File 3852/1912 Pt 2 'Persia. Conditions in South Persia. German Documents' [‎279r] (189/280)

Confidential Circular of the English Minister in Teheran,
if Walter Townley, to the Consular Representatives of Great
Britain in Persia, dated March, 23 rd, 1914 with enclosure.
(Interview from “Raad.”)
Circular No. 1 .
Tehran, 23 rd, March 1914 .
The following resume of the political situation is being
sent to British Consuls at Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, Meshed,
Kerman and Bushire for their very confidential information.
A similar circular will be addressed to them, monthly if possible,
though no definite period can as yet be fixed.
“Political situation is as follows: —
Persian affairs are giving rise to some awkward questions
between Russia and England. Relations locally are not quite
so united as in past. New Russian minister is somewhat pecu
liar in"his attitude — see interview in the Persian newspaper
copy of which is being sent to you. We support Ain-ed-Dowleh,
gendarmerie, and the Bakhtiaris. Russians are now opposed
to Ain-ed-Dowleh: talk of limiting the gendarmerie by keeping
them out of the north and are becoming jealous of our friend
liness with the Bakthiaris. Ain-ed-Dowleh is held in office by us
and will do anything for us. H. M. G. are negotiating about
the Gendarmerie at Petersburg with a view to their being
employed throughout Persia. Russia wants Cossack brigade
to be increased so that they may take place of the gendarmerie
in the north. Bakhtiaris are all well in hand. Iheir recent
appointments to Isfahan and Kerman and the return of the
Illkhani to his duties were brought about by this legation.
Shaokats appointment to Seistan and Hashmat-ul-Mulk’s
arrest were arranged through Ain-ed-Dowleh’s subserviency.
Regents’ main object is to crown Shah next July and to leave
country. He feared that new Mejlis might vote postponement
of the Shah’s majority involving the Regent’s resignation and