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49. 'Mesopotamia Administration Committee'
- Description:
- Abstract: Table giving abstracts of proposals made by the War Cabinet, with comments on those proposals by Sir Percy Zachariah Cox and the Government of India.The proposals include:Occupied territories being administered by His Majesty's Government, instead of the Government of IndiaBasra to remain under British administrationBagdad [Baghdad] to be an Arab state with a local ruler of Government, but under British protection, using local laws and institutions where possible.British Civil Service (in Mesopotamia) to be amalgamated with that of Soudan [Sudan] and the Levant.Shiah holy places to be a separate enclave not under direct British controlIrrigation, Navigation and Rivers to be under British administrationKoweit [Kuwait] and Arabian littoral of Persian Gulf, including Oman, to be controlled by BasraSouth Persia to be within Government of India's sphere of influencePhysical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 130 and terminates at folio 131, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present between folios 6-153; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.
50. 'MESOPOTAMIAN ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE. Report of Sub-Committee appointed under paragraph 17 of the minutes of 21st March 1917.'
- Description:
- Abstract: The report details the investigation undertaken by the sub-committee in looking at the division of work between the Indian and Mesopotamian services, and sources of recruitment for the latter. The recommendations based on the report comprise:The limits of the Bagdad Vilayet and the question of holy places: focusing particularly on the need for British Control of the canal system and land irrigated by it.Arab administration in Bagdad Vilayet: discussing the unsuitability of the 'Irak Code' in administering Bagdad and the need to maintain the local judicial system as far as possible.Headquarters of Government: stating that their belief that the title and place of residence of the Head of the Mesopotamian Administration would depend on the future of the Basra Vilayet and that the title needed to ensure the continuing the Arab 'facade'.Civil Service: Regarding the potential need for a special Civil Service for Mesopotamia, the possibility of amalgamating it with the Sudan, and the likely need for Officers from the Indian Services.West and South Coast of Persian Gulf: proposing that the Arabian littoral of the Persian Gulf be placed under the control of Mesopotamian authorities instead of the Government of India.Aden and South Coast of Arabia: recommending that the opportunity be taken to relieve the Government of India of Aden and its dependencies.The report concludes by recommending that administrative arrangements for Mesopotamia should be consistent with the future policy of His Majesty's Government and discussing possible alternatives for the current international position of the Bagdad Vilayet.The Sub-Committee was composed of Thomas William Holderness; Mark Sykes; Arthur Henry McMahon; (Frederic) Arthur Hirtzel; Ronald Graham; and George R Clerk. The secretary to the Committee, who produced the report dated 27 March 1917 was John Evelyn Shuckburgh.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 123 and terminates at folio 124, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between folios 6-153; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.
51. 'MESOPOTAMIAN ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE. DRAFT REPORT OF COMMITTEE.'
- Description:
- Abstract: The draft report of the Mesopotamian Administration Committee containing recommendations made by the committee.These recommendations include:The occupied territories of Mesopotamia being administered in the future by His Majesty's Government and not by the Government of India;The Basra Vilayet territory remaining permanently under British administration;Proposed boundaries for the region which would ensure that Holy Places remained outside of British control;The proposed system of Arab Administration of the Bagdad Vilayet, including the committee's desire for the 'Irak Code' not to be implemented there and local judicial systems to be maintained where possible;The considerations needed over the title and place of residence of the future Head of the Mesopotamian Administration, which would depend on the future status of the Basra Vilayet, and on concerns over how a potential British position of 'High Commissioner of Mesopotamia' might look to the Arabs;The possible need for the creation of a Mesopotamia Civil Service which could be amalgamated with that of the Sudan and also the Levant;Arabistan [Khuzestan] and the Sheikh of Mohammera [Khorramshahr] remaining under the political influence of Southern Persia, which should be under British influence; and the Bakhtiari county to be included in the British sphere of influence of the Indian Government;the placing of responsibility for the Arabian littoral and Muscat under Mesopotamian authorities rather than the Government of India;The relieving of the Government of India of responsibility for Aden and its dependencies;That the administration of Mesopotamia should perhaps be arranged along similar lines to Egypt.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 125 and terminates at folio 126, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between folios 6-153; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.
52. 'MESOPOTAMIA ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE.'
