ملف ٣٥١٦\١٩١٤ الجزء ٥ "الحرب الألمانية: بلاد فارس، الوضع في عربستان ١٩١٥" [و‎‎١‎٠‎٨] (٤٠٤/٢٢٤)

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14
I Q i S
FOREIGN SECRET TELEGRAM^
.V
Secret Department.
From Sir P. Cox, 10th March 1915.
(Addressed Lidia ; repeated to Minister, [? Tehran, and] India Office.)
444 B. General situation.
Ahwaz. On evening of 7th March General Officer Commanding, Ahwaz,
increased detachment at Ahwaz by 70 men, including 20 British troops,'
which gives sufficient stiffening to Sheikh of Mohammerah’s people!
Unfortunately Europeans at Ahwaz had already vacated in the morning.
Attitude of Muhaisin is now reported to have improved, whilst Bavi Sheikhs
have recommenced overtures for peace.
Position at the fields remains satisfactory.
Reported presence of party of Pushtikuh tribesmen in vicinity of Shush
is confirmed, but it is not yet certain whether they really intend to join
Turks or are only out to loot on their own account.
Dr. Young reports unrest amongst Arabs between Dizful and Shuster,
who are being incited to rise, but Sirdar Jang has given assurances that
rising will not be allowed to materialise.
Bani Turuf are said to be dropping away from Turks since the fighting
on 3rd March. Telegraphic connection with Ramuz and Behbehan is at
present interrupted, but as regards Jihad information which reaches me
does not tend to show that it is meeting with very warm response, notwith
standing professed fears of the Powers that be at Tehran who continue to sit
with “ folded hands.” I am taking energetic steps by telegraph and by
letter to disseminate suitable news and exhortations to all centres
concerned.
There is no change at Gurna and little to report on Euphrates side, but
military reports seem to indicate that Turks are likely to take offensive
against the Basra outposts before long. In all three directions time is in
our favour, as the Arabs will become disheartened by inaction and it will be
difficult to keep them mobilised when the time comes for tending their
crops.