"أوراق متعلقة بلجنة بلاد الرافدين من غرفة السير إ. بارو" [ظ‎‎٥‎٤‎٦] (١٣٨٦/١١٠٣)

18
Xo.^
Extract from a Private Letter from, Lord Ilardivge to the Secretarij of State for
India, dated 17th March 191G.
I welcome tlie mission of Mr. Ridsdale to Mesopotamia and the assistance that the
Red Cross will give in providing comforts and necessaries for the troops. I he more
they can give the better I shall be pleased, and, as time goes on, the facilities for
moving up medical stores and comforts are improving every day.
No. > 8 . ^
Telegram from Secretary of Stale for India to 1 iceroy,
dated 27th March 191G.
Private. My letters of 24th February and 2nd March. Paragraph 4 in each.
Has Commander-in Chief, or any high oflicer in his confidence, yet visited
Bombay? I am profoundly disturbed by reports which reach me indicating absence
of proper organisation at Bombay base of Expeditionary Force “ D.” I doubt whether
stall' there is sullieient, and 1 feel sure that it has not sufficient authority. I gather
from Army List that all staff officers now there are temporary, and have apparently
no staff training.
I address you privately in deference to your request.
I think it necessary that you should insist on full examination. Reports reaching
home raise doubts as to efficiency of preparations and supervision in other respects
than medical.
/ No.
Telegram from Secretary of State for fndia to Yiccmy,
dated 27th March 191G.
Private. Public confidence in Yincent-Bingley enquiry would be much
strengthened by addition of independent specialist. Ridsdale now proceeding as
Red Gross Commissioner on “ Kaisar-i-Hind ” fulfils both conditions. Unless he
would arrive too late to be of any use, I strongly urge his appointment. 1 refrain
from issuing orders, but I attach greatest importance to this recommendation, which
I earnestly commend to your acceptance. Public opinion here is justly stirred by
reports received, and unless enquiry is complete and fearless and thorough!v
independent, it will not satisfy anyone.
No. Gj/. &
Telegram from Viceroy to Secretary of State for India,
dated 2Sth March i916.
Private. Your private telegram of 27th instant. Yincent-Bingley enquiry. I
welcome addition of Ridsdale although Yincent could be trusted to give a fearless
and independent decision. Vincent and Bingley are already in Mesopotamia taking-
evidence, and I do not think it necessary to arrest their proceedings pending
Ridsdale’s arrival unless you desire this done.
No. G/.^
Telegram from Secretary of State for India to Viceroy,
dated 28th March 191G.
Private. Your private telegram of to-day. Please add Ridsdale accordingly, but
do not interrupt enquiry.
No.//
Telegram from Viceroy to Secretary of State for India,
dated ‘69th March DIG.
Private. Your private, telegram of the 27th instant. 1 have not yet received your
private letter of the 2nd March, but I will reply to paragraph 4 of your letter of* the
24th February and affiliated questions contained in above-mentioned private tele "ram.
As an enquiry is being made into the medical situation in Mesopotamia,^it is
unnecessary for me to say anything. It is true Commander-in-Chief has not visited
Bombay since the outbreak of war, and I venture to submit that it has been quite
impossible for him to do so. The situation on the Frontier and elsewhere lias been