"بلاد الرافدين. اللجنة" [و‎‎٧‎٢] (٢٥٦/١٤٦)

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we can as to value to the Turks of the Euphrates line of advance and of the value to us of
Nasiriyah for checking such an advance.
For these reasons we should prefer to defer our decision until the situation is clearer.
No. 81.
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated bth January 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Your telegram of 2nd January. 1 quite agree in your views. We must await
developments.
No. 82.
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 23rd January 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Following received to-day from Admiralty :—“ Report received through Political Resident,
“ Persian Gulf (Bushire) from Vice Consul, Ahwaz, states that information received from
“ Arabs that Turkish Force amounting to 12,000 with 64 guns, two of which are large, is
“ divided into three parts, of which one holds Azair, another Amara, while third intends
“ crossing Euphrates and attacking Basra, via Zubeir. Latter forces accompanied by large
“ force of Arabs. One hundred Germans are stated to be accompanying them, of whom six
“ are on board Marmariss." As country between Nasiriyah and Zubeir is suitable for
Cavalry, and Barrett wants reinforcements, would it be possible for you to reinforce him with
Cavalry regiment ?
No. 83.
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated 2bth January 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Your telegram of the 23rd instant, 1595. Thanks for information conveyed therein, the
military aspect of which had already been discussed with Barrett, whose dispositions
appeared to be suitable and whose cavalry reconnaissances had recently been 25 miles
west of Zubeir. As regards reinforcements we have the 12th Brigade mobilised and
transports standing by in readiness to go to Basra in the event of any really urgent call,
although this necessarily weakens our troops for frontier defence. A cavalry regiment might
also be spared if he wishes for it, but it will not be easy to arrange. A flight of aeroplanes
from Egypt or Europe would lessen the necessity for a cavalry reinforcement. We are also
sending him two armoured motor-cars and two light lorries for desert work.
No. 84.
General Barrett to Secretary of State for India, dated 23th January 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
At present all quiet here and at Kurna, but Arab reports indicate probable advance from
Nasiriyah direct against Basra.
No. 85.
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated 21th January 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Recent reports from Lower Mesopotamia have necessitated a careful review of the
military situation with special reference to the adequacy or otherwise of the force at
Barrett’s disposal to meet eventualities. It would appear that the neighbouring Arabs have
generally responded to Jehad and are at present inclined to co-operate with the Ottoman
troops. We consider that above foreshadows further pressure on Barrett, to deal with which
reinforcements are advisable. We are, therefore, reinforcing him at once with the
12th Brigade, subject to your approval.
No. 85a.
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 21 th January 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Your telegram of 25th January. The position regarding the Turko-Arab menace both on the
Euphrates and the Tigris sides seems more threatening, while the pipe line in the Ahwaz
direction may be an object of attack at an early date, and there can be no doubt that the
Turks are sending reinforcements to Baghdad.
Under these circumstances I authorise you to despatch the 12th Brigade to the Shatt if
you think tit, and also a regiment of Cavalry if so desired. In any case it might be prudent to
send a Cavalry regiment to Karachi in anticipation.
I presume ships with horse fittings are now readily available.
What are the regiments composing 12th Brigade, and who commands it ?
I will let you know if my colleagues sanction troops being sent to Karun Valley.’
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