the supply.  8.  Other Localities  Too numerous to mention are in serious need attention.  – 2 – A.  Domestic Water  There is a serious need for developing a supply of clear, pure water for domestic use in each and every city in Iran.  In some cases, the water required may be obtained from underground by drilling and pumping.  In other cases, pure water may be obtained from springs, but this is a rare exception.  In still other cases, water is available in natural streams in which event it must be stored in supply reservoirs and tanks and purified before using.  In each instance, piping to centers of distribution is necessary, and in some cases it may be piped to individual homes.  To obtain an adequate supply of pipe it is suggested  that a “Transite” pipe factory be built in Iran where asbestos, the principal ingredient, along with cement, is available.  B.  Agriculture  Farming methods and practices in Iran are extremely primitive.  They do things in the same way that their forefathers did them, back to the beginning of history.  It will require a long time to introduce and adopt improved methods and practices.  The change must be gradual.  I found warehouses overloaded with farm machinery of the type being used some years ago in America, but I did not find any of it in use.  Some energetic sales agent, together with dishonest local government representatives, had brought this equipment to Iran.  It is unsuited to the present needs, hence it is not being use.  It is necessary that the transition be made gradually.  This calls for a modification in farm practices along with the introduction of new and untried methods of operation.  To bring this about, it is suggested that demonstrations be made, first in a very limited way, then expanded to various localities, and finally to the country at large.  Introduce first the small tractor-pulled small plow; also cultivators that are operated by the same tractor, and finally a small harvester, operated by the same tractor.  When the peasants see how nicely the equipment operates and how much more land they can handle, they will be enthused, and their neighbors will be enthused.  In this way, the methods can be changed.  This, along with the program of irrigation development, will go a long way toward the goal of making Iran the Bread Basket, not only of the Middle East, but in fact, of the entire Eastern world.  C.  Sewage  Next to an adequate water supply the most needed improvement in Iran is a system for disposing of waste products and sewage.  The foul smelling streets and allies are an abomination to modern civilization.  To completely eliminate this situation will require many, many decades of constant effort.  Notwithstanding this, it can never be realized unless a start is made.  Therefore, it is suggested that a system of sewage disposal be provided at Teheran, and at other large centers at the same time that domestic water systems are installed.  D.  Fish and Wildlife  During the period of 1926 to 1941, guns were taken from the nomads and peasants, and fishing was restricted; wildlife in Iran had an opportunity to recuperate.  – 3 – During the years 1943 to 1945, there was a shameful slaughter, mostly by American soldiers, who were given the freedom of the land without check or restriction.  I am more ashamed of this, perhaps, than I am of other atrocities committed by thoughtless, irresponsible American soldiers under the influence of whiskey.  At any event, there is serious need for providing areas where hunting is prohibited and where fish and game may propogate [propagate], in order to prevent the complete extinction of certain species.  It may also be possible to introduce types of game birds, animals, and fish, not found Iran, and in this way improve the wildlife situation.  The Fish and Wildlife Service in America will be pleased to cooperate in this program, and, I am sure, they would even sent a man or men, to Iran to help in organizing a program for Wildlife Management.  NOTE: Added by the author, November 24, 1951: Such a man, , has already gone to Iran.  I have had no report recently of his accomplishments, but before his departure, he came to Utah from Washington, D.C., to see me and to work up a tentative plan of approach to the problem.  Signed:  L.M. Winsor Former Director-General of Irrigation in Iran  December 17, 1949  MEMORANDUM  For His Majesty-Pahlevi  Summary of Irrigation Development Projects for Iran in order of their importance as outlined by L.M. Winsor, for His Majesty Pahlevi December 7, 1949  1.  Larr  This calls for a dam about 350 feet high, a tunnel through the mountain from the reservoir to the Teheran side, a series of hydro-electric power plants, one at the dam and two or more on the south  side.  Also a s series of distribution canals.  Plans for this project were completed in 1946, and filed with the Ministry of Agriculture.  2.  Saveh  Restore and rebuild the ancient storage dam and provide an adequate distribution system.  (Pumps and other needed equipment were assembled at Teheran in 1946.)  3.  Shustar  Repair the ancient diversion and bridge at Shustar and place the entire island under irrigation.  Develop hydroelectric power adequate to supply all the needs of southwestern Iran.  4.  Ahwaz Rebuild the ancient diversion dam at Ahwaz and provide water as required on both sides of River Karun.  This project will develop slowly because the local people do not take kindly to work such as is required in tilling the soil.  It may be necessary to bring in a colony of Italians, Egyptians, or others who are used to hard work in a hot climate.  Extensive plantings of sugar can may be made under this project, and sugar can be produced in sufficient quantity to feed half the world.  Note: 80 Hectares of sugar can were put into production under pumps from River Karkeh west of Ahraz, in 1944-1945, and a sugar mill imported from India produced sugar successfully.   5.  Isfahan Build a series of at least three dams on upper Zayande Rud and divert the waters of Kuh Rang through the divide to Zayande Rud.  Develop hydro-electric power adequate for needs, in Central Iran.  This project is of sufficient importance to justify a high priority.  6.  Eastern Border below Mashad.  This area should be studied to determine what can be done to relieve the situation, where a large population of splendid workers, battle against great odds in seeking out an existence.  7.  Kanots  Much work is needed to improve methods of cleaning and to provide more water.  By drilling deep below the flow line at the mother well, and at strategic locations it is believed that artisian [artisan] water can often be obtained that will improve the supply.  8.  Other Localities  Too numerous to mention are in serious need attention.  – 2 – A.  