'PAPERS RELATING TO THE MESOPOTAMIAN COMMISSION from SIR E. BARROW'S ROOM' [‎252v] (510/1386)

Again, in a telegram, No. 12 b, of the 3rd January, lief said
“ I beg that follow ng further facts may be taken into account when the question of
occupation of Amara is being considered on its independent merits apart from question of
Baghdad, whether with a view to near future or some later juncture.
“Firstly .—Amara is the point on Tigris where Tui*co*Persian frontier approaches nearest,
it being only 30 miles distant.
“ Secondly .—Possession of Amara will enable us effectively to safeguard Arabistan frontier
against Turkish aggression when necessary and at the same time to manage and influence
Bani Lam who are dependent on Amara and are at present a chronic thorn in side of Siieikli
of Mohammerah who has strong views on this aspect of question. So long as Bani Lam are
free to harass Mohammerah territory Turks will not cease to use them for that purpose a.^
hitherto.
w Thirdly .—There is reason to think that considerable trade could be worked up between
Amara and Ahwaz Shuster Mohammerah Dizful, to which towns well recognised routes
already exist.
“ Fourthly .—From Amara we should control Dawairij neighbourhood which affords most
promising field for modern irrigation scheme calculated to bring about pacification of settle
ment of Beni Lam in country which they formerly occupied and cultivated by irrigation, it
is understood that irrigation works here were strongly recommended to the Porte by Turkish
officials on spot last year.
“ Fifth /y.—-Trade of Pusht-i-Kuh is nowadays mainly with Amara but is at present-
suspended owing to severance of communication with Basrah. With Amara in our hands this
trade would resume its neutral course again (and) Vali would have strong inducement to
persevere in and improve his present friendly relations with us. In contrary case he will b&
driven to draw up to Turks.”
The advantages of occupying Amara are fully stated by Sir P. Cox in the
above telegram, and as the authorities both in Mesopotamia and in India
were agreed that the occupation of Amara was desirable the Secretary of
State did not oppose it, especially as in Ids telegram 1812 of 24th April
(p. 24 ante) he had given his conditional acceptance to this policy.
“ Telegram from Viceroy to Secretary of State, dated 23rd May 1915.
‘ k Your telegram of the 24th ultimo, 1812.: Nixon proposes to take offensive from Kurna
up Tigris on 24th, and does not consider any reinforcement will be required. We consider
las move desirable in order to extend our control over Tigris Valley thereby securing the pine
line and protecting the Basra vilayat in accordance w ith his orders awd do not propose to
interfere with his intention. He will not of course proceed beyond Amara without your
sanction.’
“ Telegram from Secretary' of State to Viceroy, Army Department
dated 23rd May 1915. '
“Torn* clear line telegram of to-day. I sanction proposed movement on the clear under
standing that General Nixon is satisfied that he can concentrate a sufficient garrison at Amara
to defy any attack from Baghdad during the summer when it may be difficult for him to
reinforce so advanced a position. He must clearly understand his action must be guided by the
fact that we can send him no further troops. As he must have made his arrangements for this
move some days ago, I hold that he should have submitted his proposal^ before the last
moment. Questions jointly involving civil and military policy should under present circum
stances only be decided by the Cabinet.”
In view of later events the passage in italics is important to remember.
Telegram from Sir John Nixon, 129/63/1 G., dated 26th May 1915.
‘ General r J ow nshend reports from Kurna that his arrangements for an offensive movement
from that place against ftotah will be complete by 31st May, on which date he proposes com
mencing his move. By the time he has reorganised his river transport after this operation l
hope to have received definite orders as to the policy to be adopted regarding advance towards
.ix III £1 .
On the 2Uh May Lord Crewe left 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. and was succeeded bt
ivir. Austen Chamberlain, who at once endorsed his predecessor’s policy.
1 elegram from Secretary of State to Viceroy', Army Department
dated 28th May 1915.
“ 1867. Reference Nixon’s telegram of 26th instant, No. 129/63/I.G. Please see im
wkl 6 what f te eg r tr T X °, 1812 ’ of 24t . h A P riI - . 1 fe^ve further instructions till I
uh what force he is advancing, and immediate objects contemplated. Our policy musi
epend partly on local factors, forces locally available and resistance expected, and partly 0 i
c t a x- elSe ' Vher ?; If J ° U conte “P la * e occupation of Amara, I should like to kniw what
f ^ixon considers necessary for its garrison during, summer,, and how generally h,
proposes to distribute his troops during summer months ” ^ ^ Iu