File 3136/1914 Pt 1 ‘German War. Situation in Turkish Arabia & Persian Gulf’ [‎42v] (93/672)

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Ibrahim of Baghdad which gives full information on all the points alluded to
in vour telegram No. 717 S., dated the 8 th September 1914. It is within the
knowledge of Government that Mr. Edwardes correctly describes the attitude
of the Pir towards the British Government.
2. It will be seen that if we could guarantee his position at Baghdad as
against the Turkish Government, it is not improbable that he would become
an active supporter of British proceedings.
Enclosure.
Copy of a note by S. M. Edwards, Esq., Commissioner of Police, Bombay, No. U.O.E.
No. 3376 M.—40, dated the 11th September i014.
The Pir Saheb of Baghdad has resided in Bombay for three years. He is
at present a friend of mine and we have exchanged many visits. 1 am
prepared to guarantee his good faith and iriendship.
2. The reasons for his leaving Baghdad are said to be one of the
following:—
(a) His uncle is at present on the Fir's gadi in Baghdad, and Sayad
Ibrahim is the probable successor to the gadi. In consequence, there has been
intrigues, culminating in a quarrel between him and his uncle, which has
obliged Sayad Ibrahim to exile himself from Baghdad ; or—
(b) Sayad Ibrahim is greatly revered by the Memons of Bombay, most
of whom are his “ Mureeds ” or disciples. Eor some time before he actually
came to India he had been pressed by the Chhotbani Jamat to come to
Bombay and show himself. His uncle, the present Pir, was much averse to
his coming to India; but as Sayad Ibrahim was of the contrary opinion, a
quarrel took place between them and ftayad Ibrahim left without permission
for India. In consequence, he does not care to return until his uncle’s wrath
has cooled; or
(c) In the time of Nazim Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , Turkish Governor of Baghdad, the
family of the Pir had various prerogatives and rights which Nazim Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. did
his best to cut down and deprive them of. This policy was continued by
Nazim Pasha’s successor; and Sayad Ibrahim led the movement against the
Turkish Governor, which was designed to keep their privileges intact. In
consequence, Sayad Ibrahim was practically forced into exile by the Turkish
Government and cannot return for the present at any rate.
3 . Sayad Ibrahim’s attitude towards local politics and All-India Moslem
affairs has been absolutely correct since his arrival. He has declined more
than once to make any public pronouncement on any matters affecting the
British Government and their Moslem subjects. But in private conversation
he has been studiously pro^British and on the side of law and order. For
example, he told a group of Memons and others one evening in his bungalow
that nowhere in the world, and particularly in Turkish territory, was there
such complete peace and good order as is to be found everywhere in British
territory.
4 . He has more than once advised Musalmans to stick to the Commis
sioner of Police and do all in their power to assist him; and I believe that he
is sincerely grateful to me for the help which I gave him on his arrival three
Years ago. 1 know Sayad Ibrahim very well and I am quite cenain that
whatever happens he will do his best to meet my personal wishes and that I
can count upon him to be friendly, even in the event of trouble with Turkey.
In tne latter event hp would probably remain neutral—I doubt if he could ue
used as an Agent by us ; for alter all his ultimate chance of succeeding to the
pir ship of Baghdad rests largely with tne Turkish Government. He would
probably preier a policy of aosolute and strict neutrality. But I think I can
saiely say that he will never do anything winch would ue likely to embarrass
us here. He correspojidei vyitu mo wnou i wan on leave in England,