File 3516/1914 Pt 17 'German War: Persia; general' [‎21r] (46/370)

5
Minuter of foreign Affairs hints that Persia has ambitions with regard to
Mesopotamia. > We may expect that they will ask for Persian sovereignty with
British administration . Would His Majesty’s Government be disposed to
discuss something (of) kind over a limited area or at holy places only p 1
122
Telegram, dated the 25th November 1915.
From The Deputy Director-General of Telegraphs, Calcutta,
To The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Delhi.
Your 22dO-W,, dated 20th instant. Consulted Director, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Sec
tion, Indo-European Telegraph Department, Karachi; he states he cannot spare
any men and it is very difficult for us to spare suitable men as we are very
shorthanded at present. As Central Persian line is now working well,
Director, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , suggests possibly no longer necessary send extra staff
referred to. Do you agree.
123
Telegram P., No. tSl-F., dated the 2tth (received 25th) November 1915.
From—His Britannic Majesty's Minister, Tehran,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Delhi.
Please see my telegram 476. It is reported by His Majesty’s Consul,
Bushire, that Major O’Connor, Bank Manager and Accountant and Indo-
European Telegraph Department Superintendent and another officer together
with few men of Consular Escort are now in hands of Tangistani Khans who
demand in exchange for their release.
(1) Belease Germans, Eisenhut and Listemen and of Persian prisoners
captured in attack on Bushire by us.
(2) Bestoration of certain monies belonging to two of the Khans which
had been sequestrated during our occupation of Bushire at Imperial
Bank of Persia.
(3) With exception of ordinary Consular Guards from Bushire departure
of all troops.
Trevor considers that these demands are inadmissible. I agree with him
generally except that I think that money might be perhaps restored eventually
subject to any sums deducted as compensation for people who suffered during
attack on Bushire.
It is in my opinion unlikely that captives will be maltreated or put to
death, first, because we are holding more prisoners of war on whom to make
reprisals and, second, because Khans will wait to see what line Persian Govern
ment will take and will be afraid that. Kawam or Soulet will be charged to
exact the penalty from them,
Persian Ministers confirm this opinion. Through Governor of the Ports
of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. they are sending strong messages (to ?) Khans and if found
necessary Shah will intervene himself. I have little doubt that release will be
effected if our negotiations for the alliance make progress and meanwhile I
think that we should not make to Khans any concessions.
Angmann, Swedish Commanding Officer at Ears, has been recalled by
Persian Government.
Bepeated to India, Bushire, Sir P. Cox ; addressed Foreign Office.