'Russian Military Designs in Persia. A Strategical fragment' [‎6v] (12/16)

6
t
Notes in Intelligence Branch.
And could only be conveyed on pack ani
mals.
The success of the enterprise would appear
to depend largely on the result of the operations
in this region.
* Formed by the Ab-i-Gargar and Shatait
branches of the Karun river.
Probably a wise precaution, though Persian
mules have their own saddles and equipment.
From Isfahan to Ahwaz by the Lynch road
is 293 miles in 18 stages—a mule road, impass
able in January, February and March on ac
count of snow. Very scanty supplies of grain
are obtainable, though sheep and goats are
numerous.
f Somewhat exaggerated—a kharwar being
equivalent to about \ of an English ton.
7
with supply magazines at such places as
Ab-i-Sard, Gialan and Ab-i-Zal.
The necessary materials, etc., would be
drawn from Khurramabad.
13. In view of its importance we must
make every effort, adopting peaceful means
or force, to secure this strip of country ;
by so doing the interval dividing us from
our objective is shortened, i.e., Russia—
Shushtar—Ahwaz.
14. Shushtar, situated on the northern
extremity of Mal-i-mir island,* would sub
sequently in our hands become a first-class
fortress.
15. For a move into Southern Persia
all pack transport equipment must be
previously provided in Russia.
16. From Isfahan and Khurramabad
the Force would move in two Columns,
and enter the plains of Khuzistan.
17. Khuzistan is the richest province in
Persia, and although under Persian admin
istration, it is at present in a decadent
state : the English nevertheless manage to
export annually some tens of thousands
‘ kharwars ’ of wheat.f It would therefore
be possible to consolidate strongly a posi
tion taken up in Khuzistan.
18. An Arab population predominates,
speaking Arab dialects, and ruled by their
own Shaikhs.
19. The whole country forms a vast
valley extending down to the banks of the
Euphrates and the shores of the Persian
Gulf.
20. Existing local conditions and also
strategical considerations compel us to
penetrate Bakhtiari and Lur country. To
move southwards via Shiraz to Bushire,
or via Kirman to Bandar Abbas, would en
tail the crossing of a most inhospitable,
unhealthy and waterless region, more to
be dreaded indeed than the Bakhtiaris
and Lurs. To reach the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran.
by way of these desert wastes would
mean many extremely harassing marches.