'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎68v] (139/256)

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for immediate attack on Fao. Force will then clear Turks out of the Shatt and its vicinity
as far as Shumhumyah if possible. After which it will await arrival of reinforcements from
India. Take steps to inform Arab Chiefs in Gulf and on Aden side. Please telegraph
probable date of despatch of reinforcements and composition.
No. 46.
Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. , Persian ( Jidf, to Secretary of State for India, Is/ November 1014.
(Telegraphic.)
Reference telegram from Consul at Mohammerah, dated 23rd October 1914. Turks have
sunk three ships in place mentioned. Rumour says mines reached Baghdad ; no confirmation.
Turks are preventing British merchants from leaving Basrah.
• |-No. 47.
Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. , Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , to Secretary of State for India, dated 2nd November 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Sheikh has received reliable information from his man at Fao that mines intended for
mouth of river have arrived there.
No. 48.
Notification of a state of IFar with Turley.
Owing to hostile acts committed by Turkish forces under German officers, a state of war
exists between Great Britain and Turkey as from to-day.
Foreign Office,
5th November 1914.
No. 49.
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 6th November 1914.
Force “ D.” Admiralty report its arrival on 3rd instant. Have you any further
information 4
No. 50.
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated 7th November 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
In addition to instructions contained in your telegram of 31st October following orders
were given to Delamain on 2nd November:—
“ Your force is not to go above Shumshumiyah, and is not to go to Mohammerah. You
may leave detachments where necessary.”
And on 6 th November :—“ Subject to military necessities, please see that neutrality of
Persian territory is respected in every way.”
No. 51.
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated 9th November 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Regarding despatch of reinforcements as ordered in your telegrams of 30th ultimo and
31st October the following units of 6 th Division were at once detailed:—Divisional Head
quarters :—18th Infantry Brigade, 10th Royal Field Artillery. Ammunition Column (less
one sub-section). Half British and one-quarter Indian Field Ambulance. One combined
clearing hospital. 48th Pioneers. No. 17 Company Sappers and Miners. Two squadrons
33rd Cavalry. Divisional Signal Company (less one section). To take these, three transports
sailed from Bombay on 7th November with 7th Rajputs, 110th Infantry, 120th Infantry, and
hospitals. Four more sailed 8 th November with Headquarters, 6 th Poona Division, and
18th Brigade, Norfolk Regiment, 63rd Battery and Divisional Ammunition Column. The
remainder of these troops and mule transport now under orders will sail very shortly from
Bombay. Camel transport for the Force has sailed from Karachi. The remainder of Division
will embark as soon as transports are available.
No. 52.
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated Vdth November 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Reference your telegram of 3lst October and continuation of mine of 9th November.
Barrett with 18th Brigade and Divisional troops will begin to reach Shatt-el-Arab about
15th instant. We have given him discretion to move on Basra, if after consultation with
Delamain he considers his present force strong enough. The remainder of 6 th Division
should reach Shatt-el-Arab about 28th November.