‘REPORT ON THE MISSION TO SEISTAN, 1897’ [‎7r] (18/134)

5
A perusal of the works* noted, and the adoption of a line of policy on so
sound a basis, might have served the members of the Perso-Baluch Boundary
Commission, and prevented the adoption of so rapid a system of demarcation
as drawing a boundary line across a section of country, of which rather more
than one-half, and that the most important half, had not previously been even
provisionally surveyed or reconnoitred to test the accuracy of details and learn
the local condition of affairs.
The award of the Great King Solomon repeated. —As in the case of the
“ toe ”of land stretching between Harmak and the Helmand, another supposed
insignificant tract of country ceded to Afghanistan, so here again the award of
the Great King Solomon ^ seems to have been executed.!
The very alphabet of common prudence would suggest that some geo
graphical and other knowledge might have been of service in this boundary
delimitation, nor is it quite clear what was “all the special information that
was required which Lieutenant P. M. Sykes brought w r ith him trom Kerman.
It certainly does not appear to have served as a reliable guide to those entrusted
with the execution of the Perso-Baluch boundary, nor turned for the benefit of
the Empire, “ to such excellent account in the settlement of these most import
ant outstanding frontier claims’* as Colonel Holdich would have us believe.^
The weakness of this boundary line becomes all the^ more apparent as we
leave Itobat and approach Wavaila nala, in which is situated one of the most
notable and much frequented shrines all over British and Persian Baluchistan,
viz., Ziarat Malik Siah.
A little strategy and finesse with Asadullah Khan and Colonel Suliman
“ on whom the Persian Commissioner w r as wholly dependent, ” would have
obtained for us a considerable slice of important territory west of the proposed
Tehran line, or even the entire important valley of Mirjawa. That we did not
secure this tract of country is a great pity; from the infinitesimal Persian
interest in the locality and inhabitants, as also a personal knowledge of Asad
ullah Khan and Colonel Suliman, I have every reason for believing they would
have offered feeble if any opposition had this point been pressed.
Advantages lost. —Such a concession amongst others would have secured
to us a suitable site for military purposes, as well as a commanding position
for our frontier post in the vicinity of Ziarat Malik Siah, on the impoitant
avenue to Seistan, instead of having it as now in an utterly useless position at
Sar Bobat, several miles outside the area of the main trade routes.
Advantages of Mirjawa. —Mirjawa shares with Ladis a reputation for
healthiness and fertility, has a full and plentiful flow of perennial water uith
a considerable amount of arable land and good pastuiage.
With the Daminis under our sphere of influence, who have always evinced
a friendly feeling towards the Sirkar Angrez, and situated as they are on the
fringe of our main kafila A train of travellers; a caravan; or any large party of travellers. route, we would be in a position to once and for all
check the depredations and lawlessness of this petty tribe, which the Persians
plead inability to do, and, with the assistance of theii influential Saidai, guaid
our newlv-acquired frontier routes (both on the Afghan and Persian side) from
further raids, particularly the long unprotected section of this route between
Robat and Amir Chah, where most of the raids aie peipetiated.§
Action and result of Persian authorities in closing the routes.—As report
ed in my secret telegraphic despatch from Kirtaka, under date 2Sth Apiil
1897, the unjustifiable action of the Persian authorities (at instigation of
Russia) in closing the Quetta-Seistan trade routes by refusing permission to all
British traders to enter the country caused most disheartening effects, not to
mention serious losses to those whose enterprise had prompted them to venture
by these newly-acquired routes.
* Wanderings in Baluchistan, Appendix B, pages 312 and 313.—B.C,
■j - Vide Journey from Quetta to Trebizond, page 7 of Preface. B.C.
t Vide Report on the Demarcation of the Boundary between Persian Baluchistan and Kalat.—B. C.
§ I have entered somewhat more fully into this matter than I at first
conscientious knowledge of its importance and the trouble that maj anse,
cations.—B. C.
intended, my apology for so doing being a
as the situation fairly bristles with compli-