AI Transcription, Pages 26-50
Page 26
61/1/7
Hillah
3/2/27
Dear Ditchburn
I enclose duplicate
translations of a report by the Comdt
of Police to the I.G. of Police,
Diwaniyah, copy to me.
With reference to the Wahhabi
agitation, it is reported that S.
Mohd Ali al Qazwini communicated
with H.M. on the subject during
the latter's visit to Hillah, by
means of S. Mahsin Abu Tabikh.
S. M. Ali has now gone to Najaf.
These missionaries are a
bit of a nuisance, especially coming
at the moment of the Wahhabi
outbreak. They have cottoned on to
me, and are continually coming
to my office & house. I suppose
we can't fling them out can
we? One of them, Miss Strang, who
wants to open a school, is fairly
harmless, but Mr. Edwards & his
wife do nothing but dish out
tracts. Destroy this when read.
[Signature] Yours
[Signature] ⟦signature⟧
[Marginalia] Sx
[Marginalia] I presume
[Marginalia] that the
[Marginalia] Mutasarrif
[Marginalia] makes
[Marginalia] representations
[Marginalia] if missionaries
[Marginalia] activities
[Marginalia] are likely
[Marginalia] to cause
[Marginalia] any trouble
[Marginalia] ⟦illegible initials⟧
[Marginalia] PA
[Marginalia] 5/2
[Marginalia] Seen ⟦initials⟧
[Marginalia] 24/2
Page 27
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDANT OF POLICE.
HILLAH.
No.18 of 2nd February, 1926.
To the Inspecting Officer of Police.
Hillah and Diwaniyah Liwahs.
⟦line⟧
A.C.
We have just ascertained that a society exists in Hindiyah, composed
of the undermentioned individuals :-
SAMAWI-AL-CHALLUB; shaikh of the FATLAH
HAJJI SHIMRAN shaikh of the Fatlah.
Hajji Bakr Effendi, an inhabitant of Hindiyah.
GHALIB AS SULTAN, shaikh of the FATLAH.
MUHAMAD AL ABADI, shaikh BANI Hasan.
ABID ALI AL MA'MAR, inhabitant of HINDIYAH.
ABDUL HADI, inhabitant of HINDIYAH.
Saiyid MAHI }
,, MAHDI } sons of S. HADI AL QAZWINI.
,, Juwad }
SHAIKH ABDUL GHANI of NAJF.
SHAIKH MUHAMAD ALI of NAJF.
A meeting recently took place in the house of S. HADI AL QAZWINI
and a secret discussion took place regarding the "manshur" issued
ulema
by the <del>kawwapaapla</del> of NAJF. with regard to the Wahhabis.
We are informed that a large number of these manshurs have been
distributed thoughout the tribes by the abovementioned society.
Recently discussion and argument concerning the Wahhabis has very
greatly increased.
I have just come across a book entitled "Kitab bil haqq al mubayyin
fi al istathhar al al qasisin ". Many copies of this book have
been distributed to the tribes and townspeople. The book is printed
in the NAJF press, and we have ascertained that as soon as the
press of the new newspaper the "FAIHA" is established in HILLAH,
many books will be printed there.
The American missionary, Mr EDWARDS, was the cause of the printing
of this book, because he has distributed a great number of books
entitled "Al taudhih fi bayan ma huwa al anjil wa min huwa al masi⟦h⟧
Page 28
As soon as the Ulema read this book, they published the reply.
I forward herewith a copy of the missionary's book for your
information.
I consider it essential to forbid the American missionary
Mr. Edwards, from distributing such books in HILLAH.
Compliments.
[Signature] signed
[Signature] Comdt of police.
[Signature] Hillah.
Copy to A.I. HILLAH.
Page 29
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDANT OF POLICE,
HILLAH.
No. 18 of 2nd February, 1926.
To the Inspecting Officer of Police,
Hillah and Diwaniyah Liwahs.
A.C.
