'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎101r] (204/256)

\\ (‘ request that very early sanction may be given to us to proceed on the lines of Sir
F (/OX S recommendations for temporary adminstratiou, with which we are f-enerally in
agreement. As the interests of the Government of India in the Gulf are intimately involved
w® assume that they will direct administration. We propose that Mr. Dobbs, an officer with
special qualifications, should be sent at once to take over the departments mentioned in
telegram No. 2 above, on the understanding that the General Officer commanding the force of
occupation will exercise general control.
. et.
No
(Irnfivnl Hm-rctt to Srci rfan/ of State for India, doted bth December 1914
(Telegraphic.)
4th December A force of two battalions and two guns covered by naval escort landed on
eft bank five miles below kurua this morning. Reported enemy in considerable strength at
kurna. Force is establishing itself to-night and will be reinforced if necessary to-morrow
when river flats return. Half battalion 20th Punjabis marched to Shaiba four miles north of
/ubaide to-day where outpost is to be maintained.
No.\
(leuenil liorrett to Secretonj of State for Indio, doted 6fh December 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Ineutenant-( olonel 1' razer had a successful action with enemy on left bank of Tigris
opposite Kftrna. Enemy was driven off left bank losing heavily, and we took 2 guns and
70 prisoners, including 3 Turkish officers. 110th Mahrattas charged enemy's entrenchments
\vith bayonet but latter sur rendered on their approach. Village of Kurna on right bank was
found strongly held by guns and infantry, and our troops having no means of crossing river
as our boats came under shell fire, withdrew to bivouac four miles south. Armed sloops and
held guns on flats gave great assistance. Steamers Miner and Lawrence hit bv shells I am
sending reinforcements under General Fry this evening; he will have 4£ battalions and
0 Royal Iield Artillery guns on flats. The 17th Brigade will complete disembarkation at
.Magil to-morrow. Both telegraph lines rid Fao to India are now in working order.
No.V
India, dote,! Sth December 1914.
(Ie.neral liorrett to Secretanj of State ft
(Telegraphic.)
Disembarkation of 17th Brigade at Magil completed. 119th disembarked at Basra
(leneral 1 ry reported Mezera was occupied by Turks yesterday. They attacked his outposts
at two in the afternoon, but were repulsed with some loss. To-day, Fry probably been
engaged, but no details yet received. j ^
No. \
<Icneral Barrett to Secretari/ of State for India, doted 9th December 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
.^th Decmnber. Y esterday, General Fry, after strenuous opposition recaptured Mesera
and left bank I igris, bivouacking on captured position. Three guns captured, two disabled,
and about 100 prisoners, including three Turkish officers. To-day, 110th and 104th and two
mountain guns crossed Tigris by flying bridge and dhows, and made good north end (? of)
^jUi na. Bemainder of force crosses to-morrow. One squadron of cavalry left for Kurna to-
No.
<Icneral Barrett to Secretary of State for India, dated 9th December 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
!>Hi Decembe,- Subln Bey, late Vali ot Basra. eon,»andmg the forces at Kurna
Mirifn.lered unconditionally witb 400 Turks to General Fry. this morninR.
No.X
(Icneral Bit nett to Secretary of State for India, dated 9th Deeembet 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
9th December General Fry now reports number of Turks surrendered as follows —
* ubhl ^ Wlth 42 officers and 969 men. Also two field and two mountain guns.
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