'PAPERS RELATING TO THE MESOPOTAMIAN COMMISSION from SIR E. BARROW'S ROOM' [‎414r] (838/1386)

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affecting your defence, but \ nm nmvilling to press "War Office in view of tlieir strong opinion,
und also of tlie approaching hot weather which makes me doubt the' expediency of the step
at the moment. Yon can rely on my exercising all the influence I have for your being
reinforced if any urgent need becomes evident, and as the War Office resources become
available, but I hope you will agree for the time being, and that ycur military advisers will
still think it very desirable to send an Indian Cavalry regiment to Mesopotamia. The
protection of the Abadan pipe-line is regarded by the Admiralty as all the more important
since it has been recently established by experiment that toluene, which is now the most
important basis lor manufacture of explosives, can be economically extracted from Persian oil
fuel, so that the Department attaches the highest importance to the maintenance of the* supply
1 will explain in my next letter how a misunderstanding occurred with the War Office about
the Yeomanry.
No, 119 A. 1 icsroy /o Secretary of State for India, dated '1 ith April ISlo.
‘Private. Your private telegram of the 21st instant. Yeomanry regiment. After consulting
Coipmander-in-Chief we agree to the despatch of the 23rd Cavalry to Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , but 1 am
asking the Begum Courteous or formal title for (usually Muslim) women of elite status, especially of Turko-Mongol lineage. of Bhopal to allow her Imperial Service Cavalry to come to India for
garrison duty. 1 regard this as desirable as a measure of precaution.
Nixon has applied within the last few days for an additional Brigade of Cavalry with a
British unit, but we have had to tell him that he cannot have it. Would it not be possible to
send the Patiala Lancers from Egypt to Mesopotamia They would be very useful there.
No. 141 A. 1 iceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated oth Jane 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Following telegram received from General Nixon at Amara on 4th June :—
... *
“ General Townshend, accompanied by Captain Nunn, R.N., and Sir Percy Cox in small
gunboat flotilla, received the surrender of the Governor of Amara, with some 30'officers, add
about 700 soldiers, at 1.30 p.m. on 3rd June. Amara is now occupied by us in force.
Troops captured comprised advanced guard of Turkish forces retiring before Gorringe; main
body following werekseen to disperse into marshes. Our total captures up to date, including
above, amount to about SO officers. 2.000 men. 7 field guns, G naval guns on gunboat Mamartss,
12 large steel barges, 1 large river steamer, and 3 small steamers, and considerable number of
rifles and ammunition of all sorts. Further surrenders expected. Of six Germans with
Turks three are prisoners, two were killed by marsh Arabs, and fate of sixth is doubtful. L
am sending this from Amara for Your Excellency's information at once en clalr as wireless
is not working well, and L may not be able to despatch further telegrams to-night.'’
No. 156 A. General iSi.con to Secretary of State for India, dated 'Hitit July 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Euphrates Line. In continuation of my telegram of 24th. In evidence of endurance
displayed by General Gorringe's troops I would draw attention to the fact that they have
been fighting night and day yvith little or no intermission since 5th July up to to-day. Shade
temperature, 113 degrees, has been common in a7i atmosphere of heaviest and closest
humidity. The exertions and hardships of trench warfare, where guns, ammunition, and
stores had to be moved without the help of animals, under such conditions are difficult
authentically to describe. Twenty days of such work, culminating.in an attack on a series ef
entrenched positions form a test the severity of which it would be difficult fo* over
estimate.
Tigris Line. There continues to be some activity on part of enemy, mainly hostile tribes
men, around Kumait area. Unconfirmed report that five Turkish guns bad been advanced to
Albash-Sharqi on 23rd. 7th Rajputs proceeded to Kama from Basra, 24th.
No. 168 A. General A ixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 1 Ith September 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Headquarters, Sixth Division, reached Sheikh Saad 14th : no enemy there. General
Officer Commanding Sixth Division made aeroplane reconnaissance of Sinn position without
definite result. Reconnaissance by gunboats supported by infantry being carried out 15th.
General Headquarters remain at Amara for the present.
No. 168 B. General Si-on to Secretary of State for India, dated Ihth September 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Tigris hue. Headquarters, 6th Division, reached Abu Rummanah 15th, six miles from
Sinn position. Result of to-day's naval reconnaissance tends to show that Turks hold position
in strength. Ships are being returned to Amara to fetch up 63rd and Howitzer Batteries and
further supplies. This will take about a week. Fui'ther aeroplane reconnaissance being made
16th. Two machines have been seriously damaged by bid landing, wind has boon unfavour
able. Stops being taken to replace them fiom Basra. Am in communication by land line
and-wireless with Abu.