File 3360/1916 Pt 2 'Persian correspondence. (1917-18)' [‎103v] (211/678)

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Situation in Turkistan is given as follows by the Caucasus Military
Agent telegraphing on May 20th :— Begins. Temporarily everything is quiet.
Bolshevism has failed; all the people require is peace and order and they are
determined to stand by Russian regime. Bolshevik influence remains near
Taahkend and Askabad. Prisoners of war not unsatisfactory though some
13,000 exist near Tashkend and elsewhere. Chief German agent Schmidt is
now in Bokhara ; his efforts to export cotton crop have failed, though it is
believed Germans have offered 58 million roubles for it. Two years’ store of
cotton lies on Central Asian Railway. Turkistan Mission in Caucasus have
requested us to send small British or Indian force and 200 men with 6 selected
officers has been suggested as moral support. Caucasus Military Agent
has expended 20,000 roubles as preliminary expenses for taking over Caspian
Pleet. Ends.
The above is a separate undertaking entirely from your instructions
regarding Baku which still hold good though it may be necessary eventually
to transfer to Krasnovodsk any troops you may have to send to Baku. Any
troops moved to Baku or Krasuovodsk should in any case be immediately
replaced North-West Persia from your main force.
Pending further instructions Krasnovodsk will temporarily come under
your control, though it is technically in the area allotted to India’s control.
India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. is addressing India on this subject in a separate telegram.
233
(Received with Army Department memorandum No. 8931, dated the 5th July 1918.)
Telegram P., No. X.-9960, dated the 3rd (received 4th) July 1918.
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force “D”, Baghdad,
To—The Secretary, War Office, London (repeated India and Tehran).
Operations. In continuation of my telegram No. X.-9941.
There is no news from Baku.
Dunsterville reports that Jangalis and police are closing in to attack
Resht.
234
(Received with Army Department memorandum No. 8997, dated the 6th July 1918.)
Telegram P., No. 9986, dated the 3rd (received 4th) July 1918.
From—The General Officer Commanding, Force “ D”, Baghdad,
To—The Director, Military Intelligence, London • (repeated Chief of the General
Staff, Simla).
Following from Dusterforce begins 1-322 of July.
Begins. With reference to wires from Enzeli that most recent inform
ation points to weakening of Soviet powers along the Volga and the likelihood
of an early fall which will involve Baku. The power will pass into the hands
of the Armenian Cossacks who will declare themselves anti-Bolshevik and
anti-German, if this happens, and our help will be eagerly asked for them.
Ends.
Addressed Baghdad; repeated Tehran.
235
(Received with Army Department memorandum No. 8996, dated the 6th July 1918.)
Telegram P., No. 52145, dated the 4th July 1918.
* From—The Chief of the General Staff, Simla,
To—The British Military Attache, Tehran (repeated to the General Officer Com
manding, Force “D ", Baghdad, and Secretary, War Office, London).
Operations. With regard to the situation at Abadeh, details are unknown
concerning defensive except that preparations for Indian troops to occupy