MESOPOTAMIA

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 268, 6 August 1920, Page 7

MESOPOTAMIA

BRITISH COLUMN ATTACKED BY TRIBESMEN . DISTURBANCES ON LOWER EUPHRATES (By Telegranh--Pr«sa As6ooiatlon-OopyrleM London, August 3. A War Office communique in regard to Mesopotamia states that a strong British reconnoitring column, proceeding southward from Hillah, was attacked and roughly handled by tribesmen on July 24. It succeeded in cutting its way back to Hillah. after sustaining three hundred casualties and losing a field-gun, twelve machine-guns, and other material,, and a large number of horses and mules. Tlia disturbances on the lower Euphrates continue. The railway from Hillah to Bagdad "was cut several times. The garrison at Diwani was withdrawn to Ibgall, which the tribesmen unsuccessfully attacked on July 28. There is 110 news of tho garrison of Kufri, which is in-vested.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BATTALION OP MANCHESTER^ ROUGHLY HANDLED. (Rec, August 0, 0.5 a.m.) London, August 5. The "Daily News" says that the 300 casualties in Mesopotamia meutioned in yesterday's War Office communique were inflicted on a battalion of Manchester, and practically all of them are dead, including the commanding colonel. A fresh division has been sent from India. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. KUFA GARRISON HOLDING OUT. (Bee. August 5, 7.20 p.m.), London, August 4. A War Office communique states:—The Kufa garrison is still holding out. Part of tho town was on fire three days ago.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aasn.-Reuter. VOLUNTEERS FOITsERVICE ASKED FOR INDIAN OFFICERS ON LEAVE RECALLED. Simla, August 4. After the attack at Hillah was repulsed the bodies of 159 of the attackers were collected and some wounded prisoners. Large numbers of others killed and wounded were removed by the tribesmen during darkness. The British casualties were nine killed anfl under twenty wounded. • In view of tho dangerous situation in Persia and Mesopotamia all demobilised officers of tho Indian Army Reserve have been asked to volunteer for immediato active service. It is hoped thus to raise a considerable force. All Indian officers pn leave in England have been recalled.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. kingdom CONSIDERED WITH FEISUL AS KING. (Rec. "August 6, 0.5 a.m.) . London, August 5. The "Daily Express" states that the Government is considering the establishment of a kingdom in .Mesopotamia, and appointing Emir Peisul to be King. Cable Assn.