"بلاد الرافدين. اللجنة" [ظ‎‎١‎١‎٣] (٢٥٦/٢٢٩)

(u neral 'Ri.run to Secretary >f State for India, dated Sth duly 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Tigris line. Armed launch Shaitan and paddle steamer T 2 reconnoitred up Tigris to
b’ilaifiiah on morning of 8th. On arrival there they encountered an enemy steamer armed
with guns and a Thorneycroft with pom-pom. Exchange of artillery fire took place resulting
in retreat of enemy craft, your guns and one pom-pom were in action against us ; two of
them in prepared position on bank. Enemy's fire was accurate but we had no casualties.
Enemy occupied this Filaifilah position on 7th ; their strength there is put at 200 infantry
with guns above-mentioned and some cavalry. Enemy is reported to have at Ali Gharbi
similar strength of cavalry and infantry with two guns, and to be expecting reinforcements.
Attitude of Ghadban of Beni Lam regarded as doubtful. After observation of enemy’s
Filaifilah position reconnaissance returned to Kuinait whence patrolling by ltan will be
continued. Two 4 - 7 guns are being sent from Amara.
No. 15^.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated lit// July 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Euphrates line. During night of 10th 11th enemy opened rifle fire at intervals against
General Gorringe s advanced positions. Again at 7 a.m. on 11th heavy rifle fire supported by
gun fire was opened for two hours, but our advanced positions were maintained without
difficulty. The first of our steamers with reinforcements reached Gorringe at 5 p.m. 11th.
Tigris line : As result of our reconnaissances up river on 8th and 9th Ghadban\s demeanour
is now satisfactory, and he volunteers to co-operate in checking Turkish advance.
No.Tm,
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 12/// July 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Reference protection of Anglo-Persian oil interests. The Admiralty are most anxious
that there should be no further interruption of supply, and urge effective military protection
irrespective of tribal guarantees. They are informed that military are proposing to withdraw
troops from Ahwaz and pressing Oil Company to subsidise the Bawi tribe. Probably 2,000
cavalry, infantry and guns will suffice for this duty, but you in communication with Nixon can
advise on this point.
Nixon must be warned that the present situation in Persia and Aden renders it more
than ever advisable not to rely entirely on A*/aU-*ml JJnhhfriari guarantees. 1 understand
that as no further reinforcements for Persian Gulf are possible, you will not sanction further
advance but will be content for the time to hold the Basra vilayet and the pipe line.
/n
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated. 14/// duly 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Euphrates line. Gorringe attacked enemy's position on both banks of Euphrates night of
13th - 14th. On right bank he succeeded in securing and entrenching advanced position
within 400 yards of enemy's advanced trenches. Turning movement, commenced midnight
by 24th Punjabis and two sections 30th Mountain Battery on right bank with some sandhills
dominating rear of enemy’s position as objective, was met unexpectedly by strong opposition
from Arabs, and had to withdraw. Gorringe reported his intention to push forward at noon
of 14th up left bank against enemy's entrenchments, from which they appeared to be partially
withdrawing. Details not yet to hand, but casualties 24th Punjabis reported; heavy. Nine
enemy guns located, including one black powder heavy gun. Tigris line. Latest report of
Filaifilah position confirms it to be strong and held by force.
No.>S^
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated \bth duty 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Euphrates line. General Gorringe telegraphs on forenoon of 15th that during night of
14th-15th he again pushed forward working parties on right bank and extended his advanced
entrenchments sufficient for one battalion. On left bank enemy again attacked as on three
preceding nights. They were supported by artillery and very heavy rifle fire, but made little
forward movement. They have extended their advanced trenches on the left bank and put
more men into them, and opened a second line entrenchment some 1.400 yards in rear of
them. In view of these facts Gorringe decided against attacking at dawn 15th. At 6.20 p.m.
15th he telegraphed: —
“ Turks have been considerably reinforced and their strength, which on mv arrival was
2,000 regular rifles with eight guns, is now estimated at not less than 5,000 regulars with
nine guns. They yesterday morning received further reinforcements which is corroborated