'Railways and L. of C. [Lines of Communication] Policy, Mesopotamia. Vol III' [‎269r] (538/549)

C•-in-C•, In ia.
War c it ice ;
repeated C. in C«. efiopotamir.
Handed in 1^*30 a*au t 27/6/1 ^
10*30 a*m* # 27/6/13*
x
HeoAiTed 10*;
49846 June 26th, K midniglit,
Reference Marshall 1 e X 9728 dated June 23rd* Examination of
this telegram bears out the advantages claimed by Marshall for the rnd
alignment via oautawah Hillah which, moreover» from its location between
2 branches of the Euphrates obtains natural protection from raids so
that the difficulties (which have hitherto been considerable) of assur
ing this lm of C* would be much reduced while present disposition of
Marshall 1 s troops on the iUuphrates line generally suitable for this
duty*
However the whole question is governed by our future policy
in Mesopotamia* Our existing communications suffice to support our
forces in Mesopotamia plus 50^ expansion and without further infomatior
oi/our future policy in upper Mesopotamia than I now possess, I do not
s jgT^ider that the expenditure of money and material required to carry
HarL^all’a project ihto execution can be justified*
3* There is a direct relation between the required capacity of
our co^mications in Mesopotamia and those which the enemy con develop
against tfnless he shows indications of very considerably improving
his existing communications it seoras to me that all the troops we are
likely to require in this theatre will be supported by our present
system*
4. Indian resources are heavily taxed in other theatres and in
order to met all demands upon us we have to exercise strict supervis*
Ion*
C.2. Copies to
M*0*x* copios to:-*
Army Council.
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