'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎25r] (52/256)

144—Sep.
!
U 14,883
From Viceroy, Army Department, 31st March 101 (».
Jl. 2408. Your telegram 29th March. Vincent’s commission. Following
are terms of reference :—
(i Paragraph 1.—The commission is appointed with the object of
enquiring into and recording the arrangements made for the collection,
treatment and removal of the sick and wounded during the operations in
Mesopotamia subsequent to 1st September 1915 to the date of your departure
from Mesopotamia.
u Paragraph 2.—The strategical situation in Mesopotamia during the
above period, and the tactical obligations arising therefrom, will be borne
in mind throughout your proceedings.
“Paragraph 3.—You will distinguish clearly between the following
phases:—(1) From the battlefields to the lines of communication. (2) Down
the lines of communication to Basra. (3) At Basra. (4) From Basra to
overseas.
“Paragraph 4.—In each phase the forecast of the preparations con
sidered necessary, preparations actually made, and the equipment vehicles,
stores and personnel actually available at the localities and on the vessel
during the operations, will be investigated.
“ Paragraph 5.—The amount of river transport allotted for the Medical
Service will be examined with regard to the total amount available, and the
paramount military requirements for transportation of troops, supplies and
ammunition.
“ Paragraph G.—You will ascertain and record the relative order of
arrival of the combatant and medical units coming with reinforcements
from overseas in order to fix the responsibility for any deficiency in personnel
equipment and stores which could be attributed to the order of embarkation
for Mesopotamia.
“ Paragraph 7.—Having reviewed the foregoing considerations, your own
opinion required on the following points :—(1) As to whether the sick and
wounded underwent any avoidable suffering and hardships during any of
the phases defined in paragraph 3 of above, if so, you will' state the phase,
and you will ascertain and assign the responsibility, showing whether
individuals or the system were (? at fault). (2) As to whether any avoidable
shortage in the personnel, equipment, vehicles and stores occurred during
any of the four phases defined in paragraph 3 of above, if so, you will state
the phase, the shortage, and the reasons for it, ascertaining and assigning
the responsibility as in 1. (3) As to whether any shortages which may
have existed have now been made good. These embody alterations
necessitated by. your reply in Parliament, which have been cabled to
Vincent. We trust that terms of reference meet your requirements.”