'PAPERS RELATING TO THE MESOPOTAMIAN COMMISSION from SIR E. BARROW'S ROOM' [‎244r] (493/1386)

This Docummt is the property of Fils Britannic Majesty’s Government.
SECRET.
Precis of Correspondence regarding the Mesopotamian
Expedition—Its Genesis and Development.
Prepared in the M il harp Department of the 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. .
(ID
The immediate and natural consequence of the capture of Basra was
that the Government of India were at once faced with two problems of the
utmost importance, viz. : (A) the administration of the town and its vicinity ;
(B) the military measures which should next be taken to consolidate our
position. As regards (A) Sir P. Cox telegraphed to the Government of India
on the 27th November as follows (No. 6S B):—
“ As regards our occupation here, it would be Convenient if we could make a public
announcement definitely that it is permanent. Do. you see any objection? Please see
instructions recently issued by His Majesty s Foreign Office in the case of inhabitants of
Egypt. I should like to know whether inhabitants of Basra, who were formerly subjects of
Turkey, but now willing to become subjects of Great Britain, may be treated similarly.”
Sir P. Cox also sent a long telegram giving his views as to the future
administration of Basra. Mis telegram began by postulatingLthat “ as long
as state of war exists or as long as Expeditionary Force occupies Basra tlie
administration of the town must be a military one.” He then proceeded to
enumerate the various administrative offices and departments for which
provision had to be made and the method by which he proposed to lil.l
them.
On the 28th he sent a further telegram to the Government of India
(No. 70-B):—
“ We have been well received by the civil population of Basra, and mercantile element,
separately, is quite ready to come under British protection. We have also issued a proclama
tion to the effect that we have no quarrel with friendly resident population.
“ It would be wise, I consider, if in these circumstances we refrain from treating as enemy
cargo consignments of Basra merchants now on high seas.
“ May I be permitted to re-assure enquirers on this point ? ”
The Viceroy, on the 5th December, expressed his concurrence with Sir
P. Cox’s proposals and asked—
“ For very early sanction to proceed on these lines. We assume that administration will
be under Government of India whose interests in the Gulf are intimately involved. We
propose to send at once Mr. Dobbs who has special qualifications, to take over departments
mentioned in Cox's second telegram, subject to general control of General Officer Com
manding.”
In reply the following was sent:—
“ Telegram from Secretary of State to Viceroy, Foreign Department, dated
16th December 1914.
“Foreign Secret. Your telegrams dated 5th and 7th December. Basra. Presumably you
refer to the vilayet as well as town and suburb. His Majesty’s Government desire that no
declaration of permanent annexation should be made, as it would arouse French and Russian
suspicions and would be contrary to principle that occupation of conquered territories by
allies is provisional pending final settlement at close of war. Subject to this remark, 1
approve generally proposals for temporary administration. As regards branches mentioned
in Cox’s second telegram, existing structure of administration and local agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. should be
retained as far as possible, and leniency observed in revenue collection. Xo attempt should
be made at present to transform vilayet into an Indian district. As regards superior
personnel, I approve Dobbs and Scott for present purpose. Administrative control will for
time being rest with Indian Government. European staff should be kept as small as possible,
and no promise of permanent employment in Mesopotamia should be given to any officer
Please send by mail particulars of public debt, revenues and tobacco regie. What are your
views as to the source from which expenses of administration will be met ? ”
MS. 137. A