File 3443/1914 Pt 2 'German War: German emissaries to Afghanistan' [‎15v] (37/490)

10
Yesterday the German Legation continued to transfer their effects to the
American Legation. From the German Secretary’s house which is outside the
German Legation, ammunition is being moved to quarters outside the fortifica
tions which are occupied by Austrians. These movements may indicate flight
to Ispahan of the German Legation.
All is quite quiet in the town.
Sent to India, Petrograd and addressed to Foreign Office.
32
Telegram P., No. 250, dated the 10th (received 11th) November 1915.
From—His Britannic Majesty’s Consul at Kerman, Kerman,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Delhi.
There is nothing to report to-day.
33
Telegram P., No. 252, dated the 11th (received 12th) November 1915.
From—His Britannic Majesty’s Consul, Kerman, Kerman,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Delhi.
There is nothing to report to-day.
35 .
Telegram P., No. 446-F., dated the 11th (received 12th) November 1915.
From—His Britannic Majesty’s Minister, Tehran,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Delhi.
Please refer to my telegram immediately preceding. This morning
Russian Minister and I met Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs
by appointment. Ministers dilated at great length on necessity for conciliating
public opinion and upon recall of troops to Kasvin. They said, that as soon as
that was clone, and two Governments had agreed to discuss terms on
which Persia would adopt benevolent neutrality, Persian Government would
declare their determination to put an end to German intrigues, etc.,
publicly. We said that movement of troops was not under our control and that
situation here in any case did not warrant their withdrawal. Persian
Government had promised to remove Austrian prisoners and take other mea
sures but had done absolutely nothing but provide few guards armed with
unserviceable rifles, for defence of Legation. Orders to troops could not be
modified m these circumstances. Meanwhile as to proposed negotiations we
might expect instructions from our Governments. By accepting moratorium
Persian Government had practically pledged themselves to benevolent neutra
lity and had no cause whatever to regard presence of troops as unfriendly If
Government was sincere in their professions they would at once make this
clear to public and our Governments. Minister said that they could not take
such a step m face of public opinion. 17
T un( ^ ersta J 1 ^ n g tfoit so long as Mujahidin are not dis-
lOHi W0 'i <1 not movc , J ack -, Persian Government say that until after
10th Moharrem, November 18th, this cannot be safely done.
form^tli^a^ cv! *° W11 ffi aSt \ s k e li ev ed for Hamadan and I can in-
101 m that all German officers here did the same.