Coll 30/9 'Persian Gulf: Administration Reports 1926-1938' [‎470r] (944/1028)

Troops and Mudir despatched telegrams to Bandar Abbas for reinforce
ments but before launcn with reinforcements arrived here, Baluchis had
departed having taken Seyed with them to Old Jask for safety and having
decided to refer their case to Mir Barkat. On arrival of the launch firing
commenced again, although there was not a single Baluchi in Jask at this
time. It transpired that the local Officer Commanding Troops in order
to show his superior officer on the launch that his telegram for reinforce
ments was not an idle request, despatched four of his men with instructions
to take up positions in the village and open fire on the fort. This, in his
opinion would show, that he was being attacked, and on arrival of the
launch the Baluchis had scattered. It was rather unfortunate for this
officer that his men should have taken up positions alongside the houses of
men employed by this Department. Throughout this fracas I kept in
touch with the Baluchis through Mir Hoti, and as the tribesmen had assured
me that the disturbance was not against the British and that they would
respect the concession and British subjects. I saw noi cause for alarm, as
the matter was purely of a domestic nature. It has been reported that
Seyed has been fined Krans 5,000 by the Central Persian Government,
Tehran, for this affair, but has refused to pay, and has appointed a re
presentative at Tehran to fight his case with Medjliss. Although this Seyed
from a financial standpoint is very influential, it does not alter the fact
that he is the lowest type of Persian at Jask, and it is regrettable that the
British India Steam Navigation Company should have thought fit to ap
point him their Agent for Jask. The local merchants have reported him by
telegram to the Company at Bombay for refusing to permit them to ship
their goods in their own boats to the steamers, arguing that his boats should
be utilised for this If this man is permitted to continue the duties of
Agent to the Company, the trade of Jask such as it is will be ruined.
During the month of July six slaves, two women and four men, ran
away from Murad Khan at old Jask and sought the protection of the Officer
Commanding Troops here. Murad Khan requested his Wazir Minister. to interview
the Officer Commanding Troops and release them. Officer Commanding
Troops refused to accede to the request of the Wazir Minister. whereupon Murad
Khan stated he would attack the fort. A repetition of the incident which
occurred in April was only averted by the Officer Commanding Troops
releasing the slaves.
Persian Medical Officer assumed charge of the duties of the Quarantine
Medical Officer for the port of Jask on the 29th July. He received charge
of these duties from the Medical Officer in charge of the Telegraph
Dispensary who used to perform this duty-
Biyaban District
{
This district is still administered by Mir Barkat who is very friendly
towards us and also on good terms with the Persian Government. This
chief appears to be the possessor of extraordinary tact, not only when deal
ing with the different tribes who are scattered around him but also in his
dealings with the officials of the Persian Government. Although he has
received many letters from Dost Mohamed Khan of Bampur to come to his
aid and raise the neighbouring tribesmen against the Persian advance
into Persian Baluchistan, he has outwardly displayed great loyalty to the
Persian Government by refusing his aid, and also by informing the minor
chiefs that they should stand by the Persian Government. I am informed
that his letters to Dost Mohamed Khan of Bampur have also been couched
in tactful language.
During the month of August, Mir Barkat appeared to be having
trouble with his son Abdullah Khan but although he intended to use force
to bring him to reason and requested Mustafa Khan and Murad Khan to
come to his aid, matter was eventually settled amicably.