'PAPERS RELATING TO THE MESOPOTAMIAN COMMISSION from SIR E. BARROW'S ROOM' [‎563r] (1137/1386)

Xo. 43.
Exti act from a private TjCttcv f rom Lord Hardmgc to the Secretary of State for India,
dated 18th February 1916.
I may mention here that 1 have at last succeeded in convincing' the military
authorities that the medical arrangements up the Tigris are as bad as can be. I have
seen letteis liom wounded officers complaining of the absence of most of the ordinary
necessaries, such as bandages, while we know for a fact that there are simply tons of
bandages waiting at basra which have been sent from India, m addition to every
soit of comfort required for the troops. Of course, the answer of the military
authorities is that transport facilities are wanting; that is true, but the transport of
such things as bandages is just as important as the transport of shells and food.
Xo. 44.
■Telegram from Commander-iu-Chief,
India to IVar O ffice, dated Vdth February 1Q1G.
Xo. 39700. lour 13030. Cipher A.M.D. 1. It is estimated bv Director of
Medical Services, Force “D,” that if obtainable lOO.additional Royal Army Medical Corps
nursing orderlies for duty in Mesopotamia hospitals will be very welcome. Can you
kindly arrange for the supply of these men t As suitable accommodation cannot be
available, the female nursing establishment of No. 32 General Hospital, viz., I matron,
2(3 sisters, and 40 nurses wall not accompany that unit to Mesopotamia. The Principal
Director of Medical Services, Cairo, was asked if he could replace this establishment by
Royal Army Medical Corps nursing orderlies and replied that trained men were not
available. He has, however, been requested to send Royal Army Medical Corps
orderlies whether trained or not, and later he will be asked to supply 50 sisters and
stall nurses to replace casualties in Mesopotamia and for duty in India.
Xo. 45.
Telegram from Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 22nd February 1910.
Private. Reports continue to reach me of gravest deficiencies in medical
arrangements in Mesopotamia. I hear of wounds only once dressed during whole
river transport, of serious shortage of bandages, and absence of all medical comforts,
whether for sick or wounded. 1 fear there is great disorganisation, and though I
recognise inherent difficulties of transport, I feel that enquiry undertaken by
Commander-in-Chief is urgently needed. Has officer appointed by him to inspect
yet reached ’Mesopotamia. As soon as you receive report from him, please telegraph
summary.
Xo. 40.
Telegram from Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 22>rd February 1910.
Private. Your private telegram of 16th February. Joint War Committee would
contemplate devoting their resources on a large scale to proposed work in Mesopotamia.
*2ir A. Lawley would go himself to organise work as representative of Joint War
Committee, but vmuld be willing to wmrk under Lukis as representative of Indian
Council. 1 think that it would be an advantage to secure Lawdey’s services, and the
whole-hearted co-operation of the home organisation which that would involve, and
that the arranngement which he suggests would work smoothly. He could collect a
hospital unit here with a first-class surgeon, whom he knows, dentist and nursing
stall, &c., complete. He asks me to send through you the following message to
Lukis ^ ^ & 0
“ I have been Commissioner of the British Red Cross Society and the Order of
St. John in France for over a year, working under Sir Arthur Sloggett. If you will
accept my services the Joint War Committee will depute me as their representative
in Mesopotamia to establish a Supply Depot, one or more hospital units, and organise
service of motor boats. I would like to work under you and undertake to fit in with
your existing arrangements without any friction. The Joint Committee can command
all necessary funds and material, but would like me to represent them.”
Please let me know by telegraph whether his proposal is accepted.