File 3360/1916 Pt 1 'Persian correspondence (1916-17)' [‎50r] (104/804)

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authority will be (group omitted ?) with regard to its employment. My
views on former question are expressed
Serial No. 37.
f Serial No 44 i nPersia Series, Fart XIII.
now offer some remarks on point
seem to regard South Persia Rifles.
J Serial No. 82 in Persia Series, Fart X I.
in my immediately preceding telegram ; 5
on the latter His Majesty , s Government
have already taken decision. + I would
of view from which Government of India
It appears from their reverting to proposal
contained in their telegram^ No. 940
... that it would be possible in their opinion
by appointing a General of hi S h rank with fnll control both civil and military
m Southern Persia to utilise South Persia Rifles for British interests and even
as in some way an adjunct to Imperial Forces. Idea is wholly fallacious.
Persian feeling is not with us. Even if it were, more appointment of an
officer with such a mission would in itself arouse suspicion that we aimed
at taking over administration of Southern Persia. South Persia Rifles if they
did not actually turn against him, as I believe they would, would not support
him but would desert with their arms; and his authority would repose on
nothing but some 2,000 Indian troops who have still to earn respect in
Southern Persia. For is it not altogether too much to expect that semi-
mutinous troops taken over by us a few months ago would have become so
loyal as to obey their foreign officers against their own Government ?
Mith altered conditions brought about by Russian revolution only possible
'way of making South Persia Rifles a success is to make it a truly Persian
force to be used by Persian Government. If we try and impose it on Persia
by such means as Government of India suggest, we shall have to send 20,000
men for the purpose.
This Sykes thoroughly understands and for this reason I hope there w 7 ill
be no question of replacing him on account of Government of India’s
dissatisfaction with his work. Grounds of dissatisfaction were not known to
me but it is but fair to point out from bis arrival at Shiraz until he received
a large addition to his staff this spring, Sykes was set task utterly out of
proportion to means with which he was supplied. I am not competent judge
of results he has achieved. Military Attache, however, has visited Shiraz and
considers they reflect greatest credit on Sykes and his staff. 1
True comprehension of political aspect of this matter is at least as
essential to success as organising ability. The latter can be supplied by
competent staff at length attached to Sykes. The former he possesses.
Addressed to London Foreign Office.
40
Telegram P., dated the 20th June 1917.
From—His Majesty’s Secretary of State for India, London,
To—His Excellency the Viceroy (Army Department), Simla.
South Persia Rifles. His Majesty’s Government have carefully con
sidered the whole question in the light
5 Serial Noi. 37 and 39 . Marling’s telegrams§ Nos. 202 and V03.
Before passing final orders, it is proposed to await the receipt of Sir Percy
Sykes’ provisional scheme of organization.
The above has reference to your telegram[| No. v358, dated the 19th
|| Serial No. 179 in Persia Series, Part XIII. May 1917.