File 3136/1914 Pt 1 ‘German War. Situation in Turkish Arabia & Persian Gulf’ [‎162v] (333/672)

rf
l\ ';1
12
Telegram P., No. 979, dated (and received) the 19th August 1914,
From—The Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire,
r fo—-The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart'
ment.
Please refer to your telegram* No. 592 S., dated the 18th instant. I
think I understand position alright and
* Senai No. 27 . the seizure of the Fao telegraph office
was never contemplated by me in anticipation of- declaration of war
or until unprovoked attack. In the circumstances and in view of the fact
that Shatt-el-Arab waters are entirely Turkish, it would seem preferable that
we should altogether avoid Shatt-el-Arab and make use of Bahmanshir which
is purely Persian. This may be difficult to arrange and will take longer, but
1 will consult Mohammerah and the Senior Naval Officer and ascertain if it is
practicable. No communication with Senior Naval Officer as yet. ,
Repeated to Naval Commander-in-Chief.
2b
Telegram P., No. 54, dated (and received) the 19th August 1914.
Prom—His Excellency the Naval Commander-in-Chief, Bombay,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart'
ment (repeated to Bushire).
Please refer to your telegram of to-day’s date, No. 591 S.f Security of
Abadan first eventuality coupled with
t Semi No. 28. seizure of the telegraph office at Fao.
Destruction of Turkish gunboat “ Marmaris ” and expulsion of Turks from
posts in (iulf littoral. Sheikhs Al Bida and A1 Katif, and others in that region
northwards probably would he only too glad to assist in this, as Turks are
extremely unpopular with them.
27-
na recer
I
Telegram P., No. 983, dated (an^ received) the 19th August 1914.
From—The Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment (repeated to Admiral).
I have received the following unnumbered telegram, hearing to-day’s date,
from the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. at Mohammerah:—
“ Please refer to your telegrams, Nos. 975 and 976, dated the 18th August
1914. In my opinion the chief danger to Abadan lies in the possibility
of the “ Marmaris ” firing shells into the oil storage tank and thus des
troying most of the works by fire without danger or difficulty. With
this cannonading the Infantry detachment could not do so much to prevent
this. Por the protection of property at Abadan, therefore, it seems to me that
a British gunboat is essential point in any measure adopted. At the present
moment the “ Marmaris ” is at Basrah. The presence of troops in the Sheikh’s
district will certainly he objected to by him, as he is of opinion that the other
Sheikhs and headmen will accuse him of handing over Government and power
to the British and giving away the country, &c. These objections can probably
be overcome; but the Persian Government will possibly blame him if he
acquiesces in our plans. I beg that this hasty reply may be excused.”
Telegram, No. 987, dated the 19th (received 20th) August 1914.
From—The Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment.
Turkish armed Thorneycroft launch arrived Fao at 1-45 p.m., to-day,»
Addressed Simla; repeated Admiral and Senior Naval Officer.