File 4722/1918 Pt 8 'Mesopotamia: Situation' [‎225v] (461/995)

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Telegram—Clear Line Cypher.
From—Civil Commissioner, Baghdad.
To-—India Office, London, repeated to Foreign and Political Department,
Simla, a copy to General, Baghdad.
No. 8785.
Dated 21st July, 1920.
G.O.C.-in-Chief’s telegram of 15th July, X. 7958, was written after per
sonal discussion with me, and as statement of the military position had my
general concurrence.
1 am hopeful, however, that our_success at Kumaitha will restore situation
sufficiently to enable us with the assistance of the Brigade from India already
promised to deal effectively with Shamiyah from which trouble at Bumaitha
was undoubtedly fomented originally, and to maintain our present position
in this country. Bising is still quite local in character; isolated Political
Officers on edge of district affected at Afeq QaPat Sikar and Sh a trail, where
no troops have ever yet been seen are maintaining their authority and collect
ing revenue as usual. Latest reports are that rising in Shamiyah Division
lacks unanimity and fighting in that area up to date is reported to be largely
inter-tribal.
Political situation reports from other districts satisfactory, but llillah
reports indicate some nervousness amongst tribes at delay in taking action
against rebels in Shamiyah .
Military position in the event of a spread of disaffection to other areas
would however be as described by General Haldane. My only doubt is whether
evacuation of Mosul would not raise such a storm as to compel us to withdraw
still further (see my telegram of 18th February, 1975). Abandonment of
Mosul involves abandonment also of Arbi! and Sulahmaniyah, for although
the last two named divisions are absolutely quiet they would not I feat long
remain so were we to abandon Mosul. We now have no garrison at Arbil.
Garrison of Sulaimaniyah division consists of about 609 rifles and two gums at
posts some 80 miles west of Sulaimaniyah on borders of the division.
H.M.G. will realise from this that it is not a case of holding down these
divisions by armed force but of providing as in Turkish times a minimum
show of authority in support of the Government. Addressed India •Office,
repeated Foreign, Simla, copy to General Baghdad.
Telegram—P.
1 rom—India Office, London.
8° Civil Commissioner, Baghdad, repeated Viceroy.
No. nil.
Dated 19th, received 20th' July, 1920.
Now that arrangements for establishment of Arab Administration in
Mesopotamia are beginning to take shape, questions of British and Indian
personnel employed on Civil duties must be considered.
Administrative difficulties during a period of transition and in particular
ne< essity for meeting demands of services such as railways, telegraphs, etc.,
transferred to you from Military have made recruitment on considerable scale
una\onlable but result has been to build up a Civil Staff dimensions of which
viil ie quite beyond the means of the future Arab Government to maintain
even it it weie policy of His Majesty’s Government (which it is not) to exercise
so intensive a control over it. I know that many of subordinate personnel are
engaged tor one year and majority of contracts of higher personnel are termin
able at three months notice. But disadvantage of multiplying officials whose
num >ers will have to be drastically reduced hereafter i.s obvious and I think
the time has come for further recruitment to> be stopped altogether or at least
confined to within narrowest possible limit. A case in point is that of if tv
motor mechanics^ for whom you recently asked Stephenson. Is not figure
capable of reduction. Please consider and report to me on the whole subject.
Meanwhile all recruitment here will be suspended.
Addressed Baghdad, repeated Viceroy.
Telegram—B.
From—Civil Commissioner, Baghdad.
To—India Office, London.
No. 8948.
Dated 24th July, 1920.
\ our telegram of July 19th. I fear first sentence is somewhat optimistic.
Current events in Euphrates and still more in Syria have greatly set back the
clock. ' •
Question of external recruitment is one which I have constantly in mind
and it is under my direct supervision.