- Description:
- Abstract: Copies of Telegrams between the Viceroy (Frederic Thesiger, The Lord Chelmsford), Secretary of State (Austen Chamberlain) and Sir Percy Zachariah Cox on the future administration of Mesopotamia, March to April 1917:Telegram P 1234 from Viceroy, Foreign Department, 26 March 1917: regarding the need for steps to be taken to overhaul and replace the defunct Turksh administration and for the work of the civil departments to continue in Bagdad.Telegram P 1315 from Secretary of State to Viceroy, Foreign Department, 29 March 1917: regarding the Committee of the War Cabinet's conclusions for the future administration and political control of Mesopotamia and Arabia, including that occupied territories were to be administered by His Majesty's Government; that Basra was to remain permanently under British administration; Bagdad to be an Arab state under British protection and to be administered as an Arab province and without the use of the 'Irak Code'; Koweit [Kuwait] and Arabian littoral, including Oman, to be controlled by Basra;Telegram P 1434 from Sir Percy Cox, to the Government of India, 7 April 1917: giving Cox's own opinions that there is no suitable candidate to be ruler and that perhaps an administrative council would be more appropriate; the need for a uniform code of law for both Bagdad and Basra; proposals for Nejef [Najaf] and Kerbela [Karbala] to be independent townships; and expressing his willingness to undertake the carrying out of this policy if required.Telegram P 1433 from Sir Percy Cox, to the Foreign Department, Government of India, 8 April 1917: requesting information on the individuals proposed for the positions of Judicial Adviser and Subordinate Revenue Officers and suggesting Colonel Knox for the position of Judicial Adviser.Draft of a proposed telegram to the Viceroy, undated but after 7 April 1917: advising that no work on introducing an Arab administration should be undertaken whilst Mesopotamia is under military occupation, and that only such administration as is required to preserve order and meet the needs of the occupying force.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation for this description commences at folio 127 and terminated at folio 129, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between folios 6-153; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and can be found in the same position as the main sequence.
53. ‘Transport requirements; Truck for office’
- Description:
- Abstract: The file contains correspondence relating to the shipment from Basra to Bahrain of a Dodge truck for use by the Public Relations Office in Bahrain, and the shipment in the opposite direction of a Hudson saloon car. The file’s principal correspondents are: the Public Relations Officer in Basra (Major E C Becher; D A Denbigh); the Public Relations Officer in Bahrain (Cornelius James Pelly).The file contains:correspondence relating to arrangements to ship the truck, with associated equipment, from Bahrain to Basra. The truck was intended for use by the Public Relations office to transport a generator and film projector, and be used for radio broadcasts;correspondence relating to arrangements to ship the Hudson saloon, with associated equipment, from Bahrain to Basra. The correspondence documents the difficulties encountered in finding passage for the car, the appointment of a farrash to accompany the car to discourage pilfering of its components and equipment while en route, and the failure of the farrash to protect the car, leading it to arrive in Basra, in the words of the Public Relations Officer at Basra, ‘in a very bad condition’ (f 29);correspondence relating to equipment requirements for the truck in Bahrain;correspondence relating to an incident in which the driver of the truck was stopped by the police authorities in Bahrain, who had assumed that the truck was stolen property.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 53; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 2-36; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
54. ‘Proceedings relating to the Bushire Residency & Bussorah Agency. Question as to removing the former from Bushire to the island of Kharrack.’
- Description:
- Abstract: The item consists of copies and extracts of correspondence, minutes and resolutions cited in, or enclosed with, letters from the Government of Bombay, the Government of Bengal, and the Court of Directors of the East India Company.The item relates to the suggestion – first in 1828 by Captain David Wilson, the Resident in the Persian Gulf, and again in 1832 by David Anderson Blane, Wilson’s successor – to remove the Residency at Bushire [Būshehr] to the nearby island of Kharrack [Jazīreh-ye Khārk]. In particular the item concerns:The temporary removal in March 1832, due of the outbreak of plague, of the Residency at Bushire to the island of Corgo beside Kharrack, and Blane’s arguments in favour of making this move permanentThe Government of Bombay’s subsequent revisiting of the points raised during Wilson’s earlier suggestion in 1828Wilson’s research in 1828 into potential sites to which the Residency at Bushire could be relocated, with Kharrack found to be the most favourable optionDiscussions in 1828 of the allowances for numerous Residents and Agents throughout the Persian Gulf and options for reducing expensesResearch commissioned by the Supreme Government [Government of Bengal] in 1828 to ascertain comparative costs of establishing a footing on Kharrack and maintaining the Residencies at Bushire and Bussorah [Basra]Suggestion by the Calcutta Financial Committee in 1830 to abolish the Agency at Bussorah and consolidate the affairs of the Gulf under one authority which would be titled ‘Political Agent in the Gulf of Persia’Discussions of the viability of acquiring Kharrack from PersiaThe survey of Kharrack by Lieutenant Samuel Hennell, Assistant in Charge of the Residency in the Persian Gulf, in 1831 to ascertain costs of establishing military fortifications on the island.The principal correspondents in the item are: Wilson; Blane; the Court of Directors; and numerous secretaries heading various departments within the governments of Bombay and Bengal. Other correspondents include: Hennell; John Wedderburn, Civil Auditor and Accountant General, Bombay; Pasha of Bagdad [Dāwūd Pasha, Governor of Baghdad]; Lieutenant-Colonel David Barr, Military Auditor General, Bombay; Sir Charles Malcolm, Superintendent of the Indian Navy.The item also contains a lengthy Minute by John Malcolm, the Governor of Bombay, which mentions numerous policies applicable to the Residency at Bushire (f 49 recto – f 55 recto).The ‘Resident/Residency in the Persian Gulf’ is also referred to as the ‘Resident/Residency at Bushire’ throughout the item.The title page of the item contains the following references: 'Bombay Political Department No. 2’, ‘P.C. 1216, Draft 111, 1834' and 'Examiner's Office'.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description (used for referencing) commences at f 4, and terminates at f 144, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the bottom right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the volume also contains an original pagination sequence.
55. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 3. November 10th to November 25th, 1914 (inclusive.)’
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 10 and 25 November 1914. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: letters, orders, and telegrams containing instructions and reports.A summary of the contents of this volume is pasted on the leading flyleaf, under the subtitle ‘Advance to Basrah [Basra]’:‘Action at Saniyeh’‘General Barrett arrived at Saniyeh’‘Action at Sahil’‘Action at Saihan [Qaryat Sayhan]’‘130th stopped and 22nd diverted to Basrah’‘17th Brigade sailed’‘Force “D” arrived at Basrah’.The volume contains numbers and details of soldiers who were wounded or killed.A summary of contents for the previous volumes is pasted on the inside front cover.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 57; these numbers are printed, and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.The sequence contains one foliation anomaly, f 24a.Dimensions: 21x33cm
56. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 37. PART II. (From 16th to 31st August 1917).’
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 16 and 31 August 1917. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: letters, telegrams, notes, reports, tables, and memoranda.An index to the contents of this volume and a summary of the contents can be found at IOR/L/MIL/17/5/3282. The volume concerns:Appreciations [reports] and intelligence summaries from the Directorate of Military Operations dated 19 August 1917 (ff 53-55), 26 August 1917 (ff 162-164)One diary of information dated 28 July 1917 (ff 84-86) covering climate, floods, and the Christians of MesopotamiaReinforcements for Force DMovements of Turkish [Ottoman], Russian, and German troops and German officials, including General Erich von FalkenhaynReports from the Royal Flying Corps of machines in service and pilots availableProvision and movements of river craftProgress of railway constructions and future railway policy, including Turkish [Ottoman] railway constructionThe composition of the committee of enquiry into port congestion at Basrah [Basra]A scheme to stimulate cultivation by clearing the canals of the Euphrates area and providing advances of seed and cashInvestigation of postal arrangementsA fodder production scheme using local labourersA discussion of whether the French Consul at Basrah, Monsieur Roux, should be permitted to use a cipher and locked bag, and proceed beyond BasrahTrade between Basrah and BaghdadThe appointment of Sir Percy Cox as Civil Commissioner, MesopotamiaA proposal to terminate the agreement between HM Government and the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association employing Edmund Candler as Official EyewitnessA new Indian General HospitalThe appointment of R G Garrow as recognised irrigation expert for Mesopotamia.Proposed co-operation with the Russians.The following tables appear:Distribution of troops 29 July 1917 Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force (ff 8-12)Weekly return sick and wounded w/e 28 July 1917 (ff 23-24), 4 August 1917 (f 72)Ration strength of MEF 14 July 1917 (ff 26-29), 21 July 1917 (ff 102-105), 4 August (ff 136-138), 28 July 1917 (ff 181-184), 11 August (ff 199-201)State of supplies 18 August 1917 (ff 69-71 and 88-89), 25 August (ff 188-190 and 210-211)Distribution of the Turkish Army 21 August 1917 (ff 75-77), 28 August 1917 (ff 194-195)Strength return for IEF D 30 June 1917 (ff 118-135)Monthly distribution report of motor vehicles 1 July 1917 (ff 202-207).The file also contains a ‘Report on the conservancy of the Shatt-el-Arab [Shatt al-Arab] River from the Port of Basra to the Persian Gulf’ by Brigadier-General George Buchanan, Director of Port Administration and Conservancy, dated 22 March 1917, including nine maps of the Shatt-el-Arab River, the port of Basra, Mohammerah [Khorramshahr] bar, and the channel from Fao [Al-Faw] down the river.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 262; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Multiple additional mixed foliation/pagination sequences are also present in parallel; these numbers are printed.Dimensions: 21 x 33cm
57. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 4. (November 26th to December 9th, 1914).’
