EASTERN TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 23 August 1920, Page 2

EASTERN TROUBLE

AtSI: l.i*N Ac N.Z. \ CABLE AbbOOIATIO

THE ARAB TROUBLE. LONDON, August 20. The British War Office states further outbreaks of a revolutionary character as against British rule being set up have, occurred in Mesopotamia, and on a considerable scale, particularly to the-north east and to the west of Bagdad.

j Bands of the tribesmen have cut the railways and the telegraphs from Bagdad to ICifri and Kirmvnrds. Part of the .garrison here has been invested and several railway bridges have been burnt. The Euphrates River communications with the Ramadi and Teluja garrisons have been cut. The tribes south of Bagdad are quiet. The 'Kufah garison are still bolding out. It is a revolutionary movement which was at first political, has, it is stated, now become anarchic. iSome former ring leaders are said to be alarmed at the. new turn of events, and are throwing their influence on'the side of peace.

British reinforcements from India are now en route to Mesopotamia.

BRITISH LOSSES. DELHI, August 20. Fighting with the Arabs in Mesopo 1 tainia several British and o'tlier offi- * cers were killed at Sharnban two British captains (Dregley, a political officer, and’ Buchanan, an irrigation and also two British sergeants are reported among the killed. These officers, together with Arab levies, were at their post at Shahraban. They are re ported to have offered a most gallant resistance against overwhelming numbers of' Arab forces. They held out for three days, until all their ammunition was exhausted. Their Arab levies were also slain, and died fighting side by side with them. Another killed is a British political agent named Leachmann, who fell at Kfijannuta. He was a noted British traveller there, his name being a household word from end to end of Arabia. He performed brilliant service as a political officer from the beginning of this campaign. ,