MESOPOTAMIA?

Taranaki Daily News, 6 August 1920, Page 5

MESOPOTAMIA?

FIOHT|N<j THE REBELS. BRITISH CASUALTIES. By Telepsph.—Press Assn.-^Copyrliht. Received August 6,12.5 a.m. London, August i. The Daily Express states the Government is considering the establishment of b kingdom in Mesopotamia, appointing Feisul King. The Daily News says the three hundred casualties in Mes6potamia, mentioned in yesterday's War Office communique, were inflicted on i battalion of Manchesters. Practically all are dead, including the commanding colonel. A fresh division is being sent from India. —AU3.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GUERILLA FIGHTING CONTINUES. I London, August 3. A War Office communique regarding Mesopotamia states that a strong British reconnoitring column proceeding southward from Hilla Was attacked and roughly handled by tribes.men on July 24, but succeeded in cutting its way back to Hilla, after suffering 300 casualties and losing a field gun, twelve machine guns, other material, and large numbers of horses and mules. Delhi, August 4. Bagdad reports state that a column under General Cunningham is withdrawing from Dewanujah, slightly harassed by rebels, but lately the latter have been kept at a distance by our guns. Our post at Jarbuiyah Bridges, south of Hillah, was heavily attacked by Arabs, who were repulsed with very heavy losses. Attacks on Hillah were were also repulsed, our troops executing a brilliant counter-attack. Over 150 rebels were killed. There has been no change elsewhere.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable A«m, OFFICERS RECALLED FROM LEAVE. Delhi, August 4. After the attack on Hilla was repulsed the bodies of 169 attackers were collected. Some of the wounded were made prisoners and a large number o£ others, both killed and wounded, were removed by the tribesmen during the darkness. The British casualties were Under 20 wounded. In view of the dangerous situation in Persia and Mesopotamia, all demobilised officers of the Indian Army Reserve have been asked to volunteer for immediate active service. It is hoped thereby to raise a considerable force. All Indian officer on leave in England have been re-called.—Aus.-N.Z. Oable Assn.