- vi -

In addition to these conclusions regarding the proposed route into Aqaba, some observations were made regarding the "Prospectus" routearked "A" on Map No.1. Of these, the most important is that while this route is generally very good from a construction standpoint, a very large fraction of it - considerably greater than that at one time supposed - crosses plains of almost solid rock, either actually exposed or very close to the surface. It therefore appears essential to develop a satisfactory design for supporting a large pipe line above ground and controlling its movement. Neither Wolfe nor Johnson believe that it would be allowable simply to place a large pipe line on these rock plains without definite, well-thought-out provisions for anchorage and for controlling any motion. The fairly satisfactory performance of the more or less uncontrolled small pipe lines across sand, is not believed to be any criterion for the performance, of a large pipe line across rock.