'Mesopotamia. Commission' [‎111v] (225/256)

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V
No. 13/
Vieemij to Secretary of Stafr for Jnilia, ilateJ '2'.\etl May 191").
(Telegraph ie.)
Your telegram of the -4th ultimo. Nixon jiropo.^es to take offensive from Kurna up
Tigris on 24th, and does not consider any reinforcement will be required. We consider
his move desirable in order to extend our control over Tigris Valiev thereby securing the pipe
line and protecting the Basra vilayet in accordance with his orders and do not propose to
interfere with his intention. He will not of course proceed bevond Amara without vour
sanction.
No. 13»,
Secretary of State for India to I iceroy, dated 'lord May 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Your telegram of to-day. I sanction proposed movement on the clear understanding
that General Nixon is satisfied that he can concentrate a sufficient garrison at Amara to
defy any attack from Bagdad during the summer when it may be difficult for him to
reinforce so advanced a position. He must clearly understand his action must be guided bv the
fact that we can send him no further troops. As he must have made his arrangements for this
move some days ago, I hold that he . should have submitted his proposal before the last
moment. Questions jointly involving civil and military policy should under present circum
stances only be decided by the Cabinet.
No.
Secretary of State for India to I ice coy, dated 2-Uh May 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Reference my telegram of 19th April. Admiralty attach great importance to uninterrupted
maintenance of oil supply at Abadan. As they regard this as matter of extreme urgency ,
please impress on Nixon necessity of protecting pipe line throughout.
No.N^
General Mixon to Secretary of State for India, i/ated 2()th May 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
General Townshend reports from Kurna that his arrangements for an offensive movement
from that place against Rotah will be complete by illst May, on which date he proposes com
mencing his move. By the time he has reorganised his river transport after this operation 1
hope to have received definite orders as to the policy to be adopted regarding advance towards
Amara.
No. \.
Secretary of State for India' to Viceroy, dated ISth May 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Reference Nixon’s telegram of 26th instant. Please see my predecessor^ telegram of
24th April. 1 cannot give further instructions till 1 know with what force he is advancim*-
and immediate objects contemplated. Our policy must depend partly on local factors, forces
locallj" available and resistance expected, and partly on situation elsewhere. If you contem
plate occupation of Amara, T should like to know what force Nixon considers necessary for
its garrison during summer, and how generally he proposes to distribute his troops durin*>*
summer months.
No.^S^
General A icon to Secretary of State Jor India, dated Mix/ May 1915. _ v « v.
(Telegraphic.)
General Townshend Commenced combined operations this morning up Tigris from Kurna
at 5 a.m. with Royal Navy including His Majesty’s Ships h'rjdeyle, Odin, Clio. Lmcreuce. and
smaller vessels. Turning movement which started 1.30 a.m. on One Tree Hill was successfully
made, partly by helium and partly by wading. Bombardment of enemies’ positions bv naval
guns, land guns, guns on barges, rafts, Ac., started at 5 a.m.. and principal infantry attack by
17th Brigade under Colonel Climo was made by troops in heliums. By noon this Brimwle
had successfully captured Norfolk Hill, One Tower Hill, Shrapnel Hill, and Gun Hill, after
enemy’s guns had been mastered by our artillery. An advance in all of about four miles.
Our casualties not heavy. Two aeroplanes made useful reconnaissances. Heat excessive.
Operations will be continued to-morrow. Further details later. 1
1 Mr. Chamberlain succeeded the Marquess of Crewe as Secretary of State for India on the 27rh Mav H)lo