'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎98v] (199/256)

for immediate attack on Fao. Force will then clear Turks out of the Shaft ami its vicinity
as far as Shumshumiyah if possible. After which it will await arrival of reinforcements from
India. Take steps to inform Arab Chiefs in Gulf ami on Aden side. Please telegraph
probable date of despatch of reinforcements and composition.
No. 4^.
Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. , Persian < tnlf. to Secretary of State for India, \st Xomnlter 1 bit.
(Telegraphic.) _
Consul at Mohammerah telegraphs as follows with reference to his telegram dated 23rd
October 1914 :—“ Turks have sunk three ships in place mentioned. Rumour says mines reached
Baghdad; no confirmation. Turks are preventing British merchants from leaving Basrah.”
No. 4^
Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. , Persian dnlf, to Secretary of State for India, dated 2nd Sore in her 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Sheikh has received reliable information from Fao that mines intended for mouth of river
have arrived there.
Notification of a state of U nr with Tvrhei/.
Owing to hostile acts committed by Turkish forces under German officers, a state of war
exists between Great Britain and Turkey as from to-day.
Foreign Office,
5th November 1914.
No. 4^.
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, tinted 6th \orember 1914.
Force " D.” Admiralty report its arrival on 3rd instant. Have you any further
information r*
No. V
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, tlafeil 1th Socemher 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
In addition to instructions contained in your telegram of
were given to Delama in on 2nd November: —
“ Your force is not to go above Shumshumiyah. and is not
may leave detachments where necessary.
And on 6th November :—“Subject to military necessities,
Persian territory is respected in every way.
31st October following orders
to go to Mohammerah. You
please see that neutrality of
No.
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated 9th November 1914.
(Telegraphic.) . •
Regarding despatch of reinforcements as ordered in your telegrams of 3Uth ultimo and
31st October'the following units of 6 th Division were at once detailed:—Divisional Head-
ouarters :—18th Infantry^Brigade, 10th Royal Field Artillery. Ammunition Column (less
one sub-section). Half British and one-quarter Indian Field Ambulance. One combined
clearing hospital. 48th Pioneers. No. 17 Company Sappers and Miners. Two squadrons
33rd Cavalrv. Divisional Signal Company (lessone section). To take these, three transports
sailed from Bombay on 7th November with 7th Rajputs, 110th Infantry, 120th Infantry, and
hospitals. Four more sailed 8th November with Headquarters, 6th Poona Division, and
18th Brigade, Norfolk Regiment, 63rd Battery and Divisional Ammunition Column. The
remainder of these troops and mule transport now under orders w ill sail very shortly from
Bombay. Camel transport for the Force has sailed f.-om Karachi. The remainder of Division
will embark as soon as transports tire available.
No.
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated 13/// November 1914.
(Telegraphic.) . . .
Reference vour telegram of 3lst October and continuation ol mine of 9th November.
General Barrett with 18th Brigade and Divisional troops will begin toreach Shatt-el-Arab about
15th instant. We have given him discretion to move on B isra, if after consultation with
Delamain he considers his present force strong enough. The remainder of 6th Division
should reach Shatt-el-Arab about 28th November.