‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 22. PART II. (From 16th to 31st May 1916).’ [‎38r] (80/246)

APPENDIX 236
Telegram P., No. FI.-4185, dated 21st May 1916. {J)y. fl 0 . 55146)
From—The Viceroy (Army Department),
To—The Secretary of State for India.
Your cable of the 18th May 1916 (Dy. No. 54976). The Government of
India have never refused demands for river craft made by G. O. 0., Force “D ”
Sir John Nixon in his first demand for additional river craft on 2 r; th May
1915 (Dy. No. 11076), gave limitations that the tugs asked for must each be
capable of towing two large flats and must not draw over three feet. We asked
you in our telegram No. H.-50-85, dated 6th July (Dy. No. 14238), if these could
be purchased in England as they were not procurable in this country ; and you
informed us in your cable No. K.-24817 of July 2 1 st (Dy. No. 15849), that‘the
Admiralty reported that such vessels could not be obtained. Again, the follow
ing limitations were laid down by General Nixon in his letter No 3-11-1-0.,
dated July 10th (Dy. No. 15722): Paddlers to be capable of towing two barges
each of 250 tons at 6 knots against a 4 knot current and not to draw over 3|
feet fully loaded. Tugs to be Sumana class, with draught not more than
3i feet fully loaded and sufficiently powerful to tow two large barges. Stern-
wheelers not to draw more than two and-a-half fleet fully loaded. We requested
you in our telegram of 3rd August, No. H -6772 (Dy. No. 17055), to get the
required barges and vessels constructed in England as craft according to the
limitations given were not obtainable in India.
Sir John Nixon on the 9th October (Dy. No. 23830) pressed for, for imme
diate use, powerful light draught tugs or sternwheelers from India, and as
Indian rivers had been tried without success to meet his demands he was asked
to state his definite requirements. In reply to this on October 12th (Dy. No.
24221) he again reneated his previous limitations with the exception that a
reduction to 3 feet 5 inches was made in the draught for tugs.
After receiving a wire from Mesopotamia on 24th October (Dy. No. 25206)
to the effect that the river was rising we offered to Sir John Nixon vessels that
approached his limitations, and he had accepted 18 sternwheelers, 15 paddlers,
and 6 tugs by the end of 1915 (Dy. No. 32629). However none of these com
plied with the limitations he originally made.
It was not until January 5th 1916 (Dy No. 33532) that General Nixon
intimated that he was prepared to accept craft that diverged very considerably
from the limitations he had given and that the specifications laid down ware
only for the boats to be constructed. Full details of all river craft that appeared
even approximately suitable have since that date been furnished to him and he
has accepted a very considerable number. It is probable that all the craft now
under supply could have been despatched during the non-monsoon period had
definite limitations not been given us, and the number reaching their destina
tion would have been considerably increased.
Record copy to Q. M. G.
Copy to M. S. C., G. S. (M. 0. 1, M. 0. 2).
Telegram P., No 55170, dated 21st May 1916. APPENDIX £97
(Despatched 5-45 p.m.) (Dy. JVo. 55170)
From—The Chief of the General Staff,
To—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” Basrah.
In continuation of my telegram 15th Mav (Dy. No. 54166) in reply to
your No. 695-34-A. of 14th May (Dy. No. 54058).
As to the practice obtaining in France we have enquired from War Office
(Dy. No. 53270), and if, in appropriate cases, this offence can be tried under
section 4 (7) of Army Act of which section 25 (&), Indian Army Act is a
counterpart. We are awaiting their reply. The Legislative Department of
the Government of India have advised us that any alteration of the existing
law as suggested by you in your telegram of 20th April, No. 695-33 A, (Dy.
No. 49772) cannot be effected by ordinance but must be effected by legislation.
It has been found efficacious in France, so we understand, to arrange in or close
behind the trenches for medical treatment of men w T ounded in the hand. Such