‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 55. PART I. (From 1st to 15th February 1919.)’ [‎178r] (364/396)

Faciliiies for journey are asked for Levison, who is a British born subject
tils served in British Army. Please let me know your views.
Working copy (advance copy for information) to G. S. (M. 0. 1).
Copy to M. S. C„ G. S. (M O. 3).
APPENDIX 216.
DIARY No. 11858.
Telegram R., No. 1K74 ; dated 12th February 1919.
(Despatched 9-hO f. m., vecei ed 1-10 p. m., 13th February 1919.)
(Received in War Section, 14th 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. , Ragndad,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in fclie Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Delhi.
[Repeated to India Offi e, copy to General, Baghdad, who has not seen before despatch.]
When I sent my telegram of November 26th, 10343 (Dy. No. 96075), I
did not anticipate that within a few months the civil administration would be
called upon to take over not only irrigation and agriculture hut a number of
other departments such as telegraphs, labour, etc. and to fix rate of pay for
others.
Major May has done valuable work and has made mech progress towards
fixing terms of service and also towards the preparation of a Budget but very
much remains to be done. He has recently informed me of bis earnest desire
to be relieved at once of these duties which he feels to be beyond bis strength
and are weighing on his mind. It is clear that bis health w ill not staud the
stain of a not tier hot weather here.
I had hoped from terms of Army Department telegram No. 15999 (Dy.
No. 96134) of November 28th, that Mr. Burdon might eventually becomemy
Financial Adviser Major May in addition to his present duties which
should be growing lighter after demobilisation is completed.
He would have been invaluable in his capacity but on my enquiring
whether he would be prepared to consider question he has informed me a
he will be obliged to apply for leave on urgent private affairs short y an is
therefore unwilling to assume fresh responsibilities.
After full discussion with him I would ask that Mr. C. W,v,0. Carson, at
present Officiating Account ant-General at Bombay be made available for post
of Financial Adviser to Civil Commissioner.
I should be prepared, if the Government of India agree to offer him Us.
2,500 a mouth, on a one year’s contract, to be extended. at. option of the
Civil Administration for a further period of two years. It is important that
he should come at once.
The financial position of these territories causes me no little anxiety and I
am deeply impressed wuth need for expert control, if we are to avoid difficulties
in which other countries similarly situated have become involved in past.
Immediately the result of Peace Conference is known I shall have to place
before His Majesty’s Government, a request for a substantial loan to enable us
to continue and complete railways now under construction and to safeguard
existing irrigation works.
It woul^ strengthen mv hands, and those of the department of H. M.’s
Government Concerned in dealing with this question at home if such a proposal
could be supplanted by a clear statement of our financial position compiled by
an expert with requisite expert assistance.
Working copy (advance copy for information) to F. A.
Copy to M. S. C., G. S. (M. O.-l, M. 0.-3.) *
APPENDIX 217.
DIARY No. 11888.
Special —Telegram P., Ng. 1S97, dated 13th February 1919.
(Received 14th February 1919, 9-15 p. m.)
(Received in War Section, 14th February 1919.)
p rom —rphe 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, copy to General, Baghdad, who has seen
before despatch.
[Repeated to the Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment), Delhi.]
Teheran telegram No. 1045, December 12th (Diary No. 99772) to Foreign
Office copy of wffiich has been just received.
Post-war reorganization of Telegraph Department.