File 3360/1916 Pt 1 'Persian correspondence (1916-17)' [‎111r] (226/804)

\St)
t £
"7f
visii/g us to take leave. Demands a certificate. He is openly pleased about
the British dilemma and warns us against paper money. Azam-i-Sultaneh
and Karim Khan visit us very friendly,
21st December. —-Report British intend leaving and to take us with them.
The force sent out is said to have returned after having been beaten. No
confirmation however. To-morrow 200 gendarmes are leaving to go against
Kazerun.
Soulet is said to he in the neighbourhood with his force. Bun on the
Bank seems to have subsided. Barman Farraa said to have received a tele
gram from Tehran to imprison the British (! ! !). He at any rate appears
to have no intention of leaving. It would appear as if he is counting with
local conditions. The Indians are said to have taken an enemy tower on the
Kazerun Boad with the loss of 12 men.
22nd December. —The gendarmes march out but have intention of going
over to the enemy. An English officer has been taken prisoner. Various
rumours. The attackers said to have been beaten according to one version ;
according to another they have advanced 4 farsacks.
23rd December .—
24th to 27th December .— *****
23th December. —Advice received of British and gendarme reverse is
gradually confirmed by Kasim and Azim. Out of 400 Indians it is said only
53 returned with rifles, rest have been plundered.
A good many of the gendarmes are said to have taken to their heels.
Many wounded amongst same day. One officer and 15 Indians missing,
two guns and two machine guns have fallen in the hands of the Kazeruni
as well as 400 miles with provision, etc. Three mules with silver and one
with gold. All the troops are said to have come back in great disorder.
Part is now in the town and part.2 farsacks from here in a comparative strong
position. It is now said neither Germans nor Turks are with the Kazemnis.
Souiet is reported to be supporting them secretly. Barman Barma advised
through Munshi A term used in the Middle East, Persia and South Asia to refer to a secretary, assistant or amanuensis. Munshis were employed in the British administration in the Gulf. Karim and a letter that he had better leave the British side.
23th Decemoer. As far as we can make out the British are 4 farsacks
from here in strong positions. Over 40 casualties, 1 British officer killed, one
mortally wounded. Many animals, ammunitions, arms and money have been
lost. Nasir Divan is said to have written to the Barman Barma that they had
nothing against him but he must abandon the English.
30th December -—Assembly of notables at the Barman Barma’s Palace. He
removes the General glee about the British defeat. Tells the people that they
should accept*paper money. Points out that the Kazerunis will soon he made
to feel small with the establishment of a force. Those assembled demand for
clearin" of the Political situation, i.e., either we should be set free or the
British likewise made prisoners. The best way would be that we should be
sent north, and British south. Soulet and Qawam said to have addressed to
the Barman Bama a demand for our release.
3Ut December. —According to Karim the British have small wireless
receiver and transmission which should reach as far as^Businre. ^ t
lieuters * . * * *
******
1st January .— „ 7 -i • -n •
2nd January- —Nothing new about Kazerun affairs. We write m Persian
a letter of sympathy and imormation to Kasir Divan.
Qawam wishes to leave to-morrow and send for his carpets. Barman
Barma gives us nevvones^ N . d. an d W r . Munshi A term used in the Middle East, Persia and South Asia to refer to a secretary, assistant or amanuensis. Munshis were employed in the British administration in the Gulf. . Wassmuss promises
tall confirmed b. Ole So™,. F.rm. Inm.ell.
. T The comic paper was auctioned and sold to Major Von
5th January. 1 ^an of confidence we obtained a copy of a
Versen at 10J Krs. ihio b, ^ hire dated 9th of December, but there is
letter of the British Consulat ^ uth all cUe Dashtis and Tangistams
nothing of any importance in it.