File 469/1917 Pt 1 'Persia: Bakhtiari affairs' [‎159v] (328/535)

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Telegram, No. 689 W., dated the 14th June 1916.
From—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Simla,
To— Biugadiee-Genkral Sie P. M. Sykes, K.C.I.E., C.M.G., Kerman.
Government of India are pleased to hear of safe arrival of your party at
Kerman and gratified to learn of the cordial reception accorded you by Gov
ernor and leading citizens.
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No. 4490, dated Basrah, the 30th May (received 13th June) 1916.
Endorsed by Chief Political Officer.
Copies forwarded, with compliments, to the Secretary to the Government
of India in the Foreign and Political Department, Simla, for information :—
Telegrams to His Majesty's Minister, Tehran, Nos. 2475 to 2479, dated the 26th May
1916.
Enclosure No. 1.
Telegram, No. 2475, dated the 26th May 1916.
From—The Hon'ble Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Percy Cox, K.C.S.I., K.C.I.E.,
Political Kesident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Basrah,
To—His Britannic Majesty's Minister, Tehran.
The Shaikh having pressed me to meet Ilkhani The paramount chief of certain tribes in south west Iran. and Ilbegi with him and
they themselves having expressed wish for meeting I agreed, subject to condi
tion that agreement had first been signed at Fields and Saiyid Isa handed over
at Ahwaz. As regards agreement, Muhtasham was ready to comply forthwith ;
JMujahid haggled for a bit on ground that situation had been altered by Russian
occupation of Ispahan but eventually complied. Great difficulty was ex
perienced in getting Khans to make good their undertakings regarding Saiyid
Isa, but he was eventually brought down in motor car by Noel and Shaikh
Hanzal and handed over to Shaikh of Mohammerah’s custody.
Shaikh proceeded to Band-i-Kir and brought them to Ahwaz where
gathering took place on 23rd and 24th, the Ilkhani The paramount chief of certain tribes in south west Iran. and Ilbegi and junior
Khans, Shaikh and Haji Rais, Consular Officers and self and Dr. Young being
present.
Relations between Ilkhani The paramount chief of certain tribes in south west Iran. and Ilbegi had recently been very bad and up
to the time of their arrival at Ahwaz they had spent most of their time in
recriminations and intrigues against each other and threats of resignation, but
when we met they had benefitted by their preliminary conversations with
Shaikh and become more amenable.
I insisted that having been appointed Ilkhani The paramount chief of certain tribes in south west Iran. and Ilbegi through our
recommendation and support and having just made a specific bargain with us
for value received, it was ridiculous that they should thus be sparring among
themselves and talking of resignation. It was their bounden duty to cease
recrimination, sink differences and work in complete accord publicly and
privately for the effective performance of their functions and the fulfilment of
their obligations to us. Two days’ friendly gathering did much to clear the
air and create good feeling and they eventually gave me joint writing in
which each gives his word to abide by above injunctions and cease all talk of
resignation; to refer any obstinate personal difficulty to friendly arbitration of
British representative, and to work steadfastly on above lines so long as they
have reasonable support from us. I am wiring separately in latter connection.
Sent to Minister and Grahame ; repeated Bushire and India by post.