'File 53/7 D (D 7) Koweit [Kuwait] Affairs, January 1905 - December 1905' [‎60r] (126/366)

16
Inclosure 1 in No. 1.
CoNstrL -gineral Newmarch to Mr. Townley.
Baghdad,
28tli November 1904-
(No. 75.)
Sir ,
In continuation of my despatch No. 72, dated the 12th instant, I have th®
honour to submit, for your information, the inclosed extract from my diary
to the Government of India regarding the projected expedition against Ibn
Saoud.
I have, &c,,
L. S, NEWMAKCH, Major.
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
Extract from Diafy to Government of India for week ending the iStl November 1904.
The Vice-Consul at Kerbala reports as follows about the recent expedition
against Ibn Saoud:—
A belief has long been entertained here by the public that the four
regiments originally sent in support of Ibn Rashid had been entirely annihi
lated, and that Ibn Hashid had sustained a serious defeat. The belief has
lately been confirmed by the report of two privates who escaped from their
regiment at Jabal, and arrived here about ten days ago.
They say that their force experienced great hardships and hunger while
en route to frndi in. Jabal, and that a few days after their arrival the Amir
(Ibn Rashid) ordered them to prepare for an attack on the enemy.
The Amir placed the Turkish troops and their officers in front, and his
own men behind, the combined forces then entered Ibn Saoud's territory, and,
without much difficulty or fighting, captured four towns, compelling Ibn
Saoud and his followers to retreat.
After that, Ibn Rashid received a letter from one Ibn Barsam in Borreida
(members of the Basram family are found in Basrah and Syria as large
traders), telling him that he had contrived certain plans for the delivery of
the place into his hands, and asking him to go there with his forces as soon as
possible.
The Amir was deceived, and started for Borreida, where he was surprised
and attacked by Ibn Saoud.
The Amir and his men, who were in the rear, escaped, with about 300
officers and men, because they knew the roads, but the others remained
fighting, and were either killed or captured.
All reports combine in giving an exceedingly pathetic account of the
Turks in Ibn Rashid's hands at Jabal; they are said to be severely treated and
scantily maintained.
Two officers—a Mir Alai and a Colonel—were killed by the Amir in Jabal
because they refused to obey the Amir's orders, and make a second invasion
after their defeat.
The officers here are much incensed against the Amir, but dare not
express their feelings.
The Amir has reported the occurrence to Constantinople, and fresh troops
have been ordered to support him.
The new expedition will consist of four regiments of infantry, each about
300 strong. Twelve to sixteen guns with men and officers forming one
regiment, and perhaps one regiment of mule riders. These six regiments will
be raised from Baghdad, Amara, Kerballa, Hilla and Karkook, and Taizee
Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , the late acting Wali of Baghdad, will be in command.
The Government has sanctioned £T.5,000 for the necessary expenses,
but the late Wali has demanded ^T.30,000.
4980 f. d.