'Central Asia, Persia, and Afghanistan. Bolshevik and Pan-Islamic Movements and connected Information.' [‎331v] (12/16)

5. According to telegram from Bajgiran to-day, Kasim Beg had returned to
Askabad. If this is correct we may expect intense propaganda in Persia in near
future.
15499. M., 13th November. Report from reliable Agent in Merv, 4th November-
Plans are being discussed for attacking the British in Khorassan. If such is
decided upon, Bolsheviks consider that Afghan assistance may be relied on.
15522. M., 11th November. Intelligence report from Bajgiran 10th November: All
barracks in Askabad full of Bolshevik troops ; all tracks crossing Persian frontier
are closely watched by Bolsheviks.
15523. M., 10th November. In connection with report of Turkish anti-British
propaganda, especially in regard to betrayal of Persia by British, private letter
from Governor of Asterabad just received states that (a) Russian Cossack officers
do nothing to stop the entry of Bolsheviks or Turkish agents or restrain Zamuts
who assist them. The attitude of Cossack officers has become worse since Anglo-
Persian agreement ; (6) active steps to assist and encourage our enemies are taken
by the Russian Consul at Asterabad who has lately gone on leave.
15568. M., 16th November. Lenin’s policy and that of Central Government is
indicated to be readiness to give autonomy to Moslems of Central Asia, probably
on condition they join in attack on Persia and India.
15710. V., 21st November. Kasim Beg says the time is at hand when Enver will
lead Moslem Central Asia against Persia.
15734. M., 10th (? 20th) November. Reported from Tashkend that Lenin has recently
sent 23 German orientalists from Moscow to spread Bolshevik propaganda
through Asia, including 3 to Persia.
15735. M., 20th November. Information from Bolshevik deserters arriving at
Bajgiran, that Bolshevik plan is to capture Krasnovodsk as soon as possible and
then raise trouble in Persia.
XV.—Bolshevik Assistance to Afghans in Material, &c.
15184 M., 5th November. According to Merv report Bolshevik-Afghan current
negotiations are as follows: Bolsheviks cede whole area of 4ulatan-Kushk (both
inclusive) to Afghans. Bolsheviks also give Afghans 30,000 rifles, 1,500 machine
guns, 500 guns with ammunition. In return Afghans lend Bolsheviks force
600 troops to serve with Bolsheviks under Mahommedan commander. This is
said to be only part of large projects to be unfolded by Suric in Kabul.
Suric, 4th November. The Afghans’ connection with us is based simply on
obtaining military help from our side. The extent and the expediency of this
help can only be established (? on receipt of information) of Bravin at Kabul.
15338 M., 9th November. Suric’s aims in Kabul reported to be discussion of situation,
conclusion of a treaty, and arrange for provision of numbers of aeroplarfes with
material and extensive plant and materials for manufacture of munitions in
Afghanistan. *•
XVI.—Miscellaneous: Movements of Bolshevik Troops in Trans-
Caspia, Food Situation in Bolshevik Area, Intrigues in
Trans-Caucasia, &c.
14994 M., 2nd November. In support of presumption that Bolsheviks aim to get
Krasnovodsk as soon as possible, Officer Commanding Bajgiran wires 1st November
that refugees from Askabad report Bolsheviks have issued orders for immediate
conscription of everyone, irrespective of nationality, for advance on Krasnovodsk.