"بلاد الرافدين. اللجنة" [و‎‎٧‎٣] (٢٥٦/١٤٨)

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semi more troops to Gulf till reinforcements from home or Egypt are furnished. Please
cable if this correctly represents case. It will make position perfectly clear if you express
urgent need of reinforcements as well as inability to give it from existing Indian resources.
I am quite convinced of necessity of reinforcing Barrett up to two Divisions, as apart from
menace on Karun side, it is obvious that Turks are concentrating troops in Mesopotamia.
In my view, the need of reinforcing India by a proportion of British units is a more important
consideration than the risk run by you parting with the Indian complement of two more
brigades, although the latter should not be ignored.
No. 91.
Sir P. Cox, Kurna, to Secretary of State for India, dated Hth February 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Following from Consul at Muhammerah 6 th February. Sheikh has received import from
Chr.sib that Bawi have risen against him, and yesterday proceeded to loot unopposed Oil
Company's store at Musane, and cut telephone line, shot holes in pipe line, and set oil alight
at Girana.
In the circumstances it seems advisable to strengthen force at Ahwaz as soon as
possible.
No. 92.
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated 6th February 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
In view of increasing enemy forces confronting Force D, w T e consider it essential that
S. Batter}", Royal Horse Artillery, should be diverted to Basra. The Battery is therefore
being despatched to Mesopotamia at the earliest opportunity instead of to England. We
trust our action may be approved.
No. 93.
Viceroy to Secretary of State for India, dated Ith February 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Following telegram, dated the 5th instant, received from Sir P. Cox :—
“ Developments came quickly, and matter was dealt with urgently on telephone.
“ Vice-Consul considered situation so imminently urgent owing to spi'ead of Jehad
movement, instigated by Turks and Ghasban from Amara, that it was unsafe for Europeans
to remain even until the arrival of Comet and they were withdrawn by- Shushan
31st January and arrived Muhammerah safely. German representative Wonkhaus at Ahwaz,
who was known to be in communication with enemy, elected to remain, which is in itself
evidence of his complicity.
“ Since then a battalion of Native Infantry has been sent up and is encamped at Aminia
on opposite bank to Ahwaz.
“ Sheikh of Muhammerah sent up about a thousand of his own particular tribesmen whom
he hopes will be againstye/iad, but the powerful Bawi tribesmen, who were also mobilised,
have refused to oppose movement if they have not actually joined it. On 2nd February
Warrant Officer of Comet was shot dead in the street by a Baluchi fanatic in Deputy
Governor's employ. Since then no further developments have been reported.
“ As soon as Sheikh expressed inability to guarantee security of Europeans, and Secretary
of State ordered a battalion to be sent to Ahwaz to maintain order and resist expected raid by
Turks from Bisaitin, it was decided Germans could not safely be allowed to remain at Ahwaz
or Muhammerah. They were therefore placed under restraint and given passage to Basra.
Their property, houses, and offices were sealed by local authorities and by a British Officer.
Cori’espondence seized is, in the case of agent at Ahwaz, Heimlich, so incriminating as to
justifv his treatment as a prisoner of war. Case of MuKammerah agent, named Holst, is
still under consideration.”
No. 94.
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 8th February 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
Your telegram of 6 th February. “S.” Battery. Your action approved.
No. 95.
Secretary of State for India to Viceroy, dated 8th February 1915.
(Telegraphic.)
In view of recent developments up Karun and arrival of 12th Brigade do you now
propose to send reinforcement to 7th Rajputs at Ahwaz ? If so, I authorise despatch, but
please report at once so that I may inform Foreign Office.
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