File 3516/1914 Pt 14 'German War: Persia; general situation' [‎219v] (443/532)

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Germans 9 before tbeir flight the Germans contemplated
occupying the mosque and defending themselves there but the people objected
and they gave up the idea.
After the early morning engagement the Russians remained at Kalata
Aliabad the whole day, and it was only the following morning when some of
the Cossacks were patrolling they heard that the Germans escaped, some 30
hours after they had fled.
Russians’ entry .—The Russians entered the town on the 31st July, and
went straight to the big mosque. (This is a very high building in the middle
of the town commanding a view of the whole valley and seems of great
strategical importance.) The interpreter with the Russians is said to have
informed the Officer Commanding that the building was a mosque and they
should not enter it, but he insisted. At first they took their horses into the
mosque, but when the people raised much objection they removed them.
Search .—Immediately after their entry the Russians commenced a house
to house search, which continued till the following day. On the second day
of their entry the Officer Commanding while at the Telegraph Office was
informed that a crowd had assembled outside to complain of the behaviour
of the Cossacks. He immediately paraded his men at the mosque and severely
reprimanded them. Further he is said to have taken away the Cossacks’ rifles
and confined them to barracks (the mosque), or rather those suspected of
misbehaviour. One man said his watch had been taken and others that the
Cossacks were unnecessarily threatening and frightening the people.
Second Russian party arrive .—Two days after the arrival of the Cossacks
(80) another party of 40 Cossacks arrived at the city. Their Officer in Com-
jnand who seemed to be the senior ordered a fresh house to house search to be
made, which seems to have been conducted in a more orderly manner. There
are many complaints against the Russian Telegraph Ghulam of Kain, named
Muhammad, who assisted the Cossacks and indicated likely houses. This man
is accused of having stolen much himself and extorted blackmail from many
people.
Germans’ baggage .—The heavy baggage the Germans were unable to carry
off was found in the house they occupied. The house was locked up and the
Russians are said to have got the key from the Rais of Malia. The contents of
the boxes found is not known, but it is said there was much money, rifles and
auununition, and that each box was marked with the Turkish star and cresent.
The Russians had great difficulty in obtaining transport to carry away
their loot. They sent two Malia sowars to obtain camels but without success,
Eventually they ordered Haji Saiyid Eakhr to procure 20 mules for them. He
said he only had one mule but after being detained in the mosque for some
time he undertook to collect the mules from various people, which was done.
Before leaving the Russians asked Haji Saiyid Fakhr to give them his
bill for supplies, over which there was a difference of opinion. The Russians
eventually paid Haji Saiyid Rakhr 96 Tumans, but he contends they owe him
over 400 Tumans.
The Russians beat a few people but in each case there seems to have been
• Dried inceme. cause for it. Haji Saiyid Ibrahim was
beaten because he swore he had no “Bida”*
and it was subsequently found he had a godown full of it. Haji Saiyid
Mashum was beaten. He was caught in the act of pricking his mule with a
pin to make it restive with the hope that the Russians would discard the
animal as unsuitable for transport.
Chief Mulla. The Mujtakid of Kain, Haji Saiyid Jowad, visited the
Russians in the mosque and requested them to release the prisoners they had;
some servants of the deceased Kerbelai Muhammad Ishaq and two men of
Hisam-ud-Howleh which they immediately did at the Mulla’s promise to
see that they made no mischief. The Mujtahid offered the Russians a
present of 50 maunds of barley, but they declined and said they could not take
presents.