"مذكرات الحرب. مقر قيادة الجيش، الهند. [...] قوة المشاة الهندية «د». المجلد ٥٢. الجزء II. (من ١٦ إلى ٣٠ نوفمبر ١٩١٨.)" [و‎‎٣‎٦] (٥٥٨/٨٠)

rifles, 1914 pattern. 5,000 rifles neederl for this purpose are available.
Efficiency of Shebanas will be increased by this arrangement. They are already
performing same internal duties as were formerly done by troops and their
responsibilities will be extended considerably as troops are withdrawn from
Mesopotamia. Arrangement will also simplify upkeep of spares and supply
of S. A. A., as Mark VII will be the only type required throughout the
force.
Telegraph approval please.
Working copy to G. S. with Q,. M. G. (M. 0. 1).
Copy to M. S. C., G. S. (M. 0, 3, S. D. 1), I>. G. 0.
APPENDIX 325.
DIARY No. 92572-
Telegram P., No. X.- 3876, dated 16th November 1918.
(Despatched 1-40 p.m.; received 12-30 p.m„, 18th November 1918.)
From—-The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D, ” Baghdad,
To -The C. I. G. S., London.
(Repeated C. G. S., Simla.)
Preference paragraph (o^) of my X.-3595 of 4th November (Dy. No.
89310). It appears advisable that boundary shounld follow Turco-Persian border
from point where latter crosses Dialha to point east of Gilan, thence, west to
Pizan and along greater Zab as before. Please confirm. The object of this
is to avoid leaving narrow strip of-territory between boundary of Mosul Vilaiyet
and Mesopotamian boundary as previously defined. Turks might otherwise
aspire to continue to garrison Rania and Powanduz.
Record copy to Q. S. (M. 0. 3).
Copy to M. S. C , M. S. V., G. S. (M. 0. 1).
APPENDIX 326
DIARY No. 92590.
Telegram P., No. 9839, dated 14th Novembei^l918.
(Despatched 6-30. a.m.; received 11-0 p.ji , 15th November 1918.)
(Received in War Section, 18th November 1918.)
From—The Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Baghdad,
To—-The Secretary of State for India.
(Repeated Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Department,
Simla.)
Our railway policy in Mesopotamia has hitherto been determined by our
immediate strategic needs.
The whole matter in its broadest aspects is now doubtless engaging the
attention of Government, but I venture nevertheless to submit with consent
of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief the following brief statement of certain
local aspects of the question for such consideration as may seem called for.
Metre gauge lines exist from Basrah to Nasiriyah from Basrah to Amarah
and from Kut through Baghdad to near Khanikin.
A 2'-6' / line runs from Hillah to Dalfal.
The following standard gauge lines run from Baghdad (1) to Hillah (2)
to Dhibban just beyond Eellujah on Euphrates, and (3) to a point beyond
Tekrit in direction of Mosul.
Bridging and earthwork to link up Nasiriyah to Hillah by standard or
metre gauge as necessary is in hand and should be finished by March. The
construction of this railway has become of greater importance in view of the
general armistice and it should be of standard gauge if possible, hut if not should
be constructed ou metre gang 0 and converted later. This line is of considerable
importance from political and commercial point of view. The line from
Baghdad to Kut is a military necessity only, and could be taken up on
reduction of force and completion of Basrah-Baghdad line.
The continuation of standard gauge northwards from Tekrit is being ener
getically pushed forward and should reach northern limit of the Baghdad
Vilaiyet by end of this month. Its continuance to Mosul is of primary
importance, if we are to include this Vilaiyet within the boundaries of the Iraq
state. If on the other hand it is to fall within the Erench sphere it is perhaps
questionable whether it is expedient to utilise railway material so urgently re~