We have just ascertained that a society exists in Hindiyah, composed
of the undermentioned individuals:-
SAMAVI AL-GHALLUB, shaikh of the FATLAH
HAJI I - H I M - shaikh of the Fatlah.
Hajji Fakr Effendi, an inhabitant of Hindiyah.
GHALIB AS SULTAN, shaikh of the FATLAH.
MUHAMAD AL ABADI, shaikh BANI Hasan.
ABID ALI AL MA'MAR, inhabitant of HINDIYAH.
ABDUL HADI, inhabitant of HINDIYAH.
Saiyid MAHI )
" MAHDI ) sons of S. HADI AL QAZWINI.
" Juwad )
SHAIKH ABDUL GHANI of NAJF.
SHAIKH MUHAMAD ALI of NAJF.
A meeting recently took place in the house of S. HADI AL QAZWINI
and a secret discussion took place regarding the "manshur" issued
by the <del>⟦illegible⟧</del> ulema of NAJF, with regard to the Wahhabis.
We are informed that a large number of these manshurs have been
distributed throughout the tribes by the abovementioned society.
Recently discussion and argument concerning the Wahhabis has very
greatly increased.
I have just come across a book entitled "Kitab bil haqq al mubayyin
fi al istathhar al al qasisin". Many copies of this book have
been distributed to the tribes and townspeople. The book is printed
in the NAJF press, and we have ascertained that as soon as the
press of the new newspaper the "FAIHA" is established in HILLAH,
many books will be printed there.
The American missionary, Mr EDWARDS, was the cause of the printing
of this book, because he has distributed a great number of books
entitled "Al taudhih fi bayan ma huwa al anjil wa min huwa al masih"
Page 30
As soon as the Ulema read this book, they published the reply
I forward herewith a copy of the missionary's book for your
information.
I consider it essential to forbid the American missionary
Mr. Edwards, from distributing such books in HILLAH.
Compliments.
[Signature] signed
[Signature] Comdt of police.
[Signature] Hillah.
Copy to A.I. HILLAH.
Page 31
Extract from the Monthly Report of the Adminis-
trative Inspector, Diwaniya for the month of January, 1927.
------
Anti With the reluctance of the Mujtahids to
Wahabi 61/1/7 become embroiled the anti Wahabi agitation appears
Agitation. to have subsided.
Page 32
CONFIDENTIAL.
NO.C/ 454
61/1/7
MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR
BAGHDAD, the 6th February 1927.
To,
The Dy. Inspector General of Police,
Central C.I.D. & Railways,
BAGHDAD
MEMORANDUM.
I forward herewith copy of memorandum No. 70
dated 2nd February 1927 with enclosure in original
from the Administrative Inspector, Hilla - an Anti-
Wahabi proclamation issued from Najaf.
[Signature] ⟦NC⟧ ⟦illegible⟧
[Signature] for Adviser, Ministry of Interior.
Page 33
61/1/7
SECRET
No- 70
Office of the Administrative Inspector,
Hillah, dated the 2nd February 1927.
To
The Adviser,
Ministry of Interior,
B A G H D A D.
[Stamp] MINISTRY OF:
[Stamp] CONFIDENTIAL SECTION:
[Stamp] Inward No.: 532
[Stamp] Date: 3- 2- 27
[Stamp] File No.: 61/1/7
Memorandum:-
I attach herewith, in original, an anti-Wahhabi proclamation
issued from Najaf. It is reported that a large number of these
leaflets are in circulation amoungst the tribes of the Hindiyah
qadha.
[Signature] ⟦illegible signature⟧
[Signature] Administrative Inspector.
[Marginalia] Adv.
[Marginalia] S.A.⟦W⟧ 3/2
[Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 3/2
[Marginalia] Send to CID
[Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧
[Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧
Page 34
URGENT TELEGRAM
CODE.
