'PAPERS RELATING TO THE MESOPOTAMIAN COMMISSION from SIR E. BARROW'S ROOM' [‎19v] (38/1386)

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were driven from their entrenchineiits with tlie loss ol two guns. 1 his
success was decisive, as is shown by the following telegrams
" From Sir Percy Oox to Secretary of State for India, dated 21st November 1914.
‘•47 IF Steam launch arrived Muhammerah bringing two Englishmen and deputation
from notables of Basra to report that N\ alis of Basra and Baghdad and remnant of 1 uikish
troops have fled up Tigris. All British prisoners safe.
“ From General BarreH to Secretary of Stale for India, dated 23rd November 1914.
“ No. 54 G. Basra, 22nd November.
“Navy ship^N reached Basra last night and our river detachment at 9 a.m. to-day:
remainder of force at noon.
“ All quiet, and inhabitants well disposed and friendly. Little apparent damage done by
looters, but Custom House partly (? burned). German Consul and five German subjects are
under guard.
'' Enemy abandoned four guns on river bank ; four more found m Arsenal here. Many
enemy wounded are in town. Apparently our actions on 15th and 1/th had more important
results than first appeared. Block in river channel likely to take some time to remove.
“ From General Barrett to Secretary of State for India, dated 24th November 1914.
“ No. 57 G. 23rd November. Basra.
“ Troops made ceremonial march through streets ot Basra this morning to central point,
where notables were assembled. Union Jack hoisted on roof of prominent buildings. Salutes
tired by Navy. Arms presented and three cheers given for His Majesty the King. Procla
mation prepared bv Cox read in Arabic announcing annexation, and very well received by
inhabitants. Major Brownlow appointed Military Governor.
“ British merchants estimate 2,000 wounded came in after action of 17th instant. W hen
Turks left Basra Arab soldiers recently mobilised were left behind, and many exchanged their
arms and uniforms for civil clothing before going home. They are reported much dissatisfied
with their treatment by Turks recently.
o Much indebted to Royal Navy, both for their important share in operations and also
for prompt and hearty assistance always given us.
The words in italics somewhat overstated what was actually said. On
the 24th November the Secretary ot State asked tor a brief summary of the
Proclamation, and from the reply given on the 30th November it appeared that
the real wording used was “ the British flag has now replaced the Turkish Hag
and administration.” In this connextion it should be added that on the
outbreak of hostilities a general proclamation had been issued by 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. to the Arab Rulers and Sheikhs of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran.
explaining the causes of the war and enjoining upon them to preserve order
and quiet in their dominions. At the same time letters were sent to the
Sheikhs of Koweit and Mohammera, to Bin Saood, and to Sayid Talib of
Basra, assuring them, in return for their co-operation, that “ Basra will
never again be allowed to be subject to Turkish authority ” ; and the Sheikh
of Koweit was informed that Koweit will be recognised as an independent
principality under British protection.
The capture of Basra may be said to have completed the first phase in
the Mesopotamian campaign. Our prestige was restored. A position of
great strategical importance had been secured with little loss. The friendly
Arabs were confirmed, at least for the time being, in their loyal attitude, and
the oil works at Abadan had been saved from destruction.
Lord Crewe had good reason to send his congratulations to General
Barrett, as so far his policy had been fully justified by events, while the
secrecy and suddenness of our movements had not only ensured success, but
had done so at the smallest possible cost to ourselves. On the Oth war was
declared, and on the 6th the bolt from the blue descended on the astonished
and ill prepared defenders of the Shatt-el-Arab. In less than three weeks a
British administration had been established at Basra, the key of ^Mesopo
tamia and the famous city of Sinbad the Sailor.
14th February 1016.