Domestic Water  There is a serious need for developing a supply of clear, pure water for domestic use in each and every city in Iran.  In some cases, the water required may be obtained from underground by drilling and pumping.  In other cases, pure water may be obtained from springs, but this is a rare exception.  In still other cases, water is available in natural streams in which event it must be stored in supply reservoirs and tanks and purified before using.  In each instance, piping to centers of distribution is necessary, and in some cases it may be piped to individual homes.  To obtain an adequate supply of pipe it is suggested  that a “Transite” pipe factory be built in Iran where asbestos, the principal ingredient, along with cement, is available.  B.  Agriculture  Farming methods and practices in Iran are extremely primitive.  They do things in the same way that their forefathers did them, back to the beginning of history.  It will require a long time to introduce and adopt improved methods and practices.  The change must be gradual.  I found warehouses overloaded with farm machinery of the type being used some years ago in America, but I did not find any of it in use.  Some energetic sales agent, together with dishonest local government representatives, had brought this equipment to Iran.  It is unsuited to the present needs, hence it is not being use.  It is necessary that the transition be made gradually.  This calls for a modification in farm practices along with the introduction of new and untried methods of operation.  To bring this about, it is suggested that demonstrations be made, first in a very limited way, then expanded to various localities, and finally to the country at large.  Introduce first the small tractor-pulled small plow; also cultivators that are operated by the same tractor, and finally a small harvester, operated by the same tractor.  When the peasants see how nicely the equipment operates and how much more land they can handle, they will be enthused, and their neighbors will be enthused.  In this way, the methods can be changed.  This, along with the program of irrigation development, will go a long way toward the goal of making Iran the Bread Basket, not only of the Middle East, but in fact, of the entire Eastern world.  C.  Sewage  Next to an adequate water supply the most needed improvement in Iran is a system for disposing of waste products and sewage.  The foul smelling streets and allies are an abomination to modern civilization.  To completely eliminate this situation will require many, many decades of constant effort.  Notwithstanding this, it can never be realized unless a start is made.  Therefore, it is suggested that a system of sewage disposal be provided at Teheran, and at other large centers at the same time that domestic water systems are installed.  D.  Fish and Wildlife  During the period of 1926 to 1941, guns were taken from the nomads and peasants, and fishing was restricted; wildlife in Iran had an opportunity to recuperate.  – 3 – During the years 1943 to 1945, there was a shameful slaughter, mostly by American soldiers, who were given the freedom of the land without check or restriction.  I am more ashamed of this, perhaps, than I am of other atrocities committed by thoughtless, irresponsible American soldiers under the influence of whiskey.  At any event, there is serious need for providing areas where hunting is prohibited and where fish and game may propogate [propagate], in order to prevent the complete extinction of certain species.  It may also be possible to introduce types of game birds, animals, and fish, not found Iran, and in this way improve the wildlife situation.  The Fish and Wildlife Service in America will be pleased to cooperate in this program, and, I am sure, they would even sent a man or men, to Iran to help in organizing a program for Wildlife Management.  NOTE: Added by the author, November 24, 1951: Such a man, , has already gone to Iran.  I have had no report recently of his accomplishments, but before his departure, he came to Utah from Washington, D.C., to see me and to work up a tentative plan of approach to the problem.  Signed:  L.M. Winsor Former Director-General of Irrigation in Iran  February 18, 1955 His Excellancy M. Zahedi, Deputy Minister Ministry of Agriculture Tehran, Iran  Your Excellency:  I have just been in conference with Mr. Thorpe B. Isaacson whom you met recently in Tehran and he briefed me relative to the present situation in Iran.  I have been out of touch for some time with developments and I am therefore anxious to know how conditions stand at the present time.  I had written the Ambassador at Washington, D.C. inviting His Majesty Pahlevi, together with his party to come to Salt Lake City while in America but he replayed that they had not been able to make such an arrangement and so I missed seeing him.  I am enclosing a copy of a brief report that I prepared for His Majesty while he was here in 1951.  So far as I have been able to learn very few of the projects outline have been undertaken although America has had many men in Iran during the last few years.  It was my hope that they would be able to put some of these projects into operation.  Will you kindly confer with my friend Mr. Adl and discuss these problems with him.  He is well aware of the various plans which we had made for developing the irrigation resources of Iran while I was there.  Kindly accept my most sincere best wishes for yourself and your family and His Excellency Adl and his family.  Yours very sincerely, L.M. Winsor Former Director-General of Irrigation in Iran  Present Title: Drainage and Flood Control Engineer  LMW/ul  Dr. Winsor – 2 – March 21, 1952  Later we obtained another well rig from the American Army which they had cast off because it had a damaged crane.  This was also put into use.  I understand that Mr. Richards has remained in Iran and that he has continued developing ground water.  I had recommended that Mr. Richards drill at the mother well of the Ghnat systems in order to obtain a greater flow into the system.  It is my understanding that this has been successful.  It is my recommendation that this plan of improving the water supply for the vast expanse of Ghnat systems throughout Iran be employed.  However, this will not provide wells for the people except in an indirect way, but it will help the country generally and the landlords in part.  I would therefore, give second or third place to this phase of development in any program that Point 4 outlines for the good of the Persian people.  The work that Mr. Richards is qualified to do can be utilized extensively in developing water supplies for culinary purposes in any program of expansion that is made.  The need for pure water for culinary use is urgent in most sections of Iran.