'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎96r] (194/256)

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4. The Plans of Operations forwarded have been prepared by the General Staff, India
I hey are in no way intended to fetter your action. They are based on the latest information
available in India which may be found to require revision in matters of detail. The local
consular and other authorities will, it is hoped, be able to assist you in ibis.
•>. Vou will keep the Chief of the General Staff. India, informed of all important
movements of troops, and submit all ordinary reports and returns as prescribed in the Field
Service regulations.
In the event of hostilities with Turkey, the remainder of the 6th Division is being held’in
readiness to support your force, and will follow as quickly as possible.
In the meantime you will take such military and political action as vou think feasible to
strengthen your position, and if possible, occupy Basra.
No. K
Av
/‘Vm,/ Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated 9th October 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Your telegram of 8th October. Expedition D. The difficulties of landing troops at
Bahrein can be overcome, and there is good water and ample space for camping grounds
Distillation of water for a force landed at Bassider would be very difficult. There us no doubt
that Bahrein by its position near head of Gulf has many advantages, both material and
political, over Bassidu, while it has none of the disadvantages of Abadan as a place of
disembarkation. The presence of our troops at Bahrein would be a sufficiently good reply to
any boastings of the Turks, and should reassure completely the Arabs. Preparations are
being pushed forward, and one Brigade will start on 14th or loth.
Sir Edward drey to Sir L. Mallet, dated 11/// October 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
It seems to me that the key of the situation lies in Constantinople. It would be fatal to
give way to Turkish demands beyond a certain point, especially in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , but,
nevertheless, I entirely share your view that His Majesty’s Government should avoid giving
even a plausible cause of offence to 'Turkey/ [ think that our attitude during the past eight
weeks lias shown irrefutably that we dcsirp to avoid a rupture with Tnrkev.”
l/
No.
A 3
Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward drey, dated X'lth October 1914.
('Telegraphic.)
I have received note dated 11th October from Porte, of which following is substance: —
“ From information received by Porte, two Bntish men-of-war have one after the other
passed up the Shatt-el-Arab to anchor at Mohammerah. According to Treaty of Erzeroum
the town of Mohammerah and its port belong to Persia, whilst Shatt-el-Arab is under Turkish’
domination. This principle was reaffirmed by Turco-British Declaration of 29th .July 1914
which specifies that from Nahr Nazaille, above Mohammerah, frontier follows river to sea’
leaving under Turkish sovereignty river itself and all the islands except ten, and modern port
and anchorage of Mohammerah. This port and the anchorage thus formed an enclave in
Ottoman waters which must be traversed in order to reach them. Consequently men-of-war
m question have not respected Imperial territory in penetrating into her internal waters and
have disregarded neutrality of the Porte, whose duty it is not to allow passage of foreign
men-of war. On these grounds the Porte asks me to cause instructions to be sent to
commanders of men-of-war in question to leave the port of Mohammerah within eight days
and to go to sea.” ^
No.V
/'7
Sir L- Mallet to Sir Edward drey, dated 12//; October 1914.
('Telegraphic.)
I do not think that we could now leave Mohaniineruh without loss of prestige. In view
ot receipt of Vali’s note respecting presence of British men-of-war in the Shatt-el-Arab, effect
ot moving His Majesty’s ships at the request of the Turkish Government, once they were sent
to Mokammerah, might have led the Arabs to misinterpret the action of His Majesty’s
Government. I would not regard the note in the light of an ultimatum, though it is not
impossible that lurks might close the channel, and thus prevent His Majesty’s ships from
going out, except m agreement with the Turkish authorities. General belief is that Germans
are at present applying considerable pressure upon the Turks to take part in the war, but that
the J urks are so far resisting. My anxiety is lest the resistance which the Minister of Wai
ns encountering from the Moderates should be weakened bv any act on our part which could
be interpreted as aggressive by the Turks. Enver Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. is said to be in favour of immediate
co-operation with the Germans.
No.'S*.
fts-
Sir L. Mallet to Sir Edward Grey, dated 12/// October 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
"f !-hli October. I have informed (Irand Vizier that I was surprised to
receive His Highness's note inviting His .Majesty’s ships to leave Mohammerah within eight