'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎103r] (208/256)

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send more troops to (Julf till reinforcements from home or E<rypt are furnished. Please
cable if this correctly repi’esents case. It will make position perfectly clear if you express
urgent need of reinforcements as well as inability to give it from existing Indian resources.
I am quite convinced of necessity of reinforcing Barrett up to two Divisions, as apart from
menace on Karun side, it is obvious that Turks are concentrating troops in Mesopotamia.
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No. jf2.
Sir I’. <'ox, Km na, to Secretary of State for India, dated 6th February 1915.
( Telegraphic.)
Following from Consul at Mohammerali 6th February. “Sheikh has received report from
Chasib that Bawi have risen against him, and yesterday proceeded to loot unopposed Oil
Company’s store at Musane, and cut telephone line, shot holes in pipe line, and set oil alight
at Grirana. In the circumstances it seems advisable to strengthen force at Ahwaz as soon
as possible.
No. |3. j(P
I ieeroy to Secretary of State for India, dated 6th February 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
In view of increasing enemy forces confronting Force D, we consider it essential that
S. Matter}', Koval Horse Artillery, should be diverted to Basra. The Battery is therefore
being despatched to Mesopotamia at the earliest opportunity instead of to England. We
trust our action may be approved.
No. 9 L
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated 7th February 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Following telegram, dated the 5th instant, received from Sir P. Cox regarding Ahwaz :—
“ Developments came quickly, and matter was dealt with urgently on telephone.
•• Vice-Consul considered situation so imminently urgent owing to spread of Jehad
movement, instigated by Turks and Ghasban from Amara, that it was unsafe for Europeans
to remain even until the arrival of Comet and they were withdrawn by Shushan
31st January and arrived Mohammerah safely. German representative of W onckhaus at
Ahwaz, who was known to be in communication with enemy, elected to remain, which is in
itself evidence of his complicity.
“ Since then a battalion of Native Infantry has been sent up and is encamped at Aminia
on opposite bank to Ahwaz.
" Sheikh of Mohammerah sent up about a thousand of his own particular tribesmen whom
he hopes will be against ye/iad, but the powerful Bawi tribesmen, who were also mobilised,
have refused to oppose movement if they have not actually joined it. On 2nd February
Warrant Officer of Comet was shot dead in the street by a Baluchi fanatic in Deputy
Governor’s employ. Since then no further developments have been reported.
“ As soon as Sheikh expressed inability to guarantee security of Europeans, and Secretary
of State ordered a battalion to be sent to Ahwaz to maintain order and resist expected raid by
Turks from Bisaitin, it was decided Germans could not safely be allowed to remain at Ahwaz
or Mohammerah. They were therefore placed under restraint and given passage to Basra.
Their property, houses, and offices were sealed by local authorities and by a British Officer.
Correspondence seized is, in the case of agent at Ahwaz, Heimlich, so incriminating as to
justify his treatment as a prisoner of war. Case of Mohammerah agent, named Holst, is
still under consideration."
No. /s. /f
Secretary of State for India, to Viceroy, dated 8th February 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Vour telegram of 6th February. “S.” Battery. Your action approved.
No. f)6.
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 8th February 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
In view of recent developments up Karun and arrival of 12th Brigade do you now
propose to semi reinforcement to 7th Rajputs at Ahwaz ? If so, I authorise despatch, but
please report at once so that 1 may inform Foreign Office.
C 2