'PAPERS RELATING TO THE MESOPOTAMIAN COMMISSION from SIR E. BARROW'S ROOM' [‎607r] (1225/1386)

3
Correspondence with the War Office and Admiralty regarding the
Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force (exclusive of correspondence
regarding Stores and India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Equipment!.
No. 1.
India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. to War Office.
No. 1610. (Secret.) India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. ,
Sir, SOfh. January 1915.
I am directed by the Secretary of State to call attention to the serious military
situation in India involved by the urgent necessity of sending reinforcements to the
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . As you are aware, a threatened attack on the Karim oil fields and
pipe line, together with the increasing menace to our position on the Shatt-el-Arab
owing to the co-operation of the Arabs with the Turkish troops, has compelled the
Government of India to despatch a Brigade from Karachi to meet the emergency.
The Secretary of State is convinced that this reinforcement should be speedily
followed by others if we are to maintain our position, and that General Barrett's
force in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. should be raised without delay to the strength of two
Divisions. He is further of opinion that we ought to.have a Brigade in readiness
in India to reinforce Aden at short notice, but I am to point out that India is totally
unable to provide these reinforcements unless British troops can be despatched to
India forthwith, to ensure her internal security and adequate forces for the defence
of her frontier. I am, therefore, to ask whether the Secretary of State for War can
arrange for the very early despatch of at least eight battalions to India. Highly
trained troops are not necessary for this purpose, and Lord Crewe will be well satisfied
if battalions of the New Armies or Territorials can be detailed for this duty. These
troops will be able to complete their training in India, and will then eventually be
fitted to release other fully trained units.
The attached table 1 will show the inadequacy
of the present garrison of India.
I have, &c.,
E. G. Barko v, General,
Military Secretary.
No. 2.
War Office to India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. .
No. 0164/3146. (M.O. 1.) Secret. War Office, London, S.W.,
gi r? 2nd February 1915.
1 am commanded by the Army Council to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter No. 1610 of the 30th January 1915.
I am to acquaint you that the forces in England are all required for the defence
of this country and for the prosecution of the war on the Continent which is of
primary importance. The Army Council do not consider that any troops beyond the
34 Battalions of the Territorial Force now in India can be spared for the garrison of
that country. They would point out that the 12 Battalions of the 1 st Wessex
Territorial Division ought now to be fit to take up their duties near the frontier, and
that they should be available to relieve the nine regular battalions now employed
tl lcre ; but they understand that the Indian military authorities are not using them
for this purpose. If this were done where necessary, India could, the Army Council
consider fcarrv out the views of the Secretary of State as regards the reinforcement
of General Barrett’s forces. It seems doubtful whether a brigade will be required
to reinforce Aden, and the Army Council would be glad to be informed if this is the
view of the military authorities in India,
1 Vide page 4.
The Secretary, War Office.
The Under Secretary of State
for India.
I am, &c.,
B, If. Brace.