File 3516/1914 Pt 11 'Persia: protection of Anglo-Persian Oil Co's fields etc' [‎257r] (518/550)

The strength of this force must depend on supply and the strength of hostile I
opposition to be expected. I do not consider however if the Bakhtiaris are in full
force less than a Brigade advisable. A Brigade is about the number for which
water suffices at Maidan Napthak. This would have the advantage of being
on the only available supply of drinking water in the vicinity of the fields
while denying it to any large concentration of the enemy. It would also
to some extent assist movement along the old caravan route to Shuster
via Batwand, and ^ might assist in deterring tribesmen from holding up convoys,
etc., in the Tembi defile. The Maidan Napthak camp would also form a
suitable position to fall back on in event of the Oil Fields being abandoned. If
the main cart route is used for supply as I anticipate it must be eventually, what
ever be the first line of advance, strong posts, strength depending on the strength
of Bakhtiari gatherings, would also be required at Batwand and Abgah.
6. If we wish to secure the routes permanently 1 think it will be necessary
to build permanent picquet posts at frequent intervals on the more commanding
points on the road. To supply these with water will be a difficult operation and
this leads me to prefer the Tembi Abgunji route. This could only be done pro
vided a pipe line were arranged.
7. It has been pointed out to me, and I think it probable, that the despatch I
of any force to the Oil Fields before the Bakhtiari declare hostile intentions
may precipitate matters. I am unable to offer a definite opinion on this political I
question, but I can see no great object in bringing a force into the fields before it J
can be supported, as otherwise it would be certainly cut off and the most difficult j
and excessive operations of forcing difficult defiles to relieve it would have to s
be undertaken. The Oil Company officials at the Fields are very confident that |
the Bakhtiari will stand by us.
8. I am of opinion that :—
If the Bakhtiari declare against us, which appears unlikely, at least one
Division suited for mountain warfare should be available to keep the Oil Com
pany working.
To protect the line against the Bavi, I suggest posts of one double company I
and one squadron at Moola Thanieh and Darra Khazineh. A movable column
with transport should be maintained at Ahwaz. Armoured motor cars are also
required. These should be apart from the Ahwaz garrison and will be all the
more necessary if the Bakhtiari join against us.
The Abgunji Anjirak Power Station route is best suited for military opera
tions at the fields. Steps should be at once taken to provide water supply and
this could be done by the Oil Company without raising suspicions which may
precipitate matters with the Bakhtiari. Subsequently when a garrison is estab-
lished at the fields, posts will have to be built and it may be necessary to use
the main cart route.