"أوراق متعلقة بلجنة بلاد الرافدين من غرفة السير إ. بارو" [و‎‎٢‎١‎٩] (١٣٨٦/٤٤٢)

70
obr^'
From Viceroy, \st February 1916.
H. 809. Lake after visiting Aylmer lias sent following : —
# ( “ 8/23/0. 29th January. 1 had long discussion with Aylmer upon
situation to-day./ llis difficulties have been enormous, due to atrocious
weather and the pressure upon him to/advance promptly without waiting to
organise his force properly. The weather destroyed his bridge, flooded his
camp and trenches, and wore out his troops. The hurry of his advance jwas
due to Townshend’s appeals and neglect to state his true position regarding
supplies.
“ The weather is somewhat better though still threatening, the river has
fallen, but his men have suffered greatly and are not in a condition for
strenuous work. Nevertheless matters are improving and he ought to be
able to hold his present front until reinforcements, now in Mesopotamia,
arrive.
'“The date upon which he will again be able to contemplate advance to
relief of Kut depends mainly upon the arrival of a fresh bridging-train,
which is his greatest need. Boats and superstructure are on their way
up river, but the local boats are proving quite unsuitable for the purpose,
and a largely increased number of pontoons is essential from India at the
earliest possible date.
“ As regards supplies we believe we can, largely on account of his heavy
losses, keep him supplied until he is again made up to war establishment
and the three new Brigades arrive.
( “ By that time we hope sufficient river transport will have arrived from
India and elsewhere to meet increased demand. I am answering your wire,
36/2/84 of 27th, regarding supplies, separately.
' “As bearing upon question of Aylmer's future advance, I trust arrival of
at least a portion of three promised Brigades can be expedited ; otherwise I
shall have no reserve in hand to support in case of a reverse. Aylmer gives
a somewhat unfavourable account of the moral of his Indian troops, but I am
inclined to think this is largely due to bad weather and that with finer and
warmer weather their spirits will return, especially if their severe losses in
officers who understood them can be made good.’ 0
' Commander in-Chief adds that in Delhi his estimate was that 15th
e^nuary was earliest date on which Aylmer could advance and he did not
press Nixon to order an early advance.
‘" No appeals from Townshend have reached Commander-in-Chief. A true
estimate of Townshend’s position as regards supplies has been called for
from Lake. 0