File 53/1915 Part IV 'German War: Turkey; Caliphate etc' [‎224v] (445/481)

by regular officers, and are perhaps more accustomed to manoeuvre than the
newly raised divisions of British and Colonial troops, which must be of
better individual quality but perhaps collectively less mobile.
I should also like to reinforce what I have said on the general political
situation, with regard to the necessity of co-operation and co-ordination as
regards our various theatres in the East ; and also of urging the importance
of a clear understanding among the Entente Bowers, which would enable
available troops to be used at available points. If my tour has impressed
me with one thing above another, it is the advantage which our enemy gains
by using every available local asset as a part of one harmonious scheme.
I should also take this opportunity of saying that no matter how dark
things may look, we must never forget that Turkey is undoubtedly getting
exhausted in men, and that the poverty and distress in the provincial
capitals of Syria and Mesopotamia is always an advantage to us, the advent
of Entente troops meaning trade and payment in lieu of requisition and
extortion.
In conclusion 1 mention that I saw the Resident at Aden and Colonel
Jacob. I believe that the commandant of the Turkish forces outside Aden
might not be beyond the reach of financial influence ; he is isolated and
cannot attack us, and doubtless dare not retire for fear of punishment; his
Turkish soldiers are also deserting to us pretty freely, about 29 Anatolian
Turks and 3 Syrians having come in in the last three weeks.
Major-General C. E. Callwell,
' C.B., &c., Ac.,
Director of Military Operations,
War Office, Whitehall, S.W.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
M. Sykes.