'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎94v] (191/256)

No. /. Z 2 "
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 2£th September 1914.
(Telegitiphic.)
My telegram of 2t)th September. The situation is still acute, but it is decided to take no
action for a couple of days. Meanwhile be prepared to act as proposed.
No.
/•
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated 26th September 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Following from
Resident at Bushire, dated 2Gth
September:—“ Informer supplied
me with copies of what he declares are translations of three cypher telegrams sent
latter half of July by Enver Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , of Constantinople, r ,„ 4^''. , :-i~mgIirffcr'cf the
despatch of arms and ammunition, and officers for training^**** Arabs, measures called for bv
the imminence of war in Europe. In further telegrams Enver informed Yali of Basra that
Turkish Government is prepared to help Germany in return for assistance received during
Balkan War; that arms and ammunition are being sent to Basra under German flag, and
that 32 secret emissaries, including German officers, are on their way to preach a Jehad m
Afghanistan, Baluchistan, and India.”
No. f / ‘I
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 2nd' October 191 h
(Telegraphic.)
Reference my telegrams of 26th and 28th September. Government have decided to take
action therein indicated. The force mentioned should be embarked so as to sail on 10th.
Please telegraph which Brigade and Commander will be sent; also which Mountain Batteries.
After force has sailed get ready remainder of 6 th Division for despatch. Will telegraph
more precise instructions to-morrow as to action to be taken. Presume you will adopt
Expedition “ D ” for description of this movement.
No. f. / ^
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 3rd October 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Private. My telegram of 2 nd October. Please instruct Officer Commanding that we are
at peace with Turkey and on no account is he to land troops on Turkish territory or take anv
other hostile action against Turks without orders from you except in case of absolute military
necessity. He may disembark if convenient to do so either on Abadan Island or at
Muhammei-ah, but preferably at Abadan. On this point, however, he should work in concert
with Naval and Political authorities. He should endeavour to avoid any action which might
cause friction with the Arabs either in Persian or Turkish territory, mny hnvo to roly
.Artk-Hw***! cooperation in the event of a rupture with Turkey. He will of course take all steps
to protect the oil tanks and other British interests in Persian territory. You will doubtless
take measures in sufficient time to warn the Political Officers in Gulf of action contemplated,
so that necessary communications may be made by them to Sheikhs of Mohammerah and
Koweit. '♦muI to Bin Kaond in good time so that they may have sufficient previous confidential
intimation of approach of expedition. Resident, Baghdad, should also be warned and directed
to communicate with consul at Basra. Admiralty are instructing Naval Authorities.
No. V / *
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 5th October 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
The force under orders is only intended to occupy Abadan, protect oil tanks and pipe line,
cover landing of reinforcements, if these should be necessary, and show Arabs that we intend
to support them against Turks. With warship at Mohammerah troops detailed arc considered
ample for above purposes. Should Turkey become a belligerent management of expedition will
devolve on you, but instructions as to scope of operations will, of course, come from me. Meain"
while you should prepare remainder of Division for despatch, but we do not propose to send
more troops to Abadan till Turkey shows her hand, though it may be advisable to send a first
reinforcement to Basidu as a near support. If political situation presages war the whole
Division would be wanted and land transport would become necessary. With t his in view you
might think it convenient to move Division gradually by rail and sea to Karachi, where
presumably you would be better able to equip with mule transport. Admiralty requested to
make arrangements for disembarkation with Naval Gommander-in-Chief. Shall be glad to
have a full expression of your views.
No.X /
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated, 1th October 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
In reply to your telegram of 5th October 1 in which you a^k for a full expression of my
views upon the Abadan project. I venture to put forward following considerations after
consulting Commander-in-Chief. It appears to us perfectly clear that the policy of Turkey,
which is not in a position to give real material assistance to the enemy, is dominated by