ملف ١٩١٦/٣٣٦٠ الجزء ٢ "مراسلات بلاد فارس. (١٩١٧-١٩١٨)" [و‎‎١‎٦‎٠] (٦٧٨/٣٢٤)

Of these one and two will be in nature of advances, and three Will be
discontinued a few months hence. Vassuk-ed-Dowleh would be asked ifi
return to give same measure of recognition to South Persia Rifles immediately
as when he was last in office, to cease all protest against action 6f ou* trOops
and to send instructions to ail local authorities to show friendly attitude to all
British interests. In these circumstances I shall be glad to receive authority
to furnish these sums on the stated conditions.
This refers to my telegram No. 411.
Addressed Poreign Office, London; tepeated Baghdad.
230
Telegram P., No. 424, dated the Ifcth (received 20th) May 1918.
From—His Britannic Majesty's Minister, Tehran,
To—His Excellency the Viceroy (Foreign.and Political Department), Simla.
His Majesty's Consul at Tabriz has been informed by GoVernor-GenerM
Azerbaijan, that he and democrats desire to organise forced, financed aftd
armed by us and officered by Russian to oppose Turkish advance on Tabriz. In
reply the Consul said that they must first settle Jelti question or the ’force
might be used to attack them and Armenians. In this the Governor-General
concurred, as also in the suggestion that British officers, who could go as
Secretaries to Consulate, would be necessary to help in organisation. The
Governor-General’s proposal would certainly be rejected °by the present
Cabinet.
According to the Consul it is reported by Armenians at Julfa* that Turks
have arrived at Alexandropol and have demanded use of railway to attack
British. This definitely cuts wireless to Tiflis.
Addressed to Poreign Office ; repeated to Baghdad.
231
Telegram P., No. 28, dated the 19th (received 20th) May 1918.
From—His Britannic Majesty's Consul at Shiraz,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla. y
Governor-General has received letter from Soulat intimating that unless
they receive orders from Persian Government to remain quiet tinder attacks of
“ foreign ” troops South Persia Rifles included all South Persia tribes,
Kashgais in particular will shed last drop of blood in defence of their rights
against foreigners. He adds that he has transmitted orders of Governor-
General to hold in his tribes but he can do so no longer.
He has telegraphed to Persian Government and written to the local
Mullahs here in the same sense appealing to sense of religion.
The whole thing which amounts to a call to jehad is a decided step at last
on Soulat’s part.
I fear and the fear is also entertained by the Governor-General is that
call may possibly appeal to the Arabs, but my present belief is that Kawam
who will undoubtedly be pressed will see that his advantage would not lie in
joining hands with Soulat.
Governor-General and I are of opinion that not only is immediate action
to be avoided bnt delay will calm passionate feelings which recent late
events have aroused.
But while things may settle down it is wise to realise gravity of situation.
^ I am to-day discussing possible eventualities with military authorities and
military point of view will be presented to you hereafter.