File 3893/1912 'Persia: Bakhtiari Khans and the Lynch Road; Bakhtiari-Mohammerah relations' [‎23r] (50/308)

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No. i8ig, dated Bushire, the ;th (received 16th) June 1913.
From— Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Percy Cox, K.C.I.E., C.S.I., Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency.
in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department, Simla.
With reference to the enclosure to my letter No. 1213, dated 13th April 1913,
I have the honour to forward, for the information of the Government of India,
1^ No. 4-20, dated ist June 1913. copies of the marginally cited telegrams
2. No 4-21, dated 4th June 1913. which have been received from His Majes
ty’s Vice-Consul at Ahwaz, now in Ispahan, with regard to the situation on the
Ahwaz Ispahan road, and inter-tribal affairs in the north of Arabistan.
Telegram No, 4-20, dated ist (received 2nd) June 1913.
From—His Majesty’s Consul, Ahwaz (Ispahan),
To—*The Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
Following telegram received from Minister. Begins. “Lynch Ispahan
Agents telegraph urging cessation of forwarding an Ahwaz road as in con-
seo^ence of friction between Jang Murteza and Mujahid trouble is imminent and
robberies by Kuhgelus expected shortly. Have you any news ? ” Ends,
I replied. Begins.
“ Your telegram dated 31st May. Mujahid and Murteza have arrived at
their homes. Jang is still in the south. It is rumoured that former two have
combined against Jang. That Mujahid is not on friendly terms with Jang is old
story, but it is very doubtful whether Murteza has joined with former whom all
the Khans despise. Since failure of Ktihgelu expedition I have been strongly
of opinion that road will be closed again this year, but robberies cannot take
place until Jang and tribesmen have arrived at llaq. I strongly advise cessation
of forwarding until Jang arrives and it is seen what arrangements have been made
if any for the safety of the road.
Telegram P., No. 4-21, dated 4th June 1913.
From—His Majesty's Consul, Ahwaz (Ispahan),
To—His Majesty's Minister, Tehran. (Repeated Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. ).
The situation in Chahar Mahal is rapidly assuming a most unsatisfactory
aspect, and there is every prospect that the disorders of last year will be repeated.
The tactics previously employed by Mujahid have again been resorted to by him
and with a view to destroying Jangs authority and rendering his position
untenable, he is forming a young Khan party and trouble is being fomented
by him between the tribesmen of the Ilkhani The paramount chief of certain tribes in south west Iran. and Haji llkhani factions.
Through shock caused to the mother by a raid 5 on Surk, carried out by one of
Mufakham’s sons, the death has occurred of 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. Jang’s infant son. This raid
is believed to have been investigated by Mujahid.
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. Jang, in telegrams which are being despatched to Tehran from here
today, brings an accusation against Mujahid to the effect that the latter, before
he left Behbehan instigated some Kuhgelu tribes to carry out raids, as soon
as he (Jang) left for the north, on the Bakhtiari frontier and road.
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. Jang states that he has arranged for the guarding of the road
with the Tebi and Bahmai, but adds that if Mujahid continues to remain in
Bakhtiari country and carries on intrigues against him, the arrangements that
he has made will be of no avail. Mujahid, he urges, should be summoned to
Tehran by the Khans.
When Jang’s telegrams were communicated to me 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. Ashjaa, the
latter requested me to beg Your Excellency to urge upon the Khans the neces
sity for Mujahid’s removal from Bakhtiari territory. In view of the fact that
Mujahid has proved a failure in Behbehan and that he has now set himself to
oppose Jang actively, it is most desirable, in my opinion, that he should be
removed. By his presence in Chahar Mahal the last hope that the road will
remain secure this hot weather is removed.
C30F D—44 -19-613—GCBT Simla