‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 1. September 26th, 1914 to October 17th, 1914.’ [‎36r] (80/128)

APPENDIX 47.
{Diary No. 5 300.)
Telegram P., No. 109, dated 10th October 1914.
From—The Naval Commander-in Chief, East Indies,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India, Marine Department.
My telegram No. 107 refers to the following telegram from the Admiralty ■ .— ■ Begins. His Majesty’s ships in the river have been warned by the Vali at
Basra to leave on Wednesday the 7th October 1014, before 7 P. M., and tax on vessels disregarding this prohibition will be liability to be interned. One of His
Maiesty’s ships is to remain in the Persian anchorage at Muhammareh and the others are to remain outside Turkish territorial waters which are only to be
recognised extending for distance of three miles from the coast. Every effort is to be made to prevent an attempt at blocking the channel, either by sinking
dhows or by sinking a steamer on the bar.
We have received information that the “ Ekbatana ” is intended to be used for transport of troops. It may also be used in order to block the river by
being sunk on the bar.' It is said that it may sail under the Turkish flag, but transfer of flag is not to be respected.
It is possible that the ,f Emden ” may attempt to come up the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. to co-operate with any movement of the Turks in that region. You should
therefore endeavour to arrange a watch to be maintained at the entrance of the Quit , use the “ Mashona” for that purpose and arrange with the Government of
India for possible assistance for that purpose.
In the event of the “ Emden ” appearing at the head of the Gulf and attacking the “ Odin ” and “ Espiegle ”, the latter are to retire into the river and
to select such position that they may fight the “ Emden ” if she appears in the river. It is possible to neutralise the longer range of the Emden s guns by the
selection of a suitable ground.
The “ Dalhousie ” may be used for watching the Strait, if you consider the force you have at the head of the Gulf is sufficient without her. This tele-
gram has been repeated to the Government of India.— finds.
This is with reference to your telegtam No. H.-1387, dated the 9th October 1914.
Telegram P.. dated 8th October 1914*
From—The Secretary of State for India,
APPENDIX 48.
[Diary No. S3 21 )
To—The Viceroy (Foreign and Political Department) .•
Expedition " D ” My private telegram of the 5th instant. No. 1158 ? Shakespear proceeds per S. S, " Arabia ” sailing on October 1 °‘ h .
Gulf as Political Officer on special duty, and tranships at Bombay for Bushire. He has received instructions^ to place himself in personal comrnum ation