'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎94r] (190/256)

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Mr. liramnont to Sir Edward Gmj, dated 15^7/ August 1914.
(Telegrapliic.)
Admiral Limjnis and all officei.s of British Naval Mission have suddenly been replaced in
their executive command by Turkish officers, and have been ordered to continue work at
Ministry of Marine if they remain. Although J have been given to understand by a member
of the Government that they are still anxious to get officers and crew of the Goeben and
liredau out of Turkey, this will probably mean retention of mechanics and technical
experts at least, which will create most dangerous situation here.
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S/r L. Mid let to Si,- EdtnA-d Grey, dated 26 th Aui/ust 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Ninety German sailors passed through Sophia yesterday on their way to Constantinople.
I have protested strongly, but Grand Viaier is unable to control the situation, which is
dominated by the German Ambassador and generals. Weber Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , who is in command ai the
Dardanelles, is said to be urging closing of the Straits. 1 have brought this to the notice of
the Grand Vizier. His Highness most positively repudiated any such idea, and begged me to
have patience, as this situation would not last, and he was gaining authority. In the mean
time general mobilisation is proceeding feverishly, and preparations are being pushed on in
the fleet. Eighty pounds' worth of surgical appliances, dressings, &c., were bought by doctor
of the Corcovado to-day. I am informed that there is a 5-inch gun hidden bv canvas at
her stern. She still lies at Therapia. Itls not likely that the two German men-of-war will
come out of the Dardanelles, but there are grounds for thinking that German plan is to urge
Turkey to attack Russia after France is beaten—about ten days hence in their estimation
Straits would be entirely closed, and, according to the German Ambassador, quite impossible
to force, since Germans have taken special measures to make them impregnable. To sum up.
the situation is most unsatisfactory, though not actually desperate.
•Nov
Mr. CJieetham to Sir Edward Grey, dated 28th August 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Ottoman forces are being mobilised in Hedjaz and further south, and existing military
activity in Red Sea may thus be explained. About sixty Turkish officers arrived at Alexandria
recently and passed through Egypt down Red Sea. Their destination was the Yemen.
I welve thousand Turkish troops are reported in Jeddah region. Signs are not lacking that,
in case of war, an attack on Egypt is contemplated by Turkey. A few Turkish officers are
now in the Delta. Steps have been taken to watch all those that are known. I learn from a
good source that all information of Turkish mobilisation reported from Constantinople is
correct. Meanwhile emissaries are being sent to India, the Yemen, Senoussi. and Egypt, to
stir up feeling against Great Britain. Activity at Gaza is reported, but it is uncertain
whether this is more than raising of levies to replace regulars withdrawn from the north by
mobilisation.
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Sir Ij. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey, dated oth September 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
I hear that Inspector from Constantinople of Committee of Union and Progress left.
Erzeroum on the 1st September for Hersia, where he hits previously lived. He was accom
panied by three Persian revolutionist^ from Constantinople, one of them named Agha Mehemet
Ali. 1 hey have ideas about Afghan^and Indian Moslems, and also intend to stir up anti-
Russian trouble in Persia.
No.
(A
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 26th September 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
1 he situation as regards Turkey is most menacing, and it may be necessary to demonstrate
at head of Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . Should Cabinet decide to take this action, one Brigade of 6 th
Division with two Mountain Batteries and Sappers should be shipped at once as if they were
urgently required for Egypt, but with sealed orders to proceed to Shatt-el-Arab. Will
communicate further on this subject to-morrow. Pending this take no action."
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