File 3516/1914 Pt 18 'German War: Persia; general situation - 1916' [‎58r] (124/368)

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This being so I would suggest that the whole of the first part of this letter
down to the word (< Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ” should be expunged by the censor, unless
our prisoners are enjoying all the privileges mentioned by Herr ^assmuss It
this is expunged the words for “here” and “on the points enumerated
should also be expunged.
Major O’Connor has suggested, and I tliink the suggestion is a good one.
that a report might be made as to the treatment of the German prisoners from
the Gulf and the Bushire deportees by some neutral person. 1 venture to
suggest that, if the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. see no objection, the Amenean
Consul or some other Consul of a neutral power mot being an Englishman ol
course) might be asked to make a report with special reference to the points
enumerated by Herr Wassmuss.
It is hardly necessary to say that the position of Major O’Connor and his
seven companions in misfortune is a very uncomfortable and even precarious
one. If therefore it is possible to ameliorate it, or even to prevent it, being
made worse, by proof that the German and Persian prisoners from the Gult are
well treated, it appears most desirable that steps should be taken to procure
and produce such proof.
I may add that Shaikh Husain and Zair Khidhar in sending Herr Wass-
muss’ letter to me and one from themselves to the principal Persian prisoners at
Basrah, stated that if these letters were not sent and favourable replies received,
hey would cut off our communication with the prisoners.
These Khans have got into the habit now r -a-days of writing threatening
letters and very probably do not mean much, but as the lot of the prisoners
would be much harder if communication with Bushire were cut off, it seems
desirable to humour the Khans in this matter.
I venture to suggest, therefore, that the letter, after being duly censored,
mav be delivered to Dr. Listemann and a reply obtained as soon as possible,
together with a report by a neutral Consul. In order to avoid the necessity for
censoring Dr. Listemann’s letter by the military authorities here it would be
advisable that it should be in general terms, and this makes another reason toi
expunging the first part of Herr Wassmuss’ letter.
Annexure to enclo. to Serial Iso. 253.
Translation of a letter.
Dea.r Dr. Lisiemann,
More than 20 natives and Englishmen are here as prisoners up to the
present, they have been treated with the utmost consideration.
The w omen have been allowed to go free without further action, and have
o>one to Bushire, we have therefore expressed a hope that also the Persian
women and children who have been compelled to leave Bushire, will be allowed
to return there and also that Erau Eisenhut will be at liberty to return to
Germany, or to any place which she may herself chose.
The male prisoners enjoy the following privileges :
(1) They are allowed under supervision of the postal authorities to send
and to receive letters.
(2) They receive English papers to read.
(3) They have retained their own servants.
(4) In addition to the rations provided, they are allowed to obtain any
V ; food and drinks, which they desire, and to have them prepared
by their own cook.
(5) Other personal items, such as books, clothes and tobacco they may
V obtain according to their desires.