"مذكرات الحرب. مقر قيادة الجيش، الهند. [...] قوة المشاة الهندية «د». المجلد ٤٣. الجزء I‏. (من ١ إلى ١٤ نوفمبر ١٩١٧.)" [و‎‎٣‎٦] (٥٠٠/٧٦)

Telegram P., No. 51S58-Cipher-N. 0.-2, dated 31st January 1918. APPENDIX 6
(Despatched 3-40 p.m., received 7-30 a.m,, 1st February 1918.) (Dy. N 0 . 8364)
From—The Chief of the Imperial General Staff, London,
To—The Commander-m-Chief in India .
Tour 7900, January 30th. Have replied to General Officer Commanding,
Mesopotamia, as follows :—
Begins. Your telegram January 18th, X.-5966 {By. No. 4792), our future
policy in the East is still under consideration and the question of the necessity
of providing you with additional artillery depends on this. Your requirements
will be kept in view and a decision will be reached in time to meet them,
should it be necessary, by September.
Working copy to G. S. (S. D. 1),
Copy to M. S. C., D G. 0., G. S. (M. O. 2, M. 0. 3).
Telegram P., No. 51350-Cipher, dated 31st January 1918. APPENDIX 7
(Keceived 11 a.m., 1st February 1918.) (Zty. Ao. 8448)
From—The Chief of the Imperial General Staff, London,
To—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,” Baghdad.
(Repeated Commander-in-Chief in India.)
General Smuts has been deputed by War Cabinet to proceed to Egypt to
confer, on their behalf, with Allenby and Naval Commander-in-Chief in
Mediterranean and either yourself or your representative, regarding the Mili
tary situation in the Middle East, and, with a view to the most vigorous
prosecution of war against Turkey, to advise the War Cabinet as soon as
possible on the best use and co-ordination of all our resources in that
theatre.
It would not be possible for you to be absent from your command for the
period involved, so please send Gillman to represent your views and to render
General Smuts every possible assistance. General Smuts starts for Egypt at
once, so Gillman must also leave immediately. When can he start from
Basrah and what will be approximate date of his arrival in Egypt P He
should be instructed to keep Allenby and myself informed as to his move
ments.
i
Working copy to G. S. (M. 0. 1).
Copy to M. S. C.
Letter No. Q.-1238-6, dated 8th January 1918. APPENDIX 8
(Received in War Section, 1st February 1918.) (Ay. Ac?. 8449)
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D,’ , Baghdad,
To—The Chief of the General Staff.
It is considered that the supply of bridging equipment Electrical and
Mechanical stores is susceptible of improvement, and I would suggest that the
services of a Royal Engineer Officer be placed at the disposal of the Munitions
Board for the purpose of inspecting materials during manufacture of stores
and equipment and to furnish the Board with expert opinion on all such
articles before despatch. In the case of material made up at Bombay it
would, I think, tend towards further efficiency if a Royal Engineer Officer
from the 3rd Sappers and Miners Headquarters could be deputed from Kirkee,
to pass equipment and stores before acceptance ; experience proves that with
respect to equipment for Sappers and Miners, the inspection should be carried
out by an officer with adequate technical knowledge. This officer would also
be able to check consignments before despatch, ensure their being complete
and advise as to packing, which on occasions fall short of requirements.
In the above connection, the defects brought to notice in my No. 0.-1647-
36, dated 29th December 1917 {By. No. 7213), lend support to the recom
mendations now made.
0
Working copy to D. G. M. W.
Copy to M. S. C., M. B., G. S. (S. D. 1).