'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎102v] (207/256)

{Telegraphic.)
Secretory of State for India to 1 iceroy, doted '29th Jaiinory 1915.
Reference my telegram of 27th January and yours of same date. I presume 12th Brigade
will not arrive Mohammerah till about 7th February. Considering reported movements of
;nemy and spread of Jehad, this may be too late to protect pipe-line and oil-fields, as without
visible support friendly Arabs and Bakhtiaris may lose confidence in our power to assist them
in defending same. Under these circumstances is it not possible to send some troops from
Basra forthwith by river to Ahwaz ? Lynch’s steamers and other available transport can
probably convey a few mountain guns, and a couple of battalions which should suffice to hearten
Sheikh and his adherents as the Turkish raid is probably more formidable as regards potential
numbers than as regards its military value, while Ahwaz affords a good defensible point
d'appui. I am asking Admiralty to send Odin back to Shaft without delay, and am also
pressing War Office for further reinforcements of second line troops from this side which
would replace 12th Brigade in India and enable you to bring Barrett's force up to equivalent
of two Divisions. Please acquaint me fully with your views on above suggestions and with
action you propose to take thereon.
No.
1 iceroy to Secretary <>J State for India, dated JO/A .la/nuary 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Your telegram of 29th instant 12th Brigade should arrive at Mohammerah about
7th February. It is possible that they may be too late to protect pipe-line and oil-fields, but,
in our opinion, their protection should not be regarded as our principal object, which is to
crush any attacks on Kurna or Basra. Defeat at either of these places necessarily involves
subsequent destruction of oil-fields and pipe-line. In our view Barrett should not detach
troops to Ahwaz unless he feels confident that he can safely spare them, and we doubt whether
this is his opinion. In any case the whole decision must be left to him as he alone is in a
position to judge. \\ e shall be glad to receive any reinforcements that can be sent us, but
would prefer that this should if possible take form of the return of a Division of our
own troops from Egypt.
No. f9.
Secretary of State to 1 iceroy. Army Department, dated 1 st Felrrnan/ 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
5 our telegram of 30th January. I quite agree that Basra and Kurna are more important
factors in military situation than Karnn. ami must be the first consideration ; but if situation
in Shatt regioti is, in Barrett’s opinion, such that troops can be temporarily spared for defence
of latter, it may be prudent to support the Sheikh, as Turkish success on that side might
have a very far reaching political effect, and directly endanger our military position at Basra
and Kurna. It is to enable Barrett to act, if necessary, in Karun direction, that I have
obtained concurrence of Foreign Office, who have informed Teheran.
The question simply resolves itself into whether Barrett is confident that he can or not
safely detach troops during this week pending arrival of 12fh Brigade. Prompt support now
may obviate larger military efforts later.
As regards reinforcements from Egypt or England I will reply later.
Sir hi. tirey to IDs Majesty s Mnasti'r at I'ehran. dated \\rd I'ebruart/ 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Owing to increased Turkish and Arab activity in tin* direction of our oil-fields, it has
become necessary to send small force of Infantry up the Karun. His Majesty’s Ships
Shaitan and Comet with Consul and 30 British Infantry arrived Ahwaz 31st January, where
all was found quiet. The 7th Rajputs have now started up river. You should inform
Persian Government, explaining that llis Majesty’s Government have been compelled to take
these measures for the defence of their interests and property in default of am effective Persian
force sufficient to guarantee those regions against Turkish invasion, and that this defensive
measure, in the absence of any other possible means of protection, is the sole object of the
movement.
Secretary oj State for India to 1 iceroy. dated oth February 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Reference my telegram of 29th January. W ar Office express inabilitv to give any
reinforcements, either to replace 12th Brigade or to enable you to complete a second Division
forGulf. I understand that under these circumstances you consider that it would be unsafe to