File 3852/1912 Pt 2 'Persia. Conditions in South Persia. German Documents' [‎290r] (211/280)

when the ill-advised entry of Turkey into the war has added
so seriously to the possibilities of trouble. As regards the
Shiraz appointment I quite agree with you that is should be
brought under the Government of India - but I think there
are objections to its complete severance from Bushire. There
f the Shiraz Consul works in direct relation with
the Resident Bushire. However the question is in abeyance
for the present. When it is again taken up you may be sure
that your views which are on the file will be fully considered.
As regards a Vice-Consul it is difficult to see what can
be done at present. But if you can make a ready strong case,
there is no objection to your pressing reconsideration of the
matter and coming up again. But the Finance Dept, are not
in a very sympathetic frame of mind at present, with such
enormous expenses and such loss of railway and other revenue
owing to the war. The occupation of Basra is satisfactory
and should have a good effect in the Gulf generally. But the
question of advancing much beyond is fraught with difficulty.
Here in India things are fairly quiet — though there is a
good deal of smouldering Moslem feeling — and the Sikhs and
seditionists are restless. The Frontier is fairly quiet — though
there has been an ebullition in the Tochi. If the Amir can
keep Afghanistan as a whole quiet all will be well. He is doing
his best—but he is up against a good deal of hot-headed fanati
cism and Turkish intrigue. Delhi is very pleasant at present
and we get a good deal of shooting of a sort round about.
I quite agree with you that a personal interview would
help to clear the air — but it is difficult to see how you could
get away at present. But we may hope that in the not distant
future we can arrange a meeting somehow or other.
overlapping interests which seem to me can only be safe-
With all good wishes
Your sincerely
A. H. Grant.