‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 55. PART I. (From 1st to 15th February 1919.)’ [‎16r] (40/396)

APPENDIX 12.
DIARY No. 8488.
Word Code telegram No. 3855-B, dated Slst January 1919.
(Despatched 10-25 p.m. ; received 5-35 p.m.,) 1st February 1919.
From—The Inspector-General^ Communications, Basrah,
To—The War Section, Delhi.
(Repeated the Embarkation Commandant, Bombay.)
Secretary. War Office, telegram No. 1683-Mob.-2l (Dy. No. 7125), requires
small supply clothing and necessaries placed on each ship conveying troops
to the United Kingdom as provisions for men becoming infested with vermin
en route. As no vessels are now proceeding direct from here presume Bombay
will arrange this supply.
Working copy to Q. M. G,
Copy to G. S. (S. D. 3), D. M. S.
APPENDIX 13.
DIARY No. 8491.
Telegram P., No. S. 6960, dated 1st February 1919,
(Despatched 2-25 p.m., received 5-55 p.m.)
From--The Inspector-General, Communications, Basrah,
To—The War Section, Army Headquaiters, Delhi.
(Repeated Baghdad).
Clear line —W'ith reference to your No. 8171-Q. M. G. 13, dated January
* Group corrupt, ^ presumed that the original pro
gramme of ships for *holds gold (good) ?
2. It is understood that the JBamora and Bandra do not go to Karachi on
February 1st hut to Bombay.
3. Animals of 21st Cavalry go on Torilla about 5th Pebruary and per
sonnel, on Barjora, 2nd Pebruary.
It is presumed that the 12th Cavalry will go before Uth Lancers.
Working copy to Q. M. G.
Copy to M, S, C., G, S. (S. D. 1, S. D. 3), A. G,
APPENDIX 14
DIARY No. 8494.
2
Telegram No. 1300, dated Slst January 1919.
(Received in War Section, 1st 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. i n 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.
(Repeated to the Secretary to the Govrnment of India in the Foreign and
Political Department, Delhi.)
(Copy to General Baghdad, who has not seen before despatch.)
Your telegram dated January 11th (Dy. No. 3195). Copy of telegram
from the Commander-in-Chief in India dated December 24th (Diary No.
102489) which had not been repeated here only reached me January 29th.
Please read in connection therewith telegram from Commander-in-Chief in
India dated 9th January (Dy. No. 2184-A. G. 2). I fully appreciate difficulty
of Military authorities at India in dealing with question of labour for Masopota-
mia which is one of great difficulty and will do my best to meet his views.
Experience of 4 years appears to indicate that amount of surplus labour in
this country is small and that any cosiderable programme for railway, publo
works or irrigation construction will have to be mainly effected by imported
labour. I assume that irrigation and agriculture will become part of Civil
administration at an early date as also departments of works, labour, railways
and port charges and dues at Basrah, upon the assumption that I am prepared to
accept responsibility of supplying all labour required by Civil Administration
after the declaration of peace, and for giving effect to proposals of Commander-
in-Chief in his code telegram 9th December (January)? (Dy. No. 2104). That
is subject to proviso that Civil Administration of Mesopotamia will be permitted
to take over charge of present labour organisation in this country so far as de
mobilization permits, and that, until actual declaration of peace, imported labour
if required, might be retained at present figure by Military authorities, India, on
the lines of, proposed in last part of General Baghdad telegram of 29th December
A. E. I. 3-A-513, (Dy. No. 103556) from British other ranks onwards. I would
further ask that assurances that Civil Administration of Mesopotamia will be
permitted by Military Authorities India to retain not less than 12 months from
declaration of peace, service of such civiland military officers as may be required,
who are now serving with Civil Administration, or with above depar rfs-
. without prejudice to their subsequent prospects of promotion in their res
pective services. Without these assurances, Civil A dministration cannot assume
prudently these heavy responsibilities.
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