File 3360/1916 Pt 1 'Persian correspondence (1916-17)' [‎336r] (676/804)

Jan Muhammad has not yet reached Birjand.
As Hassan All admits British nationality until the outbreak of war his
ease is simple.
364
(Received with Army Department memorandum No. 10458, dated the 25th September 1916.)
Telegram P., No. Nil, dated the 2lst (received 22nd) September 1916.
From—The Officer Commanding, Kerman,
To—The Chief of the General Staff, Simla.
Beference your 648. My opinion is that it would he most unwise to
withdraw whole regular troops from Sirjan while prisoners are still at large.
By so doing Hussain Khan would be left free to return and prisoners to
recommence their intrigues amongst the tribes. I consider a small force there
most necessary under the present circumstances, because Sirjan is a most
important tribal centre. Merrill and Wagstaff both report that the /
levies are most unreliable and suggest disbanding a portion of them.
Wagstaff has already been directed by me to destroy Hussain Khan’s fort at
Balwand and also the fort at Khushrui. There is no information in my
possession at present regarding Haji Abdul Hasain mentioned in your tele
gram as supplying funds to prisoners. While prisoners still at large suggest
at least 100 Indian troops remain in Sirjan. The balance with details and
sick bring doctor and invalid prisoners to Kerman. This small force would
be required here to act escort to money or supplies which may be required to
be sent to Sirjan and also to guard these prisoners. The Consul at this place
agrees with me. This telegram repeated to Chief of the General Staff is
addressed Sykes.
367
Telegram P., No. 634-F., dated the 24th (received 25th) September 1916.
From—His Britannic Majesty's Minister, Tehran,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
I am told by Gough that his expenses are very great, under following
heads :—
(1) His own Consulate expenses of supplies and transport.
(2) Advances to Barman Parma for his troops, transport and supplies.
(3) Pay of gendarmerie which he has had to take over as additional escort.
He has been supplied by me with such funds as I could arrange and has
thus been enabled to carry on till now.
I am informed by Cox that he has authorised Gough to spend money in
excess of emergency allotment without limit and has supplied him with £5,000
already and is now sending him £2,000 in gold.
As there seems no reason why Barman Parma’s expenses should not be
borne by Persian Government eventually I should be glad to receive author
ity to make an arrangement with them on lines suggested in my telegram
No. 589. Advances would be placed under Gough’s control. According to
Gough 50,000 tomans 10,000 Persian dinars, or a gold coin of that value. are required on Parman Parma’s account at once.
Addressed to Poreign Office, London ; repeated to Basrah.
368
Telegram R., No. 636-F., dated tbe 25th (received 26th) September 1916.
From—His Britannic Majesty’s Minister at Tehran,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
On September 23rd Russian troops made a reconnaissance in force from
Sultan Buiak and found Turkish position unchanged.
Addressed London Poreign Office ; repeated Kerman and Ispahan, and
copy sent to Sykes.