File 3360/1916 Pt 1 'Persian correspondence (1916-17)' [‎193r] (390/804)

Merrill is at Sirjan trying to raise levies there. Sirjan is a most import
ant centre and Merrill reports is now a hot bed of intrigue against us.
I consider it advisable that a force should go to Sirjan.
The situation will probably have changed by the time this letter reaches
you, so it is impossible for me to give you definite orders.
On your arrival at Baft you must be guided by your own judgment and
reports you receive from Merrill and other sources, boih of which should be
judged from a broad point of view.
-• ^ ou f ? are . should he the convoy of arms, specie, etc., this might he
parked at Baft m the fort or some other suitable position. At least 100 rifles
sdould be told off to guard it and arrangements madeffor their supplies, fin
tins I might assist you from here.) v
You should move the remainder of your force, including the mountain
gun, to Sirjan, unless from reports you have received you consider that this is
running undue risk. I can give you no support from here.
On arrival Sirjan you will take command there and act as the situation
demanos. Captain Merrill and any levies he may have raised will be under
your orders.
Please report all movements to me here as quickly as possible.
(7)
(Received Kerman, August SOlh.)
Dated Baft, the 26th August 1916.
From Lieutenant A. D. Fraseb, Officer Commanding 1st Column (Reinforce
ments and Convoy),
To— Major G. L. Farran, Commanding, South Persia Rifles, Kerman.
I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 22 nd instant, addressed to
Officers Commanding Columns marching from Bunder Abbas to Kerman, and
to report the safe arrival of the convoy at Baft this morning, with the excep
tion, I regret to say, of seven boxes of *303 small arms ammunition and
some few stores of rations. These were washed away in a flood which caught
us at the mouth of the Tangi-Zandan at Budkaneh-i-Shur.
We were followed up for three or four days by Baharlu tribesmen about
the neighbourhood of Bidue or Baulatabad to Xsmailabad. They did not
attack us however. Their strength was estimated at about 200.
At Bidu I received from Captain Buck, Commanding, South Persia
Military Police at Bunder Abbas, copy of orders from Chief of the General
Staff in which I was ordered to half my column at Baft until joined by Cap
tain Wagstaff. But when leaving Kushku last night, 25th, I received a letter
from Captain Merrill, dated August 23rd at Sirjan, informing me of the escape
of the prisoners there. I then decided that it would be more expedient to
move on to Kerman without delay for the following reasons, which I hope will
meet with your approval.
1. In consequence of the escape of the German and Austrian prisoners I
consider a closer proximity to Kerman as necessary to the greater security of
the convoy.
2. Owing to the floods already mentioned a number of the bundles of
rifles and boxes of ammunition got wet and should be thoroughly cleaned as
soon as possible.
3. Locusts having d evastated the Baft district makes supplies for trans
port animals and horses difficult, and necessitates the camels and donkeys
grazing at some distance away (about 3 farsaks). This would make it impossi
ble for me to adequately protect them if an attempt to loot them took place,
and would so immobilise the convoy, and would also make it impossible to start
hurriedly if required.
Should you however wish my force to remain at Baft I could quickly
return there and meet Captain Wagstaff’s Column leaving a small escort for
the convoy onwards to Kerman, as it would then be a much safer zone.