File 3360/1916 Pt 1 'Persian correspondence (1916-17)' [‎51r] (106/804)

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Telegram P., No. 212-P., dated the 21st (received 22nd) June 1917.
Prom—His Britannic Majesty's Minister, Tehran,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla. ^
* Serial No. 29 . My telegram® No. 206.
^ of Russian Charge (TAffaires there is little chance of
Eussian Minister s instructions differing materially from those he has himself
received, w 9 to express general sympathy with Persian national aspirations
and to disavow any aggressive intention against Persia and also any desire to
interfere in her internal affairs. As it seems probable that Hussia’s policy
towards this country will materially alter at any rate for the immediate future
and that we need not apprehend any aggression, it is for Your Lordship’s
consideration whether we should not endeavour to regain that confidence in
British friendliness that existed before the conclusion of the 1907 Convention. '
It is fully recognised by Persians that that Convention was a defensive
measure as far as we were concerned, and that in any coercive measures
(and the August Agreement is regarded by them as such) which were
subsequently taken by the two rowers our assent has been reluctant.
A spontaneous^ offer to tear up the 1907 Convention as far as it concerns
Persia and to discuss again provisions of August Agreement would in my
opinion go far to regain for us the esteem we have forfeited, would restore us
to the position of friendly advisers, and thus afford a chance of persuading
Persia to accept foreign help in setting her house in order. If Russia as may
he anticipated no longer desires to insist on August Agreement as far as it
concerns her, both the increase of Cossack Brigade and joint financial control
disappear, and we shall thus find ourselves in the position of having to impose
British financial control and the South Persia Rifles on Persia’s acceptance.
The signature of the Agreement was brought about by the presence of Russian
troops; troops will be no less necessary to enforce its execution. Even if
troops are available, His Majesty’s Government could scarcely contemplate
a measure which appears to me repugnant to our national sentiment an
incompatible with principles we are now fighting for. Persia is moving
fast towards anarchy and while I have no sort of belief in her self regener
ation, I urge that our better course to save her is to give support to the few
native elements that desire a better state of things rather than to alienate
them by trying to impose reforms.
Addressed to London Foreign Office; sent to Petrograd.
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Telegram P., No. 721-S., dated the 21st June 191/»
From—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Simla,
To—His Britannic Majesty’s Consul-General and Agent to the Government of
India in Khorasan, Meshed (repeated to Tehran).
Minister will doubtless instruct you regarding disposal of both money and
German agent prisoners but primd facie it would seem appropriate to devote
former to Secret Service and doubtful whether latter are worth trouble and
sxpense of deportation to India.
This is with reference to your telegramf
t Serial No. 170 in Persia Series, Part XIII.
£ Serial No. 34.
46 of 18th M ay and letter^ C.-22 of 11th
May.