"ملاحظات ميدانية: بلاد الرافدين. هيئة الأركان العامة في الهند. فبراير ١٩١٧". [و‎‎٥‎٠] (٣٥٠/١٠٦)

tory line of defence, and might be made strong enough by suit
able preparation to resist any probable attack. The line ex
tends in an arc, enclosing the town on the land side, with both
flanks resting on the sea, and capable of being supported by
naval fire, though at a somewhat long range, i.e., up to 4,000 and
5,000 yards. Certain conspicuous points, shown on the chart,
facilitate the direction and ranging of ship’s fire from the sta
tions indicated by the names of the ships told off to these posi
tions in 1901-02, viz., His Majesty’s ship “ Sphinx, ” His
Majesty’s ship “ Pomone, ” and His Majesty’s ship “ Redbreast.”
In addition to this strictly naval support,.native dhows if armed
with machine guns, would be useful in shoal water on either flank
and would be able to bring fire to heal' at a much shorter range
than those mentioned with reference to the ships.
Starting from the right or western flank of this defensive line
it runs (a) along certain existing excavations and old wells, for
a distance of about 1,500 yards (b) thence in a north-easterly
direction along the outer edge of a strip of broken ground, broken
apparently by what seem to be disused lime pits, offering cover,
and capable of adaptation, and thence (c) trending more to the
north, over level open ground, the line would have to be con
structed with a trench or otherwise, closing on the sea near Ras-
al-’Ajuzah. .
The extent of front thus taken, up is approximately b,90U
yards, and, as has been said, could he supported on both flanks
by fire from ships, which would be able to bring a cross nre to
bear, though at long range, in front of the centre of the position.
Such was the line of defence selected by the Senior Naval
Officer in 1901, when it seemed possible that an attack might
be imminent.
’Aeabistan.
Regulars .—No regular Persian troops of any fighting value
exist in ’Arabistan.
Irregulars .—The tribesmen with whom we must be prepared
to deal are :— *
(1) The Arabs of ’Arabistan.
(2) The Bakhtiaris.
(3) The Kuhgalus.
(4) The Lurs, including the Sagwand _ and Dirakwand
Bairanwand and the Lurs of Pusht-i-Kuh.