'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎79v] (161/256)

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No. 155.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for hid in, dated Sth July 1915.
(Telegraphic.) , ni .
Tigris line. Armed launch Shaitan and paddle steamer / - reconnoitred up ligius to
Filaifilah on morning of 8 th. On arrival there they encountered an^enemy steamei aimed
with guns and a Thomeycroft with pom-pom. Fxchange of artillery fire took place lesulting^
in retreat of enemy craft. Four guns and one pom-pom were in action against us , t'\ <> of
them in prepared position on bank. Knemy s fire was accurate but we had no casualties.
Enemy occupied this Filaifilah position on 7th ; their strength there is put at 200 infantry
with guns above-mentioned and some cavalry. Enemy is reported to have at Ali Gharbi
similar strength of cavalry and infantry with two guns, and to be expecting reinforcements.
Attitude of Ghadban of Beni Lam regarded as doubtful. After observation of enemy s
Filaifilah position reconnaissance returned to Kumait whence patrolling by Itan will be
continued. Two 4'7 guns are being sent from Amara.
No. 156.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated l\th July 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Euphrates line. During night of lOth-llth enemy opened rifle fire at intervals against
General Gorringe’s advanced positions. Again at 7 a.m. on 11th heavy rifle fire supported by
gun fire was opened for two hours, but our advanced positions were maintained without
difficulty. The first of our steamers with reinforcements reached Gorringe at 5 p.m. 11th.
Tigris line : As result of our reconnaissances up river on 8 th and 9th Ghadban’s demeanour
is now satisfactory, and he volunteers to co-operate in checking Turkish advance.
No. 157.
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 12/A July 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Reference protection of Anglo-Persian oil interests. The Admiralty are most anxious
that there should be no further interruption of supply, and urge effective military protection
irrespective of tribal guarantees. They are informed that military are proposing to withdraw
troops from Aluvaz and pressing Oil Company to subsidise the Baud tribe. Probablv 2,000
cavalry, infantry and guns will suffice for this duty, but you in communication with Nixon can
advise on this point.
Nixon must be warned that the present situation in Persia and Aden renders it more
than ever advisable not to rely entirely on Arab and Bakhtiari guarantees. I understand
that as no further reinforcements for Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. are possible, you will not sanction further
advance but will be content for the time to hold the Basra vilayet and the pipe line.
No. 158.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 14/A July 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Euphrates line. Gorringe attacked enemy’s position on both banks of Euphrates night of
13th-14th. On right bank lie succeeded in securing and entrenching advanced position
within 400 yards of enemy’s advanced trenches. Turning movement, commenced midnight
by 24th Punjabis and turn sections 30th Mountain Battery on right bank with some sandhills
dominating rear of enemy’s position as objective, was met unexpectedly by strong opposition
from Arabs, and had to withdraw. ^ Gorringe reported his intention to push forward at noon
of 14th up left bank against enemy’s entrenchments, from which they appeared to be partially
withdrawing. Details not yet to hand, but casualties 24th Punjabis reported heavy. Nine
enemy guns located, including one black powder heavy gun. Tigris line. Latest report of
Filaifilah position confirms it to be strong and held by force.
No. 159.
General Nixon to Secretary of State for India, dated 15/A July 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
^Euphrates line. General Gorringe telegraphs on forenoon of 15th that during night o
14th 15th he again pushed forward working parties on right bank and extended his advancec
entrenchments sufficient for one battalion. On left bank enemy again attacked as on tW
preceding nights. They were support*! by artillery and very livy rifle“ t made M
forward movement. II,ey have extended their advanced trenches on the left bank and n,
more men into them and opened a second line entrenchment some 1,400 yards in “a/o'
She telegraphed i — 6 deC,ded ^ *»vn 1.4 At 6.20 p.m
lurks have been considerably reinforced and their streno-th wU.vm _ • ,
2,000 regular rifles with eight guL, is now 5 ^ 3 ^^
nine gnus. They yesterday morning received further reinforcements which is cmrol,orate!