File 756/1917 Pt 2-3 ‘ARAB BULLETIN Nos 66-114’ [‎17r] (42/834)

defensive line is so extended that it would require a comparatively
large force to ensure the safety of the position. The present
Arab force consists of about 300 mounted men, two mountain
guns, and four machine guns. It is composed of Meccan troops
and Syrian and Baghdad Arabs and looks of poor quality ; but
the C.O., Malud Effendi, is one of the best officers in the Arab
army, and can be relied on to put up a stout defence. The
highest hills dominating the position are held by regular troops ;
more distant hills are picketed by the Bedouins. Jaafar Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders.
and myself inspected the whole position and made some altera
tions in the dispositions ; and as much as is possible has been
done with such a small force available. The troops are suffering
much from cold which is intense on the hill tops, and there are a
few cases of dysentery. All the available blankets have been
sent from Akaba, but still there are not sufficient. The natives
in these parts wear sheepskin-lined abbas and soldiers, there
fore, with one blanket only are suffering much from cold. Jaafar
Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. and myself made from here a reconnaissance of the Turkish
position of Ain Busta about four miles south-east of Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows.
Musa. Not much could be observed beyond fortifications on the
top of the hills, and about 200 horses and mules saddled up in
the wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. below. There are estimated to be a tabur of infantry,
and about 500 mounted troops at Ain Busta, but up to date no
demonstrations have been made against Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Musa.
From Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Musa to Delagha the road traversed was the
same as we arrived by. Me reached Delagha a few hours after
the place had been bombed by one of our own aeroplanes. There
was a considerable amount of indignation among the Arabs, but
on the whole they took it very well, and understood the great
difficulties pilots have in recognising the various places.
From Delagha to Gfarandil the distance is about twenty-two
miles. With the exception of about five miles, which lies in the
bed of the Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Garandil, the whole of this is a made road cut
out of the sides of the hills. The road is much out of repair,
and in its present state impassable for cars: fifty men working-
seven or eight days could repair it, and it would then be worth
a reconnaissance, with a view to getting cars all the way from
Akaba to Delagha via the Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Arabah. There is no water
on the road, but water is obtainable at Bir Earned about two
miles north of the road, and about seven miles from Delagha.
Garandil is situated at the mouth of the Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Arabah, and was
evidently the site of a large Turkish camp. Concrete water-
troughs had been erected, and there are the remains of a large
bakery. The present garrison consists of 150 Arabs (non-regu
lars) under a sherif, and the place should be easily defended from
an attack either east or west.
From Garandil to Akaba, the distance is about forty miles.
The road runs down the bed of the Wadi A seasonal or intermittent watercourse, or the valley in which it flows. Arabah and there is a
good deal of heavy sand ; but I think a track for motor-cars