"كتاب أزرق. برقيات أُعيد صياغتها" [و‎‎٤‎٢] (١٨٩/٨٣)

further with his present force* All quiet in other directions*
The floods at Kur^a are increasing.
24.
The situation causes me some anxiety as unless we can
dispose quickly of the increasing advanced Turkish forces
a serious attack on Basra may confront us. In view of the
great issues facing us in Europe which the War Office regard
as vital and paramount it seems hopeless to expect
reinforcements for India and I trust you will find it possible
to Mobilize another Brigade for Mesopotamia without
replacement from England. China will shortly send you three
battalions and possibly you may be able to detail a
battalion from Muscat and 3 others from India.Of the latter
perhaps one might be a Territorial battalion and the despatch
of a Territorial battery for Garrison duty at Basra mi^ht also
be feasible. Moreover as trie conditions at present seem
suitable another cavalry regiment would be of value.
2 £.
About a thousand enemy cavalry were encountered and
attacked to-day by our Cavalry and Artillery within five
miles of Shaiba* They retired to a point some 15 miles
north west of Shaiba to which place n S n Battery, Royal Horse
Artillery and the 16th Cavalry marched to-day. The floods
near Mazera now cover the whole front from the Tigris to 1
.....
Shaft creek and I am therefore recalling our Infantry battalion
and a Field Battery to Basra. In view of threatened attack
by tribesmen on Abadan and Muhamnerah I am sending a company
of Infantry to tne former and have despatched H.M.S. Esoiegle
to the Karun river east of Muhammerah.