‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 1. September 26th, 1914 to October 17th, 1914.’ [‎45r] (98/128)

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APPENDIX 61.
Telegram P., No. 1207, dated 11th October 1914.
From—The 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. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire,
[Diary No. S 4 S 2 ^
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Department.
On the Qth October His Britannic Majesty’s Consul at Muhammarch telegraphed to me _ he urges the importance of retaining our men-of-
war un the river to protect British interests. He expresses ? this view as the result of an interview wtth the Shaikh who evinced much agitation at the turn which
events were taking Secondly, he reports an interview with Saiyid Talib at the instance of the Shaikh who represented Taljb as being prepared to fall m with our
viewsin the event of a rupture with Turkey. At the meeting, no definite proposal was made by Tahb, who stated that Turkey was bent on war and that he
could render assistance before, but not after, the outbreak of hostilities. Tahb wished to have an interview with me. His Majesty s Consul doubts the advisability
of coming to a definite settlement with a man of this calibre.
The Russian Consul-General on the other hand, informs me that a Russian merchant, who has lately come from Basrah, tells him that the Russian
Consul ? there is of opinion that Turkey does not desire war and that this is the general belief in Basrah, where the bazar rumours are all of the victories of the
Allies. 'Government of India telegram No. 875-8, dated the 9 th October 1914, conveys a similar impression.
From these reneated overtures, it is somewhat difficult to help coming to the conclusion that some of our sympathisers at the head of Gulf are perhaps,
slmhtlv more disappointed (at ?) hopeful turn things are taking and are loth to miss the opportunity of fishing in troubled waters.. Presuming that our object is
really toavert war with Turkey if this is possible, I would urge that proposed expedition be abandoned Grand Viziers instructions to Va 1 . be given wide publicity
Ind afterTreasonable interval of say 14 days, if events do not take any untoward turn, withdraw His Majesty’s ships ‘‘Odin ’ and “ Espiegle , as we have
saved our face, from vicinity of river and with occasional visits, satisfy ourselves that our rights to use the water way to Muhammareh is maintained.
As regards Tahb I intend to send him a reply through the Shaikh to the effect that for the moment I do not see any object in the proposed inter-
view 1 suaaeft adding to the communication, in order to avoid giving offence, that the situation at Constantinople is not as grave as ,t is said in Basrah to be
inform Taiib of the latest orders which have been given to the Vali and say that Great Britain, whose sincere wish it is to avoid a breach of her traditional
friendship with Turkey, has by no means given up all hope of succeeding in maintaining peace.
APPENDIX 62.
Telegram P,, No. 5460-W., dated 13th October 1914. [Diary No. 5460.)
From—The Chief of the General Staff, Simla,
To— General DELAMAIN, Taj Mahal, Bombay. (Repeated General Division, Poona.)
Any extra stores thought to be necessary should be obtained by the Commander of the Sapper Company of Delamain's force. A supply of casks, bailies,
corrugated iron sheeting, barbed wire, and sand bags might be useful.
With reference to sterilizing plant, please consult the medical authorities.
This is in answer to Delamain’s B. M. 7 of 12th October. (Diary No. $ 444 ).