File 3516/1914 Pt 14 'German War: Persia; general situation' [‎35v] (75/532)

S3
As matters stand at present therefore we must continue to rely on these
two Chiefs and to afford them financial support. I propose following rough
programme till end of present financial year.
Pirst, subsidy to Kawam to defray cost of say 1,000 men as garrison at
Shiraz. If his men were withdrawn we could not m present circumstances
remain here a day. Second, subsidy to Soulet to defray cost of expedition
either of himself or one of his brothers to restore order in littoral districts and
on Bushire road. Third, subsidy to brotner of lllkhani to maintain oruer on
main road.
I cannot at present form even rough estimate as to amount of these sub
sidies, but as Uovernment of India endorsement asked for estimate of expenses
to end of present financial year, I propose putting it at £50,000. But before
replying to them I should like to know whether these proposals meet with
your approval and whether 1 may proceed to negotiate with Kawam and
Goulet on these lines. Germans as you know are spending money very freely
and if we intend to hold our own we must do likewise. Muds.
Minister is repeating gist of this telegram to Government of India
supporting my proposals. Muds.
86
Telegram P., No. R. 165, dated the 20th (received 21st) October 1915.
From—The Hon’blk Lieutenant-Colonel Sir P. Z. Cox, K.C.I.E., C.S.I., Political
Resident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Kutelamarah,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
A reference is invited to my telegram No. K. 118 of the 14th instant and
also to the telegram just repeated to you in my telegram No. K. 164.^
Although telegram No. R. 164 deals not only with Bushire littoral hut
also with Bushire road, it was not repeated till two days after issue to Bushire
and after His Britannic Majesty’s Minister had informed Acting Consul that
proposals had been sent with his support to India direct.
In both cases the Besidency was short circuited and it will be noted that
the Government of India has now been addressed by O’Connor through the
Legation. 8
Against human emotions Governments are proverbially proof but un
fortunately their servants are not, and failure of Government of India either
to vindicate position of Besidency and Consulate-General or to assert them
selves severely taxes self restraint of local officers who have year after vear
put up with O’Connor’s undisciplined and discourteous vagaries.
I beg very respectfully to be informed whether Government of India do
not now see their way to put a stop to these vagaries. I regret to worrv Gov
ernment now with sunk matters, but in my opinion what(?) is needed for present
purposes(?) is that official executive orders (to ?) O’Connor as an officer of Gov
ernment of India shou d .be issued by the Government of India through the
Resident instructing him to repeat all telegrams sent to His Brimnnle
Majesty’s Minister. Tehran, concerning politics fn Bars silimneously o ResB
dency and to address Government of India through the Residencv Bushire
a warning being sent to him to the effect that any further failure on his part
to carry out these instructions will be treated as grave insubordination P
botn of whom are familiar with O’Connor’s insnhordiwra foreign Office,