61/1/7
[Stamp] MINISTRY OF INTERIOR
[Stamp] CONFIDENTIAL SECTION
[Stamp] Inward No 531
[Stamp] Date 3.2.27
[Stamp] File No 61/1/7
Adviser
Interior
Baghdad
Secret aaa returned yesterday
from Najaf <del>xxxx</del> where anti Wahabi
situation is dveloping aaa section of
minor Ulama led by Bahr Ulum
and Khorasani are making great
efforts stir up popular excitement aaa
they shortly expect deputations from
Karbala and Kadhimain to persuade
Mujtahids to issue general protests
European powers and Fatwah against
Pilgrimage aaa large section Ulama
led by Isfahani who may now be
regarded as Chief Mujtahid refuse their
support and it is reported latter favours
reference to High Commissioner aaa his
personal actions would seem confirm this
report and desire not to be dragged
in aaa general considerations remain as
alreday reported to you
[Signature] Adminter Diwaniyah
[Signature] S/18
Copy by post in confirmation to:-
The Adviser, Ministry of Interior,
Baghdad.
The Administrative Inspector, Hillah.
The Administrative Inspector, Nasiriyah
Page 35
SECRET. سِرِّيّ
NOT PARAPHRASED.
[Stamp] MINISTRY OF INTERIOR
[Stamp] CONFIDENTIAL SECTION
[Stamp] Inward No. 459
[Stamp] Date 31.1.27
[Stamp] File No. 61/1/7
Telegram:
No.: S/18
Date: 31/1/27
From: Admintor Diwaniya
To: Adviser Interior
Repeated:
[Marginalia] 61/1/7
SECRET.
Returned yesterday from Najaf where anti Wahabi situation is developing. Section of Minor Ulama led by (Pro ?) Ulum and Khorasani are making great efforts to stir up popular excitement. They shortly expect deputations from Kerbala (and is too ? )Kadhimain to persuade Mujtahids to issue general protests European powers and Fatwah against pilgrimage.
Large section Ulema led by Isfahani who may now be regarded as chief Mujtahed refuse their support and it is reported latter favours reference to High Commiss -ioner - His personal actions would seem to confirm this report and desire not to be dragged in - General considerations remain as already reported to you.
--------------------
[Marginalia] Adv.
[Marginalia] SA ⟦illegible⟧ 1/2
[Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 31/1
[Marginalia] 110 / 1/2/27
[Marginalia] HE
[Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧
[Marginalia] HE
[Marginalia] Sent
[Marginalia] 1/2
[Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧
SGPS...191...301...500...20-6.26.
Page 36
Confidential.
No.C/ 388 /61/1/7
Ministry of the Interior
Baghdad, 1st, February, 1927
To,
The Secretary to His Excellency,
the High Commissioner for Iraq,
Baghdad.
Memorandum.
I forward herewith copy of telegram No.S/18,
dated, 31st January, 1927, from Administrative
Inspector, Diwaniya, re: the Anti-Wahabi situation
in Najaf, for information.
[Signature] ⟦illegible⟧
[Signature] ⟦Ace⟧
[Signature] ADVISER MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR.
Page 37
Telegram
No. S/18
Dali 31/1/27
From Admintor Diwaniya
To Adviser Interior
⟦line⟧
SECRET.
Returned yesterday from Najaf where anti Wahabi
situation is developing. Section of Minor Ulama led
by (Pro ?) Ulum and Khorasani are making great efforts
to stir up popular excitement. They shortly expect
deputations from Kerbala (and is too ?)Kadhimain to
persuade Mujtahids to issue general protests European
powers and Fatwah against pilgrimage.
Large section Ulema led by Isfahani who may now be
regarded as chief Mujtahed refuse their support and
it is reported latter favours reference to High Commiss
-ioner - His personal actions would seem to confirm
this report and desire not to be dragged in - General
considerations remain as already reported to you.
⟦line⟧
Page 38
Urgent
H.E.
I suggest that the
information communicated by H.E.
to the P.M. that the reports
of the demolition of the tombs at
Madina are untrue should be
published in the Press.
