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'Mosul Question, Lausanne 1922-1923 and after - Papers, despatches, speeches - Hotel de la Mer at Lausanne - Correspondence about oil' [‎20r] (39/501)
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'Mosul Question, Lausanne 1922-1923 and after - Papers, despatches, speeches - Hotel de la Mer at Lausanne - Correspondence about oil' [‎20r] (39/501)

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'Mosul Question, Lausanne 1922-1923 and after - Papers, despatches, speeches - Hotel de la Mer at Lausanne - Correspondence about oil'
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Ref: Mss Eur F112/294

The record is made up of 251 folios (1 file). It was created in 15 Nov 1922-3 Nov 1923. It was written in English. The original is part of the British Library: 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. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity. .

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3
Annexure A.
Appreciation by Sir John Salmond of the Military Situation with Special Reference
to Turkish Invasion of Iraq. October 1, 1922.
TOO late in the year for serious attack by Turks from Rowanduz direction.
Roads south of Van too difficult.
2. Probability of increased propaganda and incitement of Kurdish tribes to
act against us on our eastern flank, combined with a Turkish attack from the
north-west, especially from Jezire-ibn-Omar direction.
3. Presumably Turks would consider the Dardanelles their main front, and
if they desire to hit us in this direction, they might reasonably consider a detachment
of two divisions and one cavalry brigade sufficient to retake Mosul.
All Kurdish tribes would probably side with the Turks so long as they thought
that the Turks would win.
The only friendlies we could count upon north of Mosul would be the Assyrians,
and only those settled near Dohuk (about 2.000 men—partly armed) would be in a
position to assist us.
4. Although the defence of Mosul, with the long line of communications to
Basra, cannot be said to be a sound military proposition under present conditions,
still, in my opinion, it would be fully justified for the following reasons :—
{a.) Prestige and obligations to the Iraq Government.
{b.) Possibility of inflicting defeat on the above-mentioned Turkish invading
forces, by even such a small force as five battalions and two batteries
if combined with the whole weight of the Royal Air Force. If successful,
our prestige would be enormously increased, and the frontier of Iraq
secured.
(c.) The ground north of Mosul, on the left bank of the Tigris, lends itself to
skilful manoeuvre of our ground forces. Also any hostile force advancing
on Mosul from Jezire-ibn-Omar or Nisibin directions would be
exceptionally vulnerable from the air.
5. In my opinion, the danger of the Kurdish forces backed by Turks advancing
west of the Aqra-Erbil-Kirkuk-Kifri line, against our line of communications on
the right bank of the Tigris, is a danger which could be countered by the levies and
Royal Air Force.
6. Probable Dispositions.
Outposts Zone .—Assyrian levies (2 battalions, 1 pack battery, 2 squadrons at
Zakho and Aqra, with supports near Dohuk nd Mindan) holding their present
positions. Road over Zakho pass to be prepared for demolition.
Battle Position .—Already selected near Butak Su, about half-way between
Mosul and Zakho.
Striking Force —
One brigade group consisting of—
1 Indian Pack (Howitzer) Battery
1 Indian Infantry Battalion
1 Armoured Car Company (less 1 section)
2 sections Combined Field Ambulance
>From Mosul.
1 Indian Battalion from Baghdad-Mosul Line of Communication leaving
1 Pioneer Battalion on Line of Communication to be held in reserve.
Brigade headquarters
1 brigade Signal Section
1 Field (Howitzer) Battery
1 company Sappers and Miners
2 British battalions
1 Armoured Car Company (less 2 sections)
1 Combined Field Ambulance (less 2 sections)
1 Mobile Veterinary Section
-From Baghdad.
j
Add
1 Indian Infantry Battalion
1 section Armoured Car Company
[9181]
From Kirkuk-Kingerban if circum
stances permit.
b 2

About this item

Content

Letters and papers on the frontier between Iraq (also written as Irak in the file) and Turkey, with particular reference to Mosul and questions concerning oil. The file consists mainly of correspondence between Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs George Curzon, and officials in the Foreign Office, Air Ministry, Colonial Office and Ismet Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. [Mustafa İsmet İnönü]. The contents of the file are as follows:

Following documents are undated:

  • Lord Balfour to League of Nations. Speech: The frontier between Turkish territory and the territory of Iraq
  • The President of the League of Nations. Reply: after Speech by Balfour
  • Typewritten report: The question of Mosul
  • Typewritten report: The Question of Mosul

The file also includes handwritten notes by Curzon on the Mosul vilayet and groups residing there.

Extent and format
251 folios (1 file)
Arrangement

The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the front to the rear of the file.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 251; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio.

Written in
English in Latin script
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'Mosul Question, Lausanne 1922-1923 and after - Papers, despatches, speeches - Hotel de la Mer at Lausanne - Correspondence about oil' [‎20r] (39/501), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, Mss Eur F112/294, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100130546285.0x000028> [accessed 19 June 2026]

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Reference
Mss Eur F112/294
Title
'Mosul Question, Lausanne 1922-1923 and after - Papers, despatches, speeches - Hotel de la Mer at Lausanne - Correspondence about oil'
Pages
1r:28v, 28ar:28av, 29r:72v, 91r:167v, 170r:218r, 218r:251v
Author
East India Company, the Board of Control, the India Office, or other British Government Department
Usage terms
Open Government Licence