File 3360/1916 Pt 2 'Persian correspondence. (1917-18)' [‎106v] (217/678)

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I intend to adopt a similar. policy at Baku, but though this policy is
gradual, it is most urgently and vitally important that we should have a force
ready at Enzeli to seize an opportunity which may be presented at any
moment through the downfall of Central Bolshevik Government or any other
cause. All hope of controlling the Caspian is lost if Baku falls. The Turks
appear to be operating in three directions, viz .;—
(1) Against Baku.
(2) South of Tabrijs.
(3) Against the Jelus.
According to my information, it is their intention to take Baku first. To
hamper this advance we should place a containing force before Tabriz and
concentrate on assisting the Jelus.
If the political situation at Tehran makes a display of (British force?*)
• i change necessary, I consider that one squadron,
one field - battery and 500 rifles would be
sumcient to deal with any opposition encountered. If I receive a mountain
battery and a complete cavalry regiment, I consider that, with a brigade of
field artillery and a brigade of infantry, I shall have sufficient troops,Always
provided that they arrive before any radical change in the situation occurs.
In view of the lateness of the season the precarious situation at Baku, Urmia*
and Shiraz and the possibility of rapid developments in any or all of these
places. I cannot too strongly emphasise necessity of expediting the despatch
of above force. Ends. ~ r
My arrangements for collecting transport are bearing completion. It is
my intention to despatch infantry first and I hope to send them half a
battalion at a time by motor vehicles, guns and 1st and 2nd line transport to
follow by March route. Leading infantry arrives Ruz tomight by train. 8th
Battery, RoyM Field Artillery, reached Harunabad and 2 squadrons, 14th
H-Ussars, are due at Hamadan to-morrow.
Arrangements have been made to convoy ammunition to Jelus via Bijar
t i change. Jeius (compute ?f) they can meet convoy
at Sain Kaleh. J
254
Telegram R,, No. 925, dated the 11th (received 12th) July 1918.
From—The Deputy Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart-,
ment, Simla. ^
Following from Consul, Bandar Abbas Begins.
Persistent rumours reach Base Commandant that Sykes’ force is
surrounded by combined forces of Soulat and Kawarn, and that he has asked
for four days’ grace before evacuating Shiraz. Have you any information p
Ends.
No confirmation here.
Addressed Tehran ; repeated Baghdad.
No. 12263 1^22, dated Baghdad, the 18th Jupe (received 6th July) 1918.
Fr^-e^A. T. Wilson, C.M.G.. D.S.O,, Officiating Civil Commissioner,
To—His Majesty’s Minister, Tehran.
With reference to my telegram of today’s date, I have the honour to
enclose, in original, mth translation, for delivery, if no objection, a letter from
Shaikh-Hs-Sharia, Ispahan, a Mujtahid of Najaf, to Saiyid Muhammad
Behbeham, which fee desires the latter to fey before His Imperial Majesty the
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