'Despatch by Brigadier-General Sir P. M. Sykes, K.C.I.E., C.M.G., Inspector-General, South Persia Rifles and Commanding British Mission Escort in Persia on Minor Operations in Southern Persia. From 7th November 1917 to 31st March 1918' [‎6v] (12/40)

10
Routes examin
ed.
Bainu.
♦Bidu ?
; ' r
Sir Percy Sykes explained to him that he, as Chief of the Khamseh Tribes,
was held responsible for attacks by his tribesmen on British and South Persia
Rifles caravans, such as had taken place at Sarzeh. 1 he Qawam undertook
to do his best to recover the stolen property and to inflict punishment. The
Qawam has since recovered over 100 animals, and has attacked and punished a
section of the Mazidis near Jahrum.
This visit of the Qawam was of considerable importance as demonstrating
his adherence to the British ; it has also made it evident to the Khamseh Tribes
that attacks on caravans will not be tolerated and will be punished by their own
chief, as well as by the South Persia Rifles.
14. On his way to India in November 1917 the Inspector-General had given
service to Ali Reza Khan, Kalantar of Gakum, and had appointed him Rais-i-
tufangchi. This arrangement has already yielded good results. Ali Reza
Khan and his private tufangchis have co-operated with Captain Huxley, South
Persia Rifles, in command at Gakum, in attacks on robber gangs.
Gakum is an important post on our line of communication and the local intel
ligence system under Captain Huxley, which has been strengthened, is shaping well.
15. The Inspector-General examined alternative passes and also a new route.
Of the former the Rah-i-Baluch, immediately to the east, and avoiding the
Tang-i-Zagh, was found to be quite an impracticable alignment for a motor
road ; it is used only by hill donkey caravans which cannot negotiate the deep
pools of the Tang-i-Zagh.
The Tang-i-Sadar, 8 miles west of the Tang-i-Zagh, was also inspected. It has
been selected by Major Lowis as the future alignment of the motor road, which
will thus avoid the dangerous Tang-i-Zagh. The constructional difficulties of the
Tang-i-Sadar alignment are not great; there being no volume of flood water as in
the Tang-i-Zagh. It is used a good deal by raiding parties and donkey caravans
and is undoubtedly the best of the three passes.
An easy, direct route between Tarum and Katru, obviating the long and diffi
cult detour by Aliabad and Saidabad, was examined and is being followed by the
Indian reinforcements for Shiraz. This new route passing Duragah—Sar-i-Ran-Tal
Halal is seven stages shorter than the old road by Saidabad ; it crosses no high
passes, has easy gradients throughout, and a good water supply at each sta^e.
The section between Sar-i-Ran and Qatru was favourably reported on by Subadar-
Major Ali Dost, 106th Hazara Pioneers, an officer with much experience of road
construction in Persia and Baluchistan.
16. A visit was paid to Bainu,* the head-quarters of Agha Haji of Dura^ah,
the most powerful man in this part of Persia. Unfortunately Agha Haji himself
was absent at Furg, but his son expressed himself ready, to assist the S. P. R. Agha
Haji is arranging supplies, under his own Tufangchi guards, for the passage of the
Indian reinforcements in April through Sar-i-Ran. Agha Haji is credited with a
force of 1,200 riflemen ; his good-will and assistance may be regarded as a distinct
asset.
17. Kirman was reached by motor car from Aliabad on 18th February after
considerable difficulty at the Kutal-i-Surkh. Here the track for two miles lay
under snow. ^
The following S. P. R. units were inspected at Kirman
1st Cavalry,
2nd Artillery,
2nd Infantry,
2nd Machine Gun Squadron,
2nd Field Company Engineers,
2nd Mule Corps,
Camel Corps,
Donkey Corps ;
also the Hospital and \ etermary Hospital and Supply Depot. The 6th Infantry
had previously been inspected by the Inspector General at Saidabad. ' *