'PAPERS RELATING TO THE MESOPOTAMIAN COMMISSION from SIR E. BARROW'S ROOM' [‎14r] (27/1386)

finding the Turks had rallied at Ctesiphon after the defeat at Kut, I
telegraphed from Azizieh, where 1 had halted my pursuit. The words I
used were as follows :—
If on the other hand it is the desire of Government to occupy Baghdad,
then, unless great risk is to he run, it is in my opinion absolutely necessary
that the advance from Kut should be carried out methodically by two
divisions or one Army Corps or by one division supported closelv by
another complete division, exclusive of the garrisons of the important
places of Xasirieh, Ahwaz and Amara.’
“ ‘ f consider this pointed out risk sufficiently and was all, in my opinion,
that a subordinate commander could do. It 'would be contrary to discipline
to protest in the full sense and meaning of the word. Further, I wish
to say that 1 told Sir John Nixon previous to the battle at Kut that not
only did T hope to defeat the Turks in their position at Kut but also, as
at Kurna, to rout them completely, and that, if I saw the chance, as I did
in May at Amara, I should take the risk of pushing on into Baghdad
on the heels of the rout; but I halted at Azizieh on finding that the
Turks had rallied at Ctesiphon in formidable numbers. The knowledge
1 had gained of the reinforcements the Turks had sent to Mesopotamia
and the experience of the Kut battle made it clear to me that, compared
with those at Kurna. I had very different troops to deal with, and that
in order to take Baghdad it was essential for me to be cautious and
that at least an Army Corps would be required. This I have mentioned
to show my readiness to accept every responsibility for my actions,
and that in the first instance 1 mvself had contemplated getting into
Baghdad.’” {Ends.) - ‘
It has not been possible to refer to General Kemball as he is wounded.
No. 9.
Military Department letter No. 3341, dated ilth April 1916, to
General Sir John Nixon, K.G.B., A.D.C.
Sir,
With reference to your letter of the 11th April 1916, I am directed
to forward for your information the attached copy of a further telegram
dated 10th April (No. 8 above), received from the Government of India’
and to say that Mr. Secretary Chamberlain would be glad to receive any
observations you may have to make as early as possible.
I am, Ac.,
E. G. Barrow.
No. 10.
From General Sir John Nixon to the Under Secretary of State for India
\'2th. April 1916.
Sir,
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your 3341 of the 11th
instant (No. 9 above), enclosing the Viceroy’s telegram of the 10th instant
and asking for my observations on General Townshend’s telegram of the
7th instant.
This telegram confirms what I said in my letter of yesterday that I
received no representation from General Townshend subsequent to his
telegram of the 3rd October. We are personal friends and I cannot but