"السكك الحديدية في بلاد الرافدين وسياسة [خطوط الاتصالات]، المجلد II" [و‎‎١‎٣‎٠] (٢٧٤/٢٥٩)

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7rcm : General Freeland, Baora*
: CM .G.S. Repeated DcG.M-R.
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S = 409 b .
Handed in 7 poiiio 23♦ IF.^9.17
Received C a«m, 2 5*12»1917
Ho .F14 Bocember 23rd . Ar* \ , ^ A
/
Kindly refer to my instructions snd tolegram 57429 and
60 5'09 fi' on India.
Was informed on arrival in India Government of India hid
appointed separate civilian commission with myself as chairman to
report on "Organization and administration of the railways and
river transport" in Mesopotamia, although War Office had already
allotted this task to my ndhndicn.
Apparently action of Government of India is primarily bese-d
or misunderstanding, owing to War Office not having advised them
that I was aoocupanlodhjry erpert staff and because War Office mado
no cenjp&nt on words " Commissic n on transportation" in telecram
6Mo9 frem India which implia4-Xnjdi.an commission, of which I was tc
bf chairman, was tc investigate not only personnel situation but
whole transportation. To effect amalgamation between the two —
commissions; ensure on main points at issue most rapid decisions;
avoid duplication and unneceesc'ry-imnis dn and to rive effect
oO War Office in'.'^»nt_uOn tnat porsonnoi and main transportation report
shculd.be separate, I suggested te C.in 0. India at Lelhi that
since X had IVliy qualified military staff with me
1 • Tho Indian commission should proceed to examine the
ree-ourcos of personnel and material in India at once.
2. That there should accompany me to Mesopotamia one member
1 Indian commission who should examine utilization of labour and
material on the spot, end
3. ea many of the Indian commission as necessary should join
me in Mesopotamia and draw report for Indian Government as soon at;
Cl) was complete. Realizing necessity of avoiding duplication and