File 3516/1914 Pt 17 'German War: Persia; general' [‎20r] (44/370)

Telegram P tJ No. 81-D. S. ; dated the 23rd November 1915.
From—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Delhi,
To—The IIonTle the Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Basrah.
(Repeated to Deputy Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. , Bushire.)
Following summary of news recently received from Tehran. Telegraphing
on 21st, Marling reported that Shah and Persian Government were genuinely
alarmed at situation to which German intrigues had brought country
and that the moment was favourable for discussion of terms for defensive
alliance between Persia and Entente, and for rapid negotiations, as counter
balance to vast and tempting promises held out by Germany. Marling pressed
Foreign Office strongly tor authority to conclude alliance on Persian terms, as
he considers chaotic condition of country must again eventually place the two
Powers in control of its destiny.
On 22nd Marling telegraphed that gendarmerie under Swedish officers had
attacked Persian Cossacks at Hamadan. Fate of Consul unknown Later he
telegraphed that gendarmerie was in open revolt under Swedes, and that they
were holding Kum in German interest and had cut wires. Persian Govern
ment indignant and waiting for definite declaration of our attitude. Unless
encouraged, the risk appeared to be that Persian Government would pretend
its hand had been forced and would go over to Germans.
Please inform us whether Marling is still communicating with you in
regard to Persian developments, and state whether interruption of central
Persian line makes us responsible for keeping you informed. Addressed Basrah ;
repeated Bushire
116
Telegram P., No. 715-C., dated the 23rd (received 24th) November 1915.
Prom—The Deputy Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Delhi.
(Sent to Tehran; repeated to Sir P. Cox and Foreign.)
Please see my telegram immediately preceding.
In regard to Major O’Connor’s message I beg to submit following obser
vations :—
A —X think that one can hardly say universally attributed”.
—The Germans were arrested on Persian soil for very good reason? since,
as shown by the correspondence sent to Foreign Department,
Government of India, with SirP. Cox’s letter of March 26th,
1915, they had abused its hospitality. Major O’Connor, his
telegrams 31 and 35, dated March 2nd and March 1th, 1915, him
self °recom mended the arrest of the Germans on Persian soil. In
fact it was a good move I think, the effect of which was only
spoilt by the unfortunate escape of Wassmuss. The matter was
in any case one for two Governments and not for local “ Com
mittees ” and Khans.
C —The occupation of Bushire was brought on four months after the
arrest of Germans by the outrages committed by hostile Khans.
As two of its objects were to secure punishment of the Khans
and removal of (their ?) colleague it was naturally especially
distasteful to these gentry, into whose hands Shiraz colony has
now fallen unfortunately.
2 ) The deportation of the rabid pro-Germans was a natural corollary
of the occupation of Bushire.