‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 60. (From 1st to 31st July 1919.)’ [‎71r] (146/252)

APPENDIX 73
(Dy. No. 62994)
Telegram P., No. 8106, dated 19th July 1919.
(Despatched 7-45 p.m., received 9-15 a.m., 20th July 1919.)
(Received in War Section, 21st Jely 1919.)
Prom—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—His Majesty’s Secretary of State for India, London.
(Repeated Poreign, Simla.)
Before H. M. Government arrive at further conclusions regarding
Mesopotamia I suggest for consideration that some officer of reputation
and of experience should be deputed by them to come out here as soon as
possible ostensibly in some non-political capacity to tour whole country and
see and hear things for himself. I could arrange for him to have ready
access to notables and officials of all clashes and to learn their real
views and to estimate how far they are in a position to give effect to them.
For example I should welcome visit from Sir Walter Lawrence to advise
me in the light of his experience in Palestine and Syria as to financial policy
in Mesopotamia.
This is cordially concurred in by G. O. C.-in-Chief.
Working copy (Advance copy for information) to G. S. (M. 0. 1).
Copy to Collection, G. S. (M. O. 3).
APPENDIX 74
(Dy. No. 62996)
Special telegram P., No. Nil, dated 15th July 1919.
(Despatched 1-40 p.m., received 6-0 p.m., 18th July 1919.)
(Received in War Section, 21st July 1919.)
p rom —His Majesty’s Secretary of State for India, London,
To—Baghdad.
(Repeated His Excellency Viceroy, Poreign and Political Department, Simla.)
(Representations have been received by Foreign Office through General
Headquarters, Egypt, from influential Arab Officers of Mesopotamian origin
at present serving in Samanti district, pressing for establishment at early date
purely national Civil Government in Mesopotamia in accordance with
terms' of Anglo-French (Declaration of November last while maintaining
for the present Army of occupation. Officers emphasise importance of
change being made before present system has been allowed to crystallize.
Foreign Office think it impolitic to ignore representations altogether
and propose to reply (1) that His Majesty’s Government fully realise objection
to crystallisation in Mesopotamia of Western Bureaucratic methods, (2) that
certain steps are already being taken, e.g. 3 formation of provincial and
divisional councils to ensure such Arab participation as is compatible with
military occupation and (3) that if and when we obtain mandate British
Commission will be sent out as soon as possible to discuss form of future
Government in consultation with all classes. Your views should please be
telegraphed.
Working copy (Advance copy for information) to G. S. (M. O. 1).
Copy to Collection, G. S. (M. O. 3).
APPENDIX 75
(Dy. No. 6801
Special telegram P., No. Ail, dated 14th July 1919.
(Desptched 10-20 p m., received 11-00 a.m., 18th July 1919.)
(Received in War Section, 21st July 1919.)
From—His Majesty’s Secretary of State for India, London,
To—Baghdad.
(Repeated His Excellency the Viceroy (Foreign and Political Department), Simla.)
Arab propaganda. Following reply to Foreign Office telegram
No. 207, June 24th, (see Dy. No. 56727), has been received from Cairo
“This agitation does not derive any support from British Officers in
Syria who limit themselves to assisting and advising Arab Administrators in
occupied enemy territory in the East.”
This refers to my telegram of the 28th June. (Dy. No. 56727)- |j|
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Working copy (Avance copy for information) to G. S, (M. O. 1).'
Copy to G. S., M. Q. 3).