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D between 26 November and 9 December 1914. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: correspondence; telegrams; reports; orders; despatches; and instructions.A summary of the contents of this volume is pasted on the leading flyleaf, under the subtitle ‘Advance to Qurneh [Al Qurnah]’:‘Reconnaissance to Qurneh’‘17th Brigade disembarked completed 6th December’‘Sanction of Secretary of State to occupation of Qurneh sent to Force D’‘Telegraphic communication completed to Basrah’ ‘Force landed below Qurneh’‘Action as [at] Mazaira’ah [Al Muzayra‘ah, also written as Muzaira’ah, as quoted below]’‘Camels of Force “D” ordered back to India’‘2nd Action at Muzaira’ah’‘3rd Action at Muzaira’ah’‘Occupation of Qurneh’‘Surrender of Turkish [Ottoman] Troops’.The file also contains mentions of the reluctance of some of the Muslim soldiers to fight in a country containing sacred sites.A summary of contents for the previous volumes is pasted on the inside front cover.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 45; these numbers are printed, and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.Dimensions: 21x33cm
58. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 5. (December 10th to December 31st, 1914.)’
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 10 and 31 December 1914. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include letters and telegrams containing reports, instructions, and casualty lists.A summary of the contents of this volume can be found at folio 2 under the subheading ‘Consolidating Position’:‘Engineer Field Park sailed’‘Turkish [Ottoman] prisoners sent to India’‘Reinforcements sailed’‘Sniping at Qurneh [Al Qurnah]’‘No. 104 Heavy Battery mobilized’‘Sniping at Qurneh’The arrival at Basrah [Basra] of: Survey Section; 1 Company Sirmoor Sappers and Miners; and Search-light Section.Topics also covered include: requests for supplies and equipment; the movements of Turkish troops; plans for the administration of Basrah; and the activities of Bin Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān bin Fayṣal Āl Sa‘ūd, also known as Ibn Saud].Summaries of the contents of previous volumes can be found at folio 1.The title page contains the following reference: ‘9th December. Turkish Surrender at Qurneh.’The bulk of the material dates from 10-31 December 1914, but the volume also contains a small number of copies of telegrams dated from November and early December 1914.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 71; these numbers are printed, and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.Dimensions: 21x33cm
59. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 6. (1st to 31st January 1915.)’
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D (also known as the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force) between 1 and 31 January 1915. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include letters and telegrams containing instructions, reports, and requests for supplies and transport.A summary of the contents of this volume can be found at folio 5, most of which relate to:Reconnaissance attempts at Rotah [Ar Rawtah], Chabaish [Al Jabayish], and Al Lowi [‘Allawi]Movements of the 12th Brigade, 104th Heavy Battery, and 16th CavalryViews exchanged on a potential advance on Nasiriyah or Amarah [Al ‘Amarah]Activities at Qurneh [Al Qurnah], Basrah [Basra], Al Zair [Ahl al ‘Uzayr], Ahwaz [Ahvaz], Muzaira'ah [Al Muzayra‘ah], and in Arabistan [Khuzestan]Distributions of Force D and of the Turkish [Ottoman] Army.Of note is a lengthy extract of a telegram from Sir Percy Cox, Resident in the Persian Gulf, to the Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign and Political Department, dated 15 January 1915 (folios 77-79), in which Cox expresses his concerns over the ‘political situation’ at Basrah and the ‘jihad movement’.A summary of contents for the previous volumes can be found at folios 3-4.Multiple spellings for various place names are present in the volume.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 146; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 6-144; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21x33cm
60. ‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 7. (From 1st to 28th February 1915).’
- Description:
- Abstract: The volume contains a chronological list of brief summaries of papers relating to the activities of the Indian Expeditionary Force D between 1 February and 28 February 1915. This is accompanied by appendices containing copies and extracts of these papers, which include: letters, telegrams, reports, notes, tables, extracts of intelligence summaries, and memoranda.A summary of the contents of this volume can be found at folio 5, and the volume concerns:Troop movements and arrivals at Ahwaz [Ahvaz]The position of Turkish [Ottoman] divisionsReinforcements for Force DThe obstruction in the Shatt-al-Arab River caused by the sinking of the EkbatanaA report that Bin Saud [‘Abd al-‘Azīz bin ‘Abd al-Raḥmān Āl Sa’ūd] has defeated Bin Rashid [Saʿūd bin ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Āl Rashīd]Arrival of the Germans at Baghdad and the actions of the German consuls in Persia [Iran]An agreement by Australia to send flying officersThe political position of the Shaikh of Muhammareh [Khorramshahr]River levelsSending suppliesThe situation at Basrah [Basra] and Qurneh [Al Qurnah]The spread of 'jehad' [jihad] and its effects, especially on the Baviyeh [Bāwīya] tribeThe arrest and deportation of German representatives of Messrs Wonckhaus.A table of the distribution of the Turkish Army is present on folios 167-172. A statement of the strength of reinforcements for Force “D” is present on folios 176-178.Summaries of the contents of previous volumes can be found at folios 3-4.Physical description: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 180; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 6-178; these numbers are printed and are located in the bottom centre of the recto side of each folio.Dimensions: 21x33cm