[Signature] ⟦BH⟧
[Signature] 29/1
لم تصلنا <del>⟦البرقية⟧</del> الانباء اليوم من رئاسة الوزراء
واني سأتكلم مع <del>رئيس</del> الوزراء | 29
ع ك
[Signature] ⟦BH⟧
[Signature] 30/1
File 61/1/7
Page 39
[Marginalia] 6/1/7
[Marginalia] <del>3/6</del>
S E C R E T
No. S.B./82
'I R A Q P O L I C E
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT,
Baghdad, 29th January 1927.
To:-
His Excellency the Minister of Interior
The Adviser to the Ministry of Interior
The Secy. to H.E. the High Commissioner
The Air Staff Intelligence, A.H.Q.
The Director-General of Police
The Inspector-General of Police
The Administrative Inspector, Baghdad
The Inspecting Officer of Police, Baghdad
[Marginalia] File
[Marginalia] 1/9
S P E C I A L R E P O R T
One SAYYID RADHI RAWZAKHUN of Najaf arrived
in Kadhimain recently. He brought letters from the
"Ulama Union" addressed to:-
SAYYID HASAN AL SADR,
SAYYID MUHAMMAD MAHDI AL SADR,
SHAIKH ABDUL-HUSAIN AL YASIN,
which he handed to them on the 25th instant. The
letters are to the effect that on the occasion of
the pilgrimage to Kadhimain on the 25th Rajab
(30th January) demonstrations against the Wahabis
should be organised. SAYYID RADHI RAWZAKHUN will
arrange for the reciting of anti-Wahabi qasidas.
It is reported that the above action was
arranged at a meeting of SAYYID ABDUL-HUSAIN AL TABATABAI,
SHAIKH
Page 42
(2)
SHAIKH ALI SHAIKH-AL-'IRAQAIN, SAYYID MIRZA ibn SAYYID
HAMZA, and SAYYID MUHAMMAD AL SADR when the latter
visited Karbala last week.
It is reprted that a further important
meeting will take place at Najaf on 27th Rajab (1st
February 1927) and that several ulama have been summoned,
to attend it by SAYYID MUHAMMAD ALI BAHR-AL-ULUM and
SHAIKH ABDUL-KARIM AL JAZAIRI.
[Signature] ⟦illegible⟧
Deputy Inspector-General of Police,
C.I.D. & Railways.
Page 43
[Marginalia] 61/1/7
No. S.B./58
'I R A Q P O L I C E
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT,
Baghdad, 22nd January 1927.
[Stamp] ⟦illegible⟧ INTERIOR
[Stamp] ⟦illegible⟧ SECTION
[Stamp] Inwar: 344
[Stamp] Date: 22.1.27
[Stamp] File No. 61/1/7
S E C R E T
To:-
His Excellency the Minister of Interior
The Adviser to the Ministry of Interior
The Secy. to H.E. the High Commissioner
The Air Staff Intelligence, A.H.Q.
The Director-General of Police
The Inspector-General of Police
The Administrative Inspector, Baghdad.
[Marginalia] Adv. ⟦illegible⟧
[Marginalia] SA.
[Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 22/1
[Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 22/1
S P E C I A <del>X</del> R E P O R T
An agent, who returned from Najaf on the
21st January 1927, reports that on the 19th instant
two telegrams were received by MIRZA HUSAIN AL NAYINI
and SAYYID ABDU-AL-HASAN AL ISFAHANI respectively
from SAYYID UMRAN AL HABOUBI and others of Medina
and SAYYID ABDUL-HUSAIN AL SHARAF-AL-DIN and others
of Syria.
The telegrams were to the effect that
IBN SU'UD with a strong force entered Medina and
ordered the demolition of the Prophet's tomb which
order was immediately carried out.
The agent states that the news has caused
considerable excitement in Najaf and special prayers
were held in the Sahla mosque.
The visit of His Majesty the King is
anxiously awaited in order to discuss what measures
can be adopted.
[Signature] D.I.G. of Police, C.I.D. & Rys.
Page 44
[Marginalia] 61/1/7
Telegram
No. S/15.
