'Administration Reports 1920-1924' [‎97v] (199/412)

ADMINISTRATION REPORT OF THfi
with this idea in view they concluded their agreement with the Company
without making any reference to Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Ashair, hoping that once the agree
ment was a 'fait accompli' it would be an easy matter to 4 square the
Ilkhanih if they were backed up by the Company. Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Ashair is de facto
Ilkhanih of the Qashqais and his son, Mohammed Nasir Khan,
Ilkhanih. The former, whose star has been in the ascerident in the troubled
politics of Tars since the disbandment of the South Persia Rifles, was considerably
chagrined, and maintained that the Kashkulis, in concluding the agieement
on Iheir own initiatiye, had infringed the rights of the Ilkhanih. In April,
therefore, Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Ashair made a hostile demonstration against them, and as
most of the Kashkuli leaders are young and in-experienced they took fright and
fled, and it was onlv with difficulty that Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Ashair was restrained from
active interference in the Bikarz Area until such time as the Company s
Resident Director could arrange a meeting with him and effect a settlement.
This meeting took place at Da Kuhak (near Shiraz) in May, and after
lengthy negotiations a modified form of the Kashkuli agreement was connrmed
by Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Ashair, and a new agreement concluded between the Company and
himself. Since these negotiations Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Ashair has maintained an exceedinglly
friendly attitude towards the Company, and has done what he could to assist
them in every way possible.
At the same time, by showing dissension amongst the Kashkulis he has
contrived, most successfully, to weaken their power and influence m order to
keep them in subjection. Indeed, he has actually succeeded m compelling
about one-half of the Kashkulis to occupy grazing grounds about 100 miles
distant from their hereditary pasture lands in the Bakarz Area and its vicinity.
Although Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Ashair is probably in a stronger position than he has been
for manv years past, there is without doubt a large amount of strife and intri
gue amongst the various sections and ruling families of the Qashqais tribe, and
whilst this state of affairs would provide openings to a powerful enemy intent
on undermining the unity of the Qashqais, on the principle of 'divide and rule
it has its advantages to the Ilkhanih as the person responsible for the adminis
tration of the tribe as a whole. Therelis always the danger that once a section
becomes large and powerful its Headman begins to meditate mdepeudenee.
6. Conclusion.
On a review of the events of the past year, the visit to Bushire of the War
Minister seems to have the greatest significance. It sent a violent jar through
the whole frame work of administration in the South. It was well stage
managed; all the circumstances attending it were calculated to impress the
people with the fact that the Sipah Salar was introducing a new era tor the
Persian Government. The announcement "V etat c* est moi" seemed m his
case to be authentic; and his actions and evident power flattered the national
self-esteem. But it was not only British prestige in the South which suffered.
The authority of the local Civil Government and the semi-independence ot the
tribal Chiefs received shrewd blows.
Wliat measure of success will attend Reza Khan s deliberate policy of
exalting the power of the Central Government and identifying it with a
military hegemony in Persia is a deeply interesting question to which nex
year's report may perhaps find an answer. One thing is certain ; the present is
a stage of transition. So far as the British position on the Persian side ot the
Gulf is concerned a great and rapid change is taking place which will ot course
react on the Arabian side. The passing away of old landmarks, the waning ot
our prestige which many years of labour and effort had built up, cannot be
viewed here without deep regret. The Central Government, howeyer^has yet
to show by wisdom and sound administration that it is capable of winning e
confidence and good will of the people. Till .it has proved itself, its attempt at
centralization in face of enormous administrative and geographical difficulties ,
and its undermining of the authority both of tribal Chiefs and of local Govern
ment constitute a hazarduous experiment.
A. P. TREVOR, Lieut.-Col,
Folitical Resident in the Fersian Gulf