‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 14. PART II. (From 16th to 30th September 1915.)’ [‎40r] (84/276)

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These proceedings exasperated community to such a pitch that they
determined to defy Government troops. To this end, they barricaded streets
and houses and garrisoned precincts of shrines in order to protect them from
pillage ; Turks at this stage turned their guns on rebels and either by intention
or accident damaged minarets attached to shrine. Fighting continued for three
days at end of which populace got upper hand : troops surrendered and were
disarmed by mob who then proceeded to pillage Government buildings,
barracks, Saniyah buildings and townhall were burnt and Qaimmaqam’s house
demolished. He himself being expelled, after above events the two Arab
Shaikhs of two leading resident tribes took over control of Najaf in consultation
with Chief Priest, and have been maintaining order since. Outbreak at Najaf
was followed by outbreaks of lesser magnitude at Karbala, Kifri, Hillah, and
Tuwairij, the Turkish garrison and Government authorities being turned out.
Addressed Foreign ; repeated Secretary of State for India.
Working copy to G. S. (M. O. 3 ).
Copy to M. S. C., G. S. (M. O. 1, M. O. 2 ).
Telegram R., No. 2057-B., dated 18th September 1915. APPENDIX 296
(Received in War Section, 20th September 1915.) (Zty. Ao. 21920)
From—The Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Basrah,
To The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign and Political Department.
My immediately preceding telegram (Dy. No. S.-21918) is based on
several letters from Najaf tapped by Censors Department and on statement of
reliable arrivals from holy places.
Addressed India, repeated 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. .
Working copy to G. S. (M. O. 3 ).
Telegram R., No. 2059-B., dated 18th September 1915. APPENDIX 297
(Received in War Section, 20th September 1915.) ( /jy. ^ 0 . 21921)
From—The Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Basrah,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign and Political Department.
My immediately preceding telegram (Dy. Nos. S.-21918, S-21920).
Blockading of river trade routes from south owing to warlike operations com
bined with oppressive exactions of the Turks has been cause serious distress at
the holy places, which has lately been relieved by discomfiture and retirement
of Turks from Euphrates line, and by liberal policy adopted by military
authorities in allowing food stuffs to pass m either directions on Euphrates.
People had to sell their property to provide themselves with necessities of
life and finally there was a famine in current coin which accentuated distress.
I have done my utmost to get money to holy places. It has been impossible to
send specie, but I have lost no opportunity of getting drafts here and there for
small amounts sent secretly and have thus sent about 700 pounds. I have had
indirect acknowledgment of arrival of money in several cases and appreciation
of recipients. One messenger was arrested on his way back by Turks; nothing
was found on him but he (was placed ?) in durance and his arrest has of course
made recipients^ wary of communicating. United States’ Consul, Baghdad,
reports Turks object to payment by him of Oudh Beneficiaries and pension,
but he hopes to have objection removed.
A month ago leading Arab Sheikhs of ? sent an emissary to
Nasiriyah saying they were ready to acquiesce in our passage on receiving
certain assurances and I sent a copy of reply sent to Government of India and
I have asked them to communicate it if not already done.
At the present moment there is no doubt of inhabitants of holy places are
praying for our advance in order that normal condition may be restored, but as
soon as that is done and they are contented they will doubtless revert to their
natural condition of (underhanded) ? semi-independent community whom we
had better leave as far as possible to their own devices.