ملف ٣٥١٦\١٩١٤ الجزء ٦ "الحرب الألمانية: بلاد فارس؛ الوضع العام مايو-يوليو ١٩١٥" [ظ‎‎١‎٨‎٣] (٤٨٤/٣٧٣)

4
In the meantime, although my protests in Tehran and elsewhere will
probably deter Swedes and gendarmerie from actual participation in attack,
there seems to be no doubt that hostile Khans are receiving secret encourage
ment from Governor-General and Persian gendarmerie officers while to-day
Bushire reports that Governor of Bushire has received telegram from Mini
ster of Interior informing him that Minister for Foreign Affairs is attacking
Governor bitterly in Tehran for failing to make any remonstrance against
Hyder Khan in connection with attempted arrest of Wassmuss. It is clear
from above that any one who co-operates with us becomes object of hostility on
the part of Government officials, and that, when above is attitude of Foreign
Minister, no mere assurances of Persian Government can be relied upon.
I have telegraphed above resume as it may be necessary to decide urgently
what amount and form of support we intend to give Hyder Khan.
Telegram R., No. 729 B., dated (and received) the 4th April 1915.
From—The Hon’ble Lieutrnant-Colqnbl Sie 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.
Tour telegram No. 126, April 2nd.
In view of facts reported in Bushire telegram No. 112 C., indicating per
sonal attitude of Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs, it would not appear that
reliance can be placed on assurances given Your Excellency and further action
seems urgent if attack on Hyder Khan is to be averted.
He is threatened by hostile Khans on Bushire side and by fanatical rebels
via Lirawi on the west encouraged so far as we can judge by Bakhtiari
element at Behbehan. (Persistent ?) withdrawal of gendarmerie will, of course,
help greatly. Is there any further deterrent action you can take in Tehran ?
I have asked Bushire if there are any particular steps they can suggest which
would support Hyder Khan directly or indirectly. Meanwhile H. M. S.
“ Clio ” is at Bushire and Residency has authority to ask her to proceed to
Bunderrig, if necessary.
Addressed to Minister; repeated to Bushire, Government of India.
/0
Telegram R., No. 742 B., dated the 3rd (received 4th) April 1915.
From—The Hon'ble Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Pebct Cox, K.C.I.E., C.S.L, Poli
tical Resident in the Persian Gulf, Basrah,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
Following from Minister, April 3rd :—
Begins. Your telegram No. 38—269. I spoke emphatically to Prime
Minister yesterday on the subject of threatened attack on Hyder Khan which
I said was largely engineered by Ali Kuli Khan of the gendarmerie who ought
to be dismissed. I warned His Highness that, if local Khans attacked Hyder
Khan, it was more than probable that they would find themselves face to face
with British troops as we should defend him. I added that Persian Govern
ment would be held solely responsible if such a deplorable incident occurred,
as they had done nothing to oblige local authorities to keep peace. Addressed
Bushire ; repeated to Basrah, Shiraz, Ends.
Addressed Government of India ; repeated to India Office.