File 3360/1916 Pt 1 'Persian correspondence (1916-17)' [‎100v] (205/804)

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doubt also that he lias been secretly working to defeat tbe object of a good
understanding with local chiefs. I recently had opportunity to represent
privately to M. Minorski of the Russian Legation how much more satisfactory
it would be if the Russians had a Consul to act as Political Officer with
their troops, but it seems they have at present no one to spare In the mean
time the Archimandrite’s local knowledge renders him indispensable to the
Officer Commanding in Araq.
Meetings were held with Khojabr-u-Sultaneh, his cousins Salar Muqtadir
and Salar-i-Muzaffar, and Haji Mahoramed Raza, Japalaki, at Kagan and
Imamzada Kazirn from 22nd to 25th October, and agreement was arrived at.
As it was not completed, I only give the bare outlines which were as under : —
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The Chahar Lang Khans—(1) to unite, (2) to deny road to hostile parties,
(3) to seize enemy agents, (4) supply sowars, for service with Russian troops.
The British Government-(1) to extend to Khans special recognition and good
offices with Persian Government, (2) in the event of the enemy entering their
country to secure for the Khans compensation for damage.
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The advantages of such an agreement, concluded with Russian approval,
were, as they appeared to me, that besides securing so far as might be possible
the immediate object in view, it would hereafter give us a voice, which we do
not at prelit possess, in matters connected with this branch of the Bakhtiari.
Tiie Chahnr Lan^ country, it may be observed, lies within the Russian sphere.
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A telegram from His Majesty’s Minister, however, reached me just as tbe
document was about to be signed to the effect that General Bara toff did not
wish any agreement with the Chahar Lang concluded and desired me to consult
Colonef Bieharakoff, who had, since my departure, been sent to command in
Sultanahad.
Leaving the completion of the agreement in abeyance, I hurried back to
Sultanabad, the sotnia that was with me just arriving in time to reinforce the
sotnia left in Sultanabad and repulse an attack by a combined force of
Bakhtiari, Lurs and Gendarmes.
Though unsuccessful in their attack, the rebel forces did not fall back any
considerable distance, and from this time till the 27th November they remained
in occupation of all the hilly country to the south and west of .Sultanabad,
their outposts being within a very short distance of the town itself Tne
Saham-us-Sultan, whose presence would have been useful, fled to Tehran.
The Russians were it seemed in favour of the proposed agreement with
the Chahar Lang and also of one with Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Hashmat, their only stipulation
bein 0 * that they should be parties to the agreement themselves without
incurring any pecuniary responsibility.
As regards the Chahar Lang, the Khojabr had from the outset made it a
condition that any agreement made should be with us and not with the
Russians and there is no doubt this was his earnest desire. r i he explanation
lay no doubt in the hope that our predominant influence w r ith the Haft Lang
would be exerted to his advantage in his dealings with his more powerful
neighbours. The Khojabr was, however after some further correspondence,
prepared to give way on this point, but by the time the situation had improved
sufficiently to render a meeting possible, it had been decided that an agreement
with the Chahar Lang was undesirable and should not be proceeded with.
The Khojabr-u-Smtaneh’s attitude at this juncture however was undoubtedly
of service and should be remembered to his credit.
In the meantime negotiations with Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Hashmat resulted in a joint
letter being given him signed by Colonel Bicharakoff and myself promising
support in return for service. A translation is attached. Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Hashmat
with a force of 125 sowars arrived in Sultanabad on the 8th December and
was given a good reception by the Russians. I presented him at the same
time on behalf of Government with a khillat of Tomans 10,000 Persian dinars, or a gold coin of that value. 2,500. I should not
omit to mention that encouraging telegrams had been sent by the Zil-us-