"مذكرات الحرب. مقر قيادة الجيش، الهند. [...] قوة المشاة الهندية «د». المجلد ٣٧. الجزء II. (من ١٦ إلى ٣١ أغسطس ١٩١٧)." [و‎‎٥‎٤] (٥٤٦/١١٢)

despatch of a large number of motor lorries, also 50 aeroplanes, is corroborated
by information from other sources. Information from American Consuls repeats
Falkenhayn’s reported order for the railway to be completed to Mosul by Octo
ber, and indicates the intention to use motor lorries south of Mosul. Con
siderable movement in military material and locomotives is also reported. It is
stated that in exchange for assistance given by Turkey in Galicia, troops of the
Central Powers will participate in the Mesopotamian Expedition.
General Officer Commanding, Eorce “ D,” estimates the present strength
g6g88 of the Turkish 6th Army in rifles and
sabres at a grand total of 2,280 sabres and
31,580 rifles distributed thus:—
2880 rifles.
170 sabres.
14,030 rifles
1,190 sabres.
2,150 rifles.
100 sabres.
(viz. Neri-Rowanduz, Sulaimanlyeh.
and Kirkuk areas)
12,520 rifles.
820 sabres.
Euphrates line
Tigris and Kifri Area .
Mosul , .
Persian Front . .
6. Persia.—The Minister, Tehran, considers that the arrest of 7 men for
65400 complicity in the recent political murders
55957.’ will strengthen the position of the
Cabinet.
7. Eurther correspondence has taken place regarding the possibi
lity of a British advance up the Tigris.
On 15th August, His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief wired to the
Chief of the Imperial General Staff giving
65408, his opinion that, considering how doubtful
are the prospects of real Russian co-operation, there is nothing to be gained by
any British action intended to obtain or assist their co-pperation, and that
General Maude’s energies should be directed to consolidating his position,
improving his communications and making ready to await Turkish attack
in conditions tactically and strategically in his favour.
On 17th August General Maude wired that he was making arrangements
with Baratoff on the basis of the latter
occupying the Diala line. General Maude
recognises that an offensive up the Tigris must now be restricted, but considers
that opportunities may offer for a limited offensive. He reports the present
condition of hie troops to be very satisfactory.
On 17th August the Chief of the Imperial General Staff in reply to His
Excellency the Commander-in-Chief,
66222, stated that he has nothing to add to the
instructions already issued to General Maude ; that he has discounted Russian
assistance, but this fact makes it none the less advisable that General Maude
should do what he can, compatible with the security and effective main
tenance of his force, to ensure Russian co-operation.
8 General conclusions —This week’s information indicates considerable
movement of transport towards Mssopotamia and certainly foreshadows Turkish
activity and a considerable concentration in that area.
On the other hand, a good deal of the information of movement would
apply equally well to a concentration in Syria. Concerning the reinforcement
of this latter theatre we have had very little information and the constant
references to Mesopotamia may be made intentionally with object of mislead
ing. The Turks cannot be wholly unaware of the British threat on the Pales
tine front.
In any case, with the force which will be at his disposal in the autumn,
General Maude, maintaining an active defensive, should be able to hold his own
successfully against any probable Turkish attack.
P. E. G. T.—20-8-1917.
Unless there is a systematic attempt at misleading us to cover an intention
to throw strength into Syria, all indications point to coming activity in Meso-