File 364/1913 'Persia: situation in Fars (attack on 39th Central India Horse)' [‎58r] (120/522)

No. 717, dated Calcutta, the 24th December 1912 (received 2nd January 1913).
n From—The Consul General for Persia at Calcutta,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department.
I beg to send you, for your information, a copy of tbe translation of the
telegram received from the Foreign Office, Tehran, stating the measures taken
by my Government and the action of the Governor-General for Ears in this
connection.
“ On the 6 th of Mohurrum the Governor-General of Ears made the state
ment by direct telegraphic communication to the Foreign Minister and the
Minister of Interior which runs thus:—When I arrived at Shiraz the town
and suburb were infested with robbers and the roads were closed. On my tak
ing proper measures roads were opened, order restored in town and the cara
vans began to move safely. Mr. Smart, the British Consul is also aware of this.
The British officers who were confident of the safety of the roads desired to go
on a shooting excursion. Although I wanted to give them an escort but they
were so confident of the safety of the roads that they did not consider it neces
sary. The British Consul and the Colonel look upon the incident of the murder
as not due to the insecurity of the roads but as an accident. I am at present
arranging to get the fresh consignment of arms arrived at Bushire and orders
have been issued to the road guards and others who will start tomorrow. I had
a conversation with the Consul who appreciated the proposed measures. It
will require a month to fully carry out the scheme and to deal with the matters
arising out of the attack on Mr. Smart and the recent incident. Three hun
dred road-guards have already been sent in pursuit of the offenders and adequate
steps are being taken from Gazroon *
side. I am earnestly engaged in deal-
remove the anxiety of Government. The
British Consul admits that every possible effort was made to restore order and
told me in an interview that so complete safety of roads during such a short
time was unexpected.”
Orders have been sent to the Governor of Bahbahan to move a force from
there and an adequate force will also proceed from Shiraz, as the Governor-
General has promised the offenders and culprits of both the occurrences in a month’s
time will be punished.
The summary of the report of the Commander of the gendarmes is as fol
lows :—“It is a short time that gendarmes have been posted at Bushire road and
so there has not been sufficient time to complete the arrangement in connection
therewith. Major Morrel has gone to Bushire to bring the fresh consignment
of arms. ”
The officer in charge of the force sent in pursuit from Shiraz has returned
and reported thus :—“ During the attack the gendarmes kept their post in good
order and as stated by Englishmen they acted splendidly. Five gendarmes were
wounded, of whom two are in a serious condition. The gendarmes and the
soldiers were in safe position but the Indian Sowars mistakingly fired at them.
* Kazerun ?
ing with the situation and will