File 948/1909 'Persia: Situation in the South; Condition of the Roads. Attack on Mr Bill. Road Guard Scheme.' [‎270v] (545/744)

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In view of the fact that the proposed measure mostly concerns the routes passing
through the neutral zone, it appears desirable that the expenditure of the monies
assigned for its realisation should be under the practical control of the local Russian and-
British consular representatives. Within the limits of the British sphere of mfluem
such control of course would be reserved exclusively to the Bntisn consuls.
The aforesaid increase of customs dues could be arranged by means of an exchange
of notes with the Persian Government, in which stipulation would be made for the
payment of the above mentioned increase in full into the Russian or English banks, and
also for placing its expenditure under the control specified.
On its part, the Imperial Government at present has not any intention of raising
the question of establishing similar guards on the northern roads.
The Imperial Government does not connect the question of road guards with the
questions of establishing a corps of gendarmerie and the reorganisation of the Persian
army in general. The latter questions are very complicated, and w ill probably require
some considerable time for their realisation. From information to hand, the Persian
Government proposes to form a gendarmerie numbering approximately 6,000 men, and
an army numbering from 25,000 to 30,000 men, and proposes to carry out recruiting for
this purpose only in the spring Meanwhile, it is impossible not to fear serious disorders
precisely when spring commences in Persia. As is known, during winter all life in that
country is at a standstill, especially in those localities inhabited by the nomad tribes,
but as soon as the weather becomes a little warmer increased restlessness is usually
noticeable among the more turbulent elements. For this reason the Persian Govern
ment in the spring should be already prepared for all eventualities. The Imperial
Government is deeply convinced that there is only one way by which to realise this
aim, namely, the immediate strengthening of the sole properly organised mditary force
in Persia—the Shah’s Cossack brigade. This force presents in itself a ready-made
cadre of native officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, with the assistance of
which the brigade could easily be expanded into a division or more. The necessary
weapons and military supplies could be given on credit by the Russian Government, in
accordance with a request of the Shah’s Government received already some time ago.
The Imperial Government propose in this respect that both the Powers interested in
averting any grave complications in Persia should exercise serious pressure on the
Persian Government in the sense indicated.
As regards the question of foreign instructors for the future Persian gendarmerie
and army, the Imperial Government, fearing intrigue and foreign influences, consider it
to be unquestionably desirable that the instruction of the Persian forces should be
entrusted only to Russian and English officers, not only in their respective spheres of
influence, but also in the neutral zone, and it proposes that in this matter both Powers
should use all thwr influence and exhaust all means at their disposal before entering on
any concessions. The most powerful lever in this connection is the question of money
assistance on the part of both Powers, which is indispensable to the Persian Government.
This advantageous position for Russia and England must certainly be made use of in a
proper manner, since a similar favourable occasion perhaps will not quickly present
itself. In the last resort, it would be possible to agree only to the admission into the
Persian army of subaltern officers of other nationalities, subject in every instance to the
previous assent of Russia and England, and on the condition that the chief guidance of
the Persian military forces should remain in the hands of Russian and English
instructors. In the opinion of the Imperial Government this principle should be upheld
also in the question of road guards, which should preferably be under English instructors
in the south, as was originally the wish of the British Government.
The Imperial Government is desirous of ascertaining the opinion of the London
Cabinet on the proposals embodied above.
St. Petersburgh, December 30, 1909 (January 12, 1910).