File 4722/1918 Pt 8 'Mesopotamia: Situation' [‎154v] (319/995)

Situation in Kirkuk Division lias been improved by military action but
is still delicate. No fresh developments in Sulaimaniyah but Bolshevik
successes in N.-W. Persia will have reflex effect here.
Situation Hit, Kamadi and Fallujah, satisfactory thanks to active co
operation of Dulaim and Anizah Chiefs.
No fresh developments on Middle Euphrates but chiefs show no inclina
tion to negotiate and fanaticism is on increase in Najaf and Karbala where
new Chief Mujtahid Shaikh ush Shariat is issuing appeals to tribesmen to
join Jihad.
Situation in Muntafiq Division is disquieting. Active preaching of Jihad
by emissaries from Najaf and Karbala has at last roused tribesmen to whom
political catchwords had made no appeal. Most important Shaikh in district,
Khayun al ‘Ubaid who owes none of his strength to us but has since armistice
been strong supporter of Civil Administration (particularly during last two
months) found himself unable to check spread of fanaticism amongst his
tribesmen. Town and countryside exhibited every sign of hostility against
A.P.O. and Levy Commandant who were at last moment extricated by air.
A.P.O. Capt. Thomas, is personally popular in district and exceptionally com
petent but this fact did not prevent growth of fanatical feeling and only timely
^arrival of aeroplanes saved either his life or that of A.P.O., QaPat Sikar.
Trend of events in Muntafiq Division is having unfavourable effect on
public order in Hammar Lake and on Lower Euphrates and we may be obliged
before long to depend oh railway in place of river communication to
Nasiriyah.
No fresh developments elsewhere but re-occupation of Ba‘qubab and result
of reconnasissance to Qizil Rob at yesterday I hope portends early improve
ment in Diyalah Division.
Addressed 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. , repeated Simla, Cairo, Jerusalem, Constantinople.
‘Copy to General Baghdad, who has seen before despatch and concurs.
No. I./1656.
General Headquah ters ,
Dated 29th August, 1920.
Deleted from Reuter
"S.
London, August Times ” reviewing conditions in Mesopotamia
■expressed astonishment at disclosure by correspondent in Teheran that wives
and families numbering some hundreds of Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force
are living at Karind on road to Kermanshah in notoriously turbulent and one
of most trying climates in world. “ Times ” points out that Karind is entirely
■cut off from Baghdad and that there is no opportunity of renewing supplies.
Paper says that there has been no such recklessness since wives were permitted
to join their husbands in Kabul, 80 years ago. It also states that only means
of communication that Baghdad now possesses with outer world is along Tigris.
It contends that if British exercise mandatory powers in Mesopotamia^ British
troops ought to furnish bulk of garrisons. /‘Times’’, considers that new
po u a m Egypt outlined yesterday foreshadowing withdrawal of garrison from
Cairo to Suez Canal will necessarily govern Mesopotamian Policy and nroposal
to withdraw from Baghdad again enters view. Just as our' one military
necessity m Egypt is to safeguard canal so in Mesopotamia our one need is to
hold landward gate to Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . “ Times ” contends that this means
occupation and direct administration of Basrah zone and idea of conductino-
another South African War over half of Middle East is unthinkable.
War Office Communique states that reports from Mesopotamia indicated
that situation is somewhat better. Area N.-E. and N. of Baghdad is reported
quiet. Action has taken place S. of Hillah, where party of Sikhs who were
■covering construction of blockhouses were attacked by strong body of \rails
six times but tribesmen were beaten off every time with heavy casualties
Assailants casualties from rifle fire alone exceeded 200. Heavy losses were
also inflicted by our artillery. Construction of blockhouses continues There
is no further news Horn N.-W. Persia. Examination of papers captured from
Bolsheviks Staff Officer m recent action near Menjil disclosed comprehensive
■scheme lor overrunning Persia and capturing Teheran
No. I./1656.
General Headquarters,
Dated 29th August, 1920.
Oupy of extract deleted from Reuters news received 29th August, 1920.
London, 26f// August.—h\ view of unsettled condition of Mesopotamia
Sir Percy Cox, new administrator, has accelerated his departure and left for
Baghdad to-day.
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