'PAPERS RELATING TO THE MESOPOTAMIAN COMMISSION from SIR E. BARROW'S ROOM' [‎56r] (111/1386)

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After I'oi're lias sailed u'ot ready remaindei'of 6tli Division for despatch, but with idea
that they are destined for Europe or Dgypt. Secrecy can be dropped after leading’ Brigade
has reached Shatt-el-Arab.
W ill telegraph more precise instructions to-morrow as to action to be taken.
Of course all ships utilized should be suitable for Shatt-el-Arab.
1 resume you will adopt Expedition “ I) for description of this movement.”
On the following day the Military Secretary, India 0Hice, discussed the
situation with the Political Department, the Foreign Oflice (Sir Eyre
Crowe), and the Admiralty (Admiral Sir 11. Jackson and Vice-Admiral Sir
E. Slade). 1 he net result of these discussions was embodied in the
following telegram : —
from Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, Army Department, dated
ord October li)14.
Xo. 1 144. Private, idy 11.44 Expedition “ D.”
•• Please instruct Officer Commanding that we are at peace with Turkey and on no account
js he to land troops on Turkish territory or take any other hostile action against Turks
without orders from you except in case of absolute military necessity. He may diseniirk if
convenient to do so either on Abadan Island or at Muhammerah but preferably at Abadan.
On this point, however, he should work in concert with Naval and Political authorities. He
-should endeavour to avoid any action which might cause friction with the Arabs either in
Persian or Turkish territoiy. as vve may have to rely on their co-operation in the event of a
rupture with Turkey. He will of course take all steps to protect the oil tanks and other
British interests in Persian territorv.
” ^ on will doubtless take measures in sufficient time to warn the Political Officers in gulf
ot action contemplated^, so that necessary communications may be made by them to Sheikhs
of Muhnmmerali and Koweit, and to Bin Saood in good time so that they may have sufficient
previ\_us confidential intimation of approach of expedition.
" Resident, Baghdad, should also be warned and directed to communicate with consul at
Basra, but it is most important that no information regarding expedition should leak out
before it reaches Shatt-el-Arab.
“Admiralty are instructing Naval Authorities.
“I am communicating with Shakespear and will telegraph further about bis movements.”
From Viceroy to Secretary of State to India, dated 3rd October 1914.
H. li’S.). ^ our 1134 of 3rd October.
•' Expedition ‘A' cannot start until 12tli October and may be delayed until 14th, because
some of its ships will have to be diverted to 6th Division owing to shortage of ships suitable
tor Mi at t-el-.Arab. We are sending 16th Brigade under Delamain, who has experience of
Persian Oulf. The Mountain Batteries will be 23rd and 30tb. All will sail with
Force ‘ A.’
"We assume you are sure that this advanced Brigade is strong enough for its purpose.
W e cannot judge of this without knowing its instructions and objective. Do you intend
that we should manage this expedition or do you mean to run it direct from India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. r* ”
(hi the Jtli Octobei llie loliticnl Deptirtuieiit risked tlie Resident at
Jo us hire to let Bin Saood know that Major Shakespear would visit him
<-«uI\ in Xo\ embei on hehad of the British (lovermnent. r I his message was
amplified on the Sth October, when India was informed that Major Shake-
spear would sail for Bushire via Bombay on the 10th October as Political
oflicer on special duty, lie had instructions lo get into touch with Bin
Saood with a view (1) to securing Arab goodwill in the event of war with
Turkey, and (A) preventing disturbances among Arabs as a result of our
pioceedmgs. 1 he Oovernment of Jndja ivas asked meantime to let Bin
Saood know through the Sheikh of Koweit that German influence was being
used to entangle England, the traditional friend of Islam, with Turkey, and
that we had^consequently been obliged to take precautionary measures. It
was hoped tnat he and Sheikh Mubarak would assist m the maintenance of
peace by using their influence not only with their own tribes but with thr-
■Slieukun ami the Sheiil of Mecca. Major Shakespear was being sent to
■explain matteis more fully, and meantime the Government relied on the
Sheikhs not to take any action.
“ Fi‘om Secretary of State for India to Vicerov, Army Department
dated 5th October 1914“
“No. 1158. Expedition D. Your H. 1285.
“ The force under orders is only intended to occupy Abadan, protect oil tanks and pipe line cover
landing oj reinforcements, if these should be necessary, and shoiv Arabs that ice intend to support
them against lurks. W ith warship at Muhammerah troops detailed are considered ample for
above purposes. r