File 469/1917 Pt 1 'Persia: Bakhtiari affairs' [‎159r] (327/535)

5
Enclosure No. 2.
Telegram, No. 217—1221, dated the 5th June 1916.
From— Major A. P. Trevor, C.I.E., 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—His Britannic Majesty's Minister, Tehran.
My immediately preceding telegram. Secret portion of letter received
this morning from O’Connor contained draft telegram sent herewith.
I presume Earman Earma’s Deputy could send Mamur; if so, as
O’Connor thinks, he might be useful perhaps you would arrange.
There is no doubt inaction of our force here has a very bad effect, but in
view of decision of Government there appears to be no help for it.
I am writing to Zair Khidar requesting reply to my letter of May 4th
in which I said I had been authorized to tell him that if he sent over the British
prisoners, British authorities would release the Tangistanis now in confinement
in exchange.
Meanwhile I am communicating again with O’Connor secretly in regard
to chance of prisoners being able to escape, as I believe Zair Khidar’s reason
for not replying is that he wants an assurance of immunity from punishment.
Addressed Minister; repeated Basrah.
54
Telegram R., No. .386 F., dated the 13th (received 14th) June 1916.
From—His Britannic Majesty's Minister, Tehran,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
My telegram No. 379.
Mr. Christmas’ servant, who left Ahram, meant to state that prisoners
have been removed to Khawvis, twelve Earsakhs from Bushire, where climate
is said to be better.
Health of prisoners is good but they are much depressed. They receive
provisions from Bushire and such papers and letters as pass censorship of
Wassmuss. Before the bombardment of Choghavak they were allowed some
liberty, but since that date they have been more closely confined and their
lives have been threatened several times.
Mahdi was trying to ill-treat prisoners, but Khans are afraid to do this.
Bushire informed.
Addressed to Foreign Office.
56
Telegram R., No. 388 F., dated the 14th (received 15th) June 1916.
From—His Britannic Majesty's Minister, Tehran,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
Zugmeyer, formerly German Consul, and Griesinger, German Vice-Consul
at Kerman, and Eritz Wedig, arrested some time ago at Niriz, have been
handed over to Kawam at Shiraz.
Addressed to Foreign Office; repeated to Meshed, Sistan and Sir
P. Sykes.
57
Telegram R., No. 222 C., dated the 14th (received 15th) June 1916.
From-BRIGADIER-GENERAL Sir P. M. Sykks, K.C.I.E., C.M.G., Kerman,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
Your telegram No. 277 S. Obeidullah, the person referred to, has been
arrested here by me.
Arrangements for his deportation to India are being made.