File 3516/1914 Pt 14 'German War: Persia; general situation' [‎137r] (278/532)

dated October 2nd :— Begins. Agent of Sheikh of Mohammerah at Zeydun
received from his son, who is in charge, following message: Begins. A
Kuhgelu force is contemplating an attack on Bushire via Zedun which is in
league with them. Ends. Sent to Bushire, Basrah and Mohammerah. Ends.
( 2 ) From British Consular Representative at Mohammerah, No. 201, dated
October 5th : Begins. A spy who had been sent to Behbehan has just returned
and his report corroborates the news in detail with following addition. Leaders
of movement have given out that both Bakhtiari Chiefs are supporting them
especially Amir Mujaid, and that Bakhtiari force will arrive 20th of next
Muhammadan month at Behbehan when advance will be made, further that '
Shah had despatched instructions secretly to people to (fight ?) while Persian
Government remains neutral. Above is mentioned for what it is worth, but
I think it represents common belief in B(ehbehan). My informant who is a
(Behbehani?) is of opinion that Kuhgelus would not move without help of
Bakhtiaris.
Address(ed ?) Basrah; repeated to Ahwaz, Bushire. Ends. The foregoing
has been repeated to Tehran.
53
Telegram P., No. 620 C., dated the 8th (received 9th) October 1915.
From— Major A. P. Trevor, C.I.E., 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.
Please refer to my immediately preceding telegram. His Majesty’s Consul /
at Ahwaz telegraphs as follows :—“ No. 130, 6 th instant. Following valu
able information regarding southern Bakhtiari districts has been obtained
through Soane who has been visiting there and posing as a German agent:—
Begins. Compared with Jang who appears to be the paramount figure ?
Illkhani and illbegi are cyphers. Amongst the people the feeling is pre- ,
dominately anti-British and strongly pro-German.
Set impression is that eventually whenever Jang gives the word the
Bakhtiari will move against us. Regret is expressed that they were not
permitted by Jang to capture oil-fields this summer. Ends.
I arrive at the conclusion that in the event of a declaration being made
against us by Jang we may, even if Illkhani is with us, expect an attack on
the oil-fields and possibly on Ahwaz. |
Repeated to Mohammerah, Bushire, Tehran, and addressed to Basrah.
54
Telegram P., No. 190, dated (and received) the J2th October 1915.
F rom _His Britannic Majesty’s Consul at Kerman,
rp 0 fji^g Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
There is nothing to report.
55
No. Cf. 341, dated Bushire, the 4th (received 11th) October 1915 (Confidential).
From—M ajor A. P. Trevor, C.I.E., 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 Foreign Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Simla.
With reference to the correspondence ending with my telegram No. 590 C.,
dated 30th September 1915, regarding the arrest of Haji Ali “Germani ” near
Lino-eh I have the honour to forward herewith a report from Mr. Vice-
& ’ Consul Howson, on the subject, together
No. sio, dated 25 th September 1915 . w jth a non-committal statement made
by Haji Ali. The arrest seems to have been smartly effected and the
Tangistani Chief Tufangchi has been suitably rewarded.