From Admintor Diwaniyah
To Adviser Interior, Baghdad
Dated 20th January 1927.
-----------------------
Wahabi agitation among religious (part ⟦Nanate?⟧)
has very much increased.
Unconfirmed reports of fresh outrages in Madina
ostensible reason. Reliable reports indicate agitation
engineered by persons from Baghdad.
+++----------------------------------------------------
Confidential. Ministry of the Interior,
No.C./ 254 Baghdad the 22nd January 1927.
To
The Secretary to His Excellency,
the High Commissioner for 'Iraq,
Baghdad.
Memorandum.
Copy forwarded for information.
[Signature] ⟦de⟧ ⟦W.G.⟧ 22/1
[Signature] for Adviser Ministry of Interior.
Page 45
SECRET.
سِرِّيٌّ
NOT PARAPHRASED.
[Stamp] ⟦illegible⟧
[Stamp] 325
[Stamp] 20.1.27
[Stamp] 61/1/7
[Marginalia] 61/1/7
Telegram
No. S/15
Date 20/1/27
From Admintor Diwaniyah
To Adviser Interior.
Repeated
Express. Ordinary. Clear Line.
Land Line. Wireless.
x
WAHABI agitation among religious (part Nanate ? )
has very much increased.
Unconfirmed reports of fresh outrages in MADINA
ostensible reason. Reliable reports indicate agitation
engineered by persons from Baghdad.
[Marginalia] Adv.
[Marginalia] SA. ⟦illegible⟧ 20/1
[Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 20/1
[Marginalia] CM HL
[Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧
[Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧
SGPS...191...301...500...20-6-26.
Page 46
[Marginalia] 61/1/7
[Marginalia] 54
[Stamp] MINISTRY OF INTERIOR CONFIDENTIAL SECTION Inward No: 214
[Stamp] Date: 15-1-27
[Stamp] File No: 61/1/7
SECRET
No. S.B./30
'I R A Q P O L I C E
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT,
Baghdad, 11th January 1927.
My Dear Cornwallis
One ABU BAKR ALAWI BAFQIA, a Hijazi, arrived
in Baghdad from Cairo towards the end of December and
was put up at the Palace guest house by ABDULLAH AL
MADHAYFI.
On 4/1/1927 he applied for a visa to India
on a Laissez Passer No. 16439 issued by the Commandant
of Police, Cairo, and was recommended by ABDULLAH AL
MADHAYFI, who vouched for him and his bona fide. Visa
No. 11 good for the journey was issued.
On 10/1/1927, I received a communication from
the Director, Intelligence Bureau, Delhi, forwarding a
translation of a letter from SAYYID ABU BAKR ALAWI to
SHAWKAT ALI seen in secret censorship in Bombay, from
which it is clear that he is proceeding to India in
connection with the anti-Wahabi agitation.
Enquiries made show that SAYYID ABU BAKR ALAWI
left for Basrah on 8/1/1927, so that it is probable that
he sailed for India by last week's mail.
[Signature] Yours Sincerely,
[Signature] ⟦illegible⟧
[Marginalia] ⟦illegible⟧ 12/1
[Marginalia] File
K. Cornwallis, Esq., C.M.G., C.B.E., D.S.O.,
Adviser to the Ministry of Interior.
Page 47
[Marginalia] 61/1/7
Extract from the Monthly report of the Administrative
Inspector Diwaniya, Hilla, and Kerbala Liwas for the
month of December, 1927.
--------
Anti Wahabi Agitation.
This agitation has now become curious. It dies
down and no sooner it is dead than an emissary arrives
from Baghdad and stirs it up again. The average
tribesman takes not the slightest interest in it, but
as predicted some time ago Saiyid <del>⟦illegible⟧</del> Muhsin has no
now appeared on the stage with the remark that the
chiefs of Shamiya will support such an agitation.
-----
Page 48
Extract from the Monthly report of the Administrative
Inspector Diwaniya, Hilla, and Kerbala Liwas for the
month of December, 1927.
