'PAPERS RELATING TO THE MESOPOTAMIAN COMMISSION from SIR E. BARROW'S ROOM' [‎449r] (908/1386)

%
f 4i
U . . fc.
^Fwiu V iceroy.llth September 1914.
Private. My private telegram of 4th September. Diversions against
Purkey. Notables of Basrah, with whom the Sheikhs of Koweit and
Mohammerah are in touch, are the family of Nakib and Seyyid Talib, whose
adherence it is essential to secure.
In this connection Resident now telegraphs as follows :—
It would be convenient in the event of war with Turkey for me to have
authority to make certain assurances to Seyyid, who is all powerful in Basrah
town itself. May I be permitted to exercise my discretion provided that I
do not go beyond first two assurances suggested in case of Sheikh of Koweit
to which a third might by added, namely, the maintenance in all their
hereditary property and privilege of Seyyid and the family of Nakib of
Basrah. In the case of any further demands made by Seyyid, I think that I
should promise to refer them to Government with my recommendations if I
consider them legitimate.”
I concur, and subject to your approval, propose(d) to give Resident
discretion asked for, subject, of course, to final authority to put plans into
execution.
V^rarmTViceroyj. 11 th September 1914.
Private. Your private telegrams of 2nd and Oth September. Holy
places. I presume that assurance extends to Kerbela and other holy places
of Mesopotamia.
ESsi Secretary of State to Viceroy,^2th, September 1914.
Private. Your private telegram of 11th September. Turkey I presume
that two assurances to Koweit to which Resident refers are first full
possession and immunity from taxation for date gardens; second, immunity
from consequences of ejecting Turkish posts.
o —
From Secretary of State to Viceroy, Mth September 1914.
Private. Your private telegram of llth instant. Holy places. Assurance
covers shrines in Mesopotamia.
P
I
From Viceroy, 16/7* September 1911.
Private. ^ Your private telegram of 12th instant. Assurances to Basrah
notables. By “ first two assurances to Sheikh of Koweit,” referred to by
Resident, we understood and meant, first, full possession of date gardens
and, secondly, immunity of same from taxation. It would seem that assu
rance of immunity for ejecting Turkish posts could hardly be needed in case
of Basrah notables, but Resident is being asked to remove ainbiguitv.