"بلاد الرافدين. اللجنة" [و‎‎٧‎٠] (٢٥٦/١٤٢)

J3
fii-ed by Navy. Arms presented and three cheers given for His Majesty the King. Procla
mation prepared by Cox read in Arabic announcing that the British flag had now replaced
the Luikish Hag and administration, and very well received by inhabitants. Major Browniow
appointed Military Governor.
British merchants estimate 2,000 wounded came in after action of 17th instant. When
1 urks left Basra Arab soldiers recently mobilised were left behind, and many exchanged their
arms and uniforms for civil clothing before going home. They are reported much dissatisfied
with their treatment by Turks recently.
Much indebted to Royal Navy, both for their important shai’e in operations and also
for prompt and hearty assistance always given us.
V icero
r /
No. 62.
iccrog to Secretary of State for India, dated ‘loth November 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Private. 1 have received the following private telegram from Cox at Basra
“Private. Dated 23rd November.
“ General Officer Commanding and I are studying the topographical details bearing on
the question of advance to Bagdad in case that course be decided on.
V\ ill our Excellency kindly consider the problem. It would be convenient if we could
learn the intentions of Government in this connection as soon as possible in order that
thorough proposals may be submitted without delay.
“ The local outlook is as follows. According to general reports Turkish troops recently
engaged with us were completely panic-stricken and very unlikely to oppose us again. Arab
element in Bagdad is already friendly, and notables here volunteer opinion that we should be
received in Bagdad with the same cordiality as we have been here, and that the Turkish
troops would offer little if any opposition.
There remains the tribes between here and Bagdad. Prom among this element the
well-known Muntafik Sheikh Ajaimi, who was ostensibly co-opei*ating with the Turkish troops,
has just sent in an emissary to convey his submission (?) and intimate his wish to come in
and hand over 4,000 rifies received or seized by him from the Turks, and it is hoped that
the neutrality if not the active co-operation of the tribes can be secured by judicious
diplomacy.
“ Effect of the recent defeat has been very great, and if advance is made before it
wears off and while cool season lasts Bagdad will in all probability fall into our hands very
easily.
“ After earnest consideration of the arguments for and against I find it difficult to see
how we can well avoid taking over Bagdad. We can hardly allow Jamshedi (?) to retain
possession and make difficulties for us at Basra ; nor can we allow any other Power to take
it; but once in occupation we must remain, for we could not possibly allow the Turks to
return after accepting from Arabs co-operation afforded on the understanding that the
Turkish regime had disappeared for good.
“ Moreover can we disregard consideration that there are some thirty British subjects
detained there whom we need release.”
Before giving you my views I am consulting the Commander-in-Chief and will
formulate them as soon as 1 know how far the proposal is feasible from a military point
of view.
No. 63.
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 2Tth November 1914.
(Telegraph ic.)
Your private telegram of 25th, repeating telegram from Cox, dated 23rd November.
We are not disposed to authorise an advance to Baghdad at present as there are grave
international considerations involved, but as soon as General Barrett is ready to do so, we
sanction an advance to Kurna with a Brigade or such portion of his force as may be necessary
for the operation. Presumably he Avill await the arrival of his third Brigade for Basra and
the whole region from Kurna to the sea will have to be controlled by us in botli a military
and political sense, and on such considerations it will probably be desirable to keep the bulk
of the Division at Basra, which should for the present be regarded as the headquarters.
No. 64.
Sir P. Cox to Secretary of State for India, dated 28th November 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
We have been well received by the civil population of Basra, and the mercantile com
munity is separately fully prepared to accept the protection of Great Britain. By proclamation,
too, we have made it known that there is no quarrel between us and the friendly resident
population. In my judgment it would in the circumstances be wise for us to refrain from
treating as enemy cargo the consignments of merchants of Basra that are now on the high
seas. I should be glad to know if I am authorised to give a reassuring reply to inquiries
on the subject.
No. 65.
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated 28th November 1914.
(Telegraphic.)
Private. Bagdad. Your official telegram of 25th November- The words “grave inter
national considerations involved” fill me with a})prehension, for it would be disastrous were