-------
Anti Wahabi Agitation.
This agitation has now become curious. It dies
down and no sooner it is dead than an emissary arrives
from Baghdad and stirs it up again. The average
tribesman takes not the slightest interest in it, but
as predicted some time ago Saiyid <del>xxxxxx</del> Muhsin has n⟦...⟧
now appeared on the stage with the remark that the
chiefs of Shamiya will support such an agitation.
-----
Page 49
VERY SECRET.
No.S/⟦214⟧.
⟦61/1/7⟧ 53
Office of the Administrative Inspector,
Diwaniyah, dated the 11th November, 1926.
[Stamp] MINISTRY OF INTERIOR CONFIDENTIAL SECTION:
[Stamp] Inward No: 5197
[Stamp] Date: 13/11/26
[Stamp] File No: 61/1/7
To
The Adviser,
Ministry of Interior,
⟦line⟧
Memorandum:
⟦line⟧
I enclose herewith a copy of the report from the
Inspecting Officer of Police, Diwaniyah and Hillah.
During the past month there has been a
recrudescence of the Wahabi agitation in the Liwahs, and
it would seem some attempt is being made to stir up
provincial opinion. I see no reason to alter the views
expressed in my memorandum No. S/185 dated the 22nd:
September, 1926.
[Marginalia] Fa.
[Marginalia] ROA
[Marginalia] 13/11.
[Marginalia] lu 13/11
[Marginalia] Ave
[Marginalia] b7
It is natural that <del>the</del> Hillah, where the
Mutasarrif is so very ignorant, should present a more
favourable field to agitators but I am informed privately
that as soon as the news leaked out the persons involved
became extremely frightened.
There is some wild gossip connecting the present
political crisis with the Wahabi agitation. The latter is
being very carefully watched in the three Liwahs.
[Signature] ⟦signature⟧
[Signature] Administrative Inspector,
[Signature] Diwaniyah.
[Marginalia] Kl
[Marginalia] 15/11
Page 50
[Marginalia] 52
Copy of Confidential memo No. C/109 dated the
9th November, 1926, from the Inspecting Officer of Police,
Diwaniyah and Hillah Divisions,Diwa niyah, to the D.I.G.,
of Police, C.I.D., and Railways, Baghdad, c⟦o⟧py to the
Administrative Inspector⟦,⟧ Diwaniyah.
*************************
Reference this Office No. C/102 dated 1.11.26.
It is reported that on the 5th instant, a secret
meeting took place in the house of Sayyid Muhsin ibn Sayyid
Hussein al Qazwini at Hillah.
In addition to Sayyid Muhsin the following were
present
Shaikh Muhammad ibn Shaikh Mahmud Sumaki
Shaikh Majid ibn Hammadi
Sayyid Ahmad ibn Sayyid Fadhil.
It was decided that deputies be despatched to the
'Ulama at Najaf and Kadhimain to agitate against the British
Government regarding the atrocities of their allies, the
Wahabis.
Two Hillah men were selected for this mission - one
Sayyid Hakim ibn Sayyid Muhammad Jowad who was despatched to
Najaf to interview Sayyid Bahr el Ulum, and Shaikh Abdul
Karim el Juzairi, and the other named Shaikh Muhammad Radha
ibn Shahib to Kadhimain.
The latter did not proceed to Kadhimain, but sent
someone in his place - name not yet known.
It is also reported that the Qazwinis of Hillah have
received by Post from Persia a circular entitled "Istanjad
Islami". The contents of this have not been divulged.
Sayyid Hadi al Qazwini - (Hindiyah) and Sayyid
Muhammad Ali el Qazwini (Hillah) have become notice ably
more active since the transfer of Mahmud al Tabakchalito
Baghdad and they are both rapidly regaining the influence
they had during the anti-Treaty agitation.
Samawi el Chelub (Hindiyah Fetlah) is also becoming
more assertive and is in close touch with the Qazwinis.
Sayyid Qata' el Awwadi is a friend of Samawi el Chelub