‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 55. PART II. (From 16th to 28th February 1919.)’ [‎45r] (98/254)

tervention in Iraq. He has however resolutely decline to do so, and has
allowed it to be known that he (his ?) sympathise are on the other side.
The written opinions of Amarah and Qurnah Shaikhs are as reported in
my telegram of December 22nd (Diary No. 10220 ) in favour of continuance
of present regime.
4. Public opinion in Basrah is unanimous in desiring the fullest measure
<of British protection but whereas the mercantile and landowning classes
generally speaking wish for a fully equipped British administration and no
Amir there is a section of educated Muhammadans who favour the eventual
establishment of an Arab Government under an Amir ? They hold this view
partly as a matter of relieious duty, and without enthusiasm, being clearly
apprehensive as the to probable results of Amateur Government on the flourish
ing trade and rapid development of Basrah of which they are not a little proud.
The Jews and Christians emphatically do no^ wish for an Amir.
Public opinion in Mosul is as stated in my telegram of 26th December
(Diarv No. 103041) in favour of union with Baghdad under Britith as opposed
-to Arab rule and extensively signed documents have been received to this
effect from all different communities.
5. Nasiriyah Division. —See my telegram of 20th November (Diary No-
Political Officer summarizes replies to my circular as follows:—
First question. —Opinion is unanimously in favour of Mosul being
united to Baghdad and Basrah.
Second question.—Arab Amir is favoured hut overwhelming majority
make condition that he is not nominated for at least five years.
Third question.— opinion is that it is impossible to select any
Amir at present owing to fact that no part of ’Iraq will accept
selection of another part.
Opinion overwhelming against son of Sherif.
Sadun element favour one of themselves.
Mercantile community and tribes dead against a Sunni election.
6 Kut Division. —Practically same as paragraph 5 above, but there are
a considerable number of leading men who do not want an Amir at any price.
7 Khaniqin. Which is predominantly Sunni and has better experience
alike of Turkish and Persian misrule has forwarded document signed by every
tribal chief, Muhammadan Christian and Jewish merchant and landowner of
note asking for continuance of present regime and no change i.e. } no Ami?.
149 C. G. S.
8. 3Idndali.—MVh\ch is mainly Turkish and Sunni, has ask 4 for Traq td
include Mosul. No Amir but British High Commissioner.
9. Baqubah Division.—Tvibes who largely predominate in district wish
for continuance present regime and no Amir.
Townspeople of Ba’qubah town who have been extensively canvassed
from Baghdad ask somewhat diffidently f r titular Arab head to rule from
Mosul to Basrah. Opinion is divided as to who should fill the post hut a
majority appear to favour the son of the Sharif. Inhabitants of all other
centres in division do not wish for an Amir but have presented written request
for continuance present regimd.
10. Kikut .—Majority ask for Traq State to include Mosul and to remain
under British protection with no Amir.
A small majority favour an Amir but are completely unable to name an
acceptable candidate. Kikuk is largely Turkish with an admixture of Kurds,
Arabs, Christians and Jews.
11. Kifri .—Unanimous demand is for Traq State to include Mosul and
to remain under British protection. Idea of an Amir is favoured but all
agreed to ask Britisu Government to delay making the appointment as they
could not agree on any particular person for the post.
I am telegraphing separately as regards Baghdad and Kadhimain.
As mentioned in previous telegrams Sir Percy Cox is specifically named
in several cases as desirable High Commissioner. (See Diary No. 12840.)
Working copy (advance copy for information to G. S. (M. O.-l).
Copy to G. S. (M. 0.-3).
APPENDIX 308.
DIARY No. 13696.
Special —Telegram R-, No. 1077, dated 2Gth January 1919.
(Keceived in War Section, 21st February 1919.)
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. , Baghdad,
To—The Secretary of State for India, London.
(Copy by post to the Government of India and to General Odicer Commanding, Baghdad, who
has not seen before despatch.)
Clear line.
My immediately preceding telegram (Diary No. 13695).