ملف ٣٥١٦\١٩١٤ الجزء ٦ "الحرب الألمانية: بلاد فارس؛ الوضع العام مايو-يوليو ١٩١٥" [ظ‎‎١‎٨‎٢] (٤٨٤/٣٧١)

Telegram R., No. 703 B., dated (and received) the 2nd April 1915.
From—The Hon'blb Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Percy Cox, K.C.I.E., C.S.I., Poli
tical Resident in the Persian Gulf, Basrah,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
Information was recently received from Amara to the effect that the
Commandant of Turkish force (War ?) Ahwaz, had telegraphed to Constanti
nople, via Amara, saying that he was not strong enough to attack the British
position.
He has since received reinforcements, hut his want of confidence is further
shown by desperate but apparently abortive efforts on his part, and that of the
Alujtahid, who accompanies him, to corrupt the Arab troops and populace of
Ahwaz, and revive holy war cry. Incidentally, Mujtahid declares tribesmen
and volunteers are acting with cognizance of Persian Government, who is not
neutral, and that even if she is, then Islam is not.
General Officer Commanding is now increasing force at Ahwaz by another
British regiment. If, when they arrive, military authorities consiaer them
selves strong enough to deal an effective blow at the Turco-Arab force, I am
convinced that it will do a great deal to settle the general situation in Arabistan,
and enable pipe lines to be repaired, and measures to be taken for its future
security.
Examination of the last Persian mail bags from Ahwaz and MohammeraU
shows that the attitude of literary section of Arabistan public is very satis
factory. There is no mention oi jehad \ military position is commented on quite
intelligently, and if our casualties are exaggerated, so also are our strength and
resources, and there is no sign of nervousness as to our position generally.
As regards Southern Arabistan, fanatical and disaffected elements have
defeated Sheikhas representatives and adherents in Jarahi, Hindia, Dehmulla
and Mashur, and those districts may be regarded as lost to Sheikh, until he
can recover them after the war. Movement seems to be marking time for
the moment, but any stimulating cause would no doubt extend it further
through the hinterland towards Bushire.
Addressed to Government of India; repeated to Minister and India Office.
Telegram R., No. 710 B., dated (and received) the 2nd April 1915.
From— The Hon'ble Lieutinant-Colonbl Sir Percy Cox, K.C.I.E., C.S.I.,
Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Basrah,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
Following from Shiraz, 1st April:—
Begins. I venture to impress on Your Excellency desire to get rid of
present Governor-General as soon as possible. There is authentic evidence he
is centre of influences hostile to British interests in these parts. So called
democratic party are leaders of the anti-British campaign and Governor-
General has latterly allied himself openly with this movement.
Leaders are all associates and intimates of the Governor-General and are
evidently acting under his instigation.
Fortunately there is a strong party against Governor-General, but he and
German Agent in any case are leaving no stone unturned to win over or
vanquish these persons.
With removal of Governor-General we should, I believe, see immediate
improvement in situation in Southern Persia.
Addressed to Minister ; repeated to Basrah. Ends.
Addressed to Government of India; repeated to India Office.
.....■ xr(