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File 4722/1918 Pt 8 'Mesopotamia: Situation' [‎386r] (784/995)

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The record is made up of 1 volume (491 folios). It was created in 28 Jun 1920-11 Feb 1921. It was written in English. The original is part of the British Library: 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. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity. .

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Draft Paper
A
Department.
(P 4821) From Secretary of State to Civil Commissioner, Baghdad,
ISth June 1920.
Clear the line.
My telegram 4216 (3). You are authorised to make immediate anuouneement,
with following alterations Para. 1 , omit words “ await the formal definition of its
terms by the League of Nations. They”. Last paragraph, omit all words after
“permanent organic law,” but do not make the announcement unless Cox concurs.
If he differs please telegraph his reasons.
Though references to League of Nations are thus eliminated, His Majesty’s
Government do not accept the views expressed in para. 9 of your telegram 6948 of
9th June.
I should be glad have Cox’s views as to deputation proposed in your
telegram 6976 of 9th June. I am reluctant to accept the suggestion that negotiations
shall proceed in London, but am prepared to consider the matter further. You will
presumably therefore postpone drastic action against irreconcilables for the present.
(P 5238) From Civil Commissioner, Baghdad, ord July 192U.
(Repeated to High Commissioner.)
(Received 5th, 8 p.m.)
(R.) 8039. High Cormnissioner s I mx (?gi'ou|>
glad to see Jafar lasha at bcwji L , ' , V i pj o . 0 v Rt Mosul or by sea.
omitted) in his own interests to,reccimmeiKt tliaOie WiU , ling in order to
IE former, he should come via lei Atar mel ui 0 !i that I am only waiting for
prevent possible misunderstanding. I teleoram No. 7431 of 20th June m
authority to make announcement i e e 11 ei i to ]) amascus and Aleppo and
order to telegraph its purport tinough 1 1 asc .j gt [ n discussions on subject of
sjr Sii i« .o»i, . «.«»
tions with such doubtful elements as olhcers referred to.
(P 52381 From Seeretani of State to Civil Commissioner, Baghdad.
■ Sth July 1920.
Clear the line.* . . . . ± \ mu:
Your telegram 8039, dated 3rd July. Do not issue invitation to Baghdadi
officers pending further instructions.

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Content

The volume consists of correspondence, memoranda, drafts, and departmental notes relating to rebellion against British mandatory rule in Mesopotamia [approximately corresponding to present-day Iraq], later known as the Iraqi Revolt of 1920.

The volume covers the period from the start of unrest in May 1920 to British imposition of control in October of the same year. The majority of the volume comprises reports from political officers across Mesopotamia on the situation in their respective divisions and districts.

Other matters discussed within the volume include:

  • The suspected causes of the uprising, including fears of ‘Bolshevik’ and pro-Turkish influence
  • Settlement of the border between Syria and Mesopotamia
  • Military strategy and operations, including the need for reinforcements
  • The severing of British lines of communication, particularly rail
  • The efficacy and principles of the use of armoured cars and air raids as means of control following numerous cases of misidentification and disproportionate force that resulted in the deaths and injuries of innocent people
  • Political and civil policy in the region
  • Identification and arrest of some of the leaders of the rebellion
  • The prominence of events in Mesopotamia in the British press
  • The question of disarming the tribes following the suppression of the rebellion.

Principal correspondents include officials at: 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. ; the Office of the Civil Commissioner in Mesopotamia (from November 1920, the High Commissioner); the War Office; General Headquarters of the military in Mesopotamia; and the Government of India, Foreign and Political and Army departments.

The volume contains cuttings from several publications, including: The Times , The Statesman , The Observer , The Daily Herald , The Daily Mail , The Baghdad Times , and The Near East .

The volume includes a divider which gives the subject number, the year the subject file was opened, the subject heading, and a list of correspondence references by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence. A second divider is included, for File 4722/1918 Part 7, entitled ‘Mesopotamia: Sir A. Wilson’s invitation to Syrian Baghdadis’. This was transferred to File 5268/20 Parts 1 and 2 (see IOR/L/PS/10/913).

Extent and format
1 volume (491 folios)
Arrangement

The volume is arranged in approximate chronological order, from the rear to the front.

The subject 4722 (Mesopotamia) consists of ten volumes, IOR/L/PS/10/755-764. The volumes are divided into twelve parts, with parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12 comprising one volume each. Part 10 is missing. Part 7, entitled ‘Mesopotamia: Sir A. Wilson’s invitation to Syrian Baghdadis’, was transferred to File 5268/20 Parts 1 and 2 (see IOR/L/PS/10/913).

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 489; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio. Multiple intermittent additional foliation sequences are also present. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves. The sequence contains one foliation anomaly, f 89a.

Written in
English in Latin script
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File 4722/1918 Pt 8 'Mesopotamia: Situation' [‎386r] (784/995), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/10/761, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100137804988.0x0000b9> [accessed 8 June 2026]

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