File 3360/1916 Pt 2 'Persian correspondence. (1917-18)' [‎157r] (318/678)

£iing are marching on Salmas to attack Syrians. The democrat leader,
jfobari, at Tabriz, gone with view to persuade Kurds to return. Of the
British subjects in Caucasus there is no further news. Wireless interrupted
again.
Addressed to Foreign Office and repeated Baghdad. Dunsterville fully
informed.
812
Telegram P., No. 399, dated the 15th (received 16th) May 1938.
From—His Britannic Majesty’s Minister, Tehran,
To—His Excellency the Viceroy (Foreign and Political Department), Simla.
Consul, Tabriz, sends following:— Begins, May 9th.
I was sent a note late this evening from Russian Consul-General to say
that Pike and all British officers are leaving Tiflis and will install themselves
at Vladikavkas temporarily.
I have informed Dunsterville. Ends,
Addressed to Foreign Office ; repeated Baghdad.
213
Telegram P., No. 411, dated the 14th (received 16th) May 1918.
From—His Britannic Majesty’s Minister, Tehran,
To—His Excellency the Viceroy (Foreign and Political Department), Simla.
Though Prime Minister is friendly disposed, there is a strongish hostile
clement in Cabinet whose opposition his rather passive supporters do not care
to face. Hence he is unable to give effect to the promises to show a friendly
disposition to British interests throughout the country which he made me
jbefore taking office. He has been given by me to understand that I cannot
obtain your sanction to the Persian Government being given any measure of
financial support until he has sent a circular to provinces prescribing such
attitude to local authorities. It is unlikely that his resignation can be
deferred long failing such support and in view of general disbelief in Cabinet’s
capacity to improve matters or deal with famine.
The only possible successor appears to be Yossough-ed-Dowleb whose
early accession to power is regarded as inevitable by most people. While it
would be hardly correct to say that he has a party, he is supported by
various groups and the feeling that he is the only man for situation is wide
spread. Though he has hitherto preferred to wait until the situation was made
easier by the advance of our aviators and approach of harvest, he seems to be l
ready to accept office.
It must be admitted that the anti-British propaganda countenanced and,
since June last, actively promoted by Persian Government, has had consider
able effect amongst the comparatively small proportion of the people interested
in politics, and with certain tribal chiefs. The great mass of the nation however
remains indifferent; the commercial classes are friendly recognising that our
influence makes for peace and order.
German propaganda is not in my opinion making any considerable head
way, though German agents are multiplying and already gaining adherents
by spending money. The real Germanophil or Turcophil party is very small
none the less.
It is well understood by Yossough-ed-Dowleh that Persia’s interests
demand the most friendly relations with us and I think that he is ready to come
to an arrangement on the basis of my note of March 11th (see your telegram
No. 132, March 7th, and my despatch No. 20, March 14th). I doubt, how
ever whether he will be.able to get a Cabinet which will give him free hand
together. We shall be able to get on well with him, I believe.