File 3360/1916 Pt 1 'Persian correspondence (1916-17)' [‎359v] (723/804)

WagstafPs column appears to be marching towards Sirjan in co-operation
with convoy column. ConsuPs escort and details should suffice to guard arms
and ammunition after arrival. Pact that Merrill is apparently able to remain
Sirjan is most hopeful.
Addressed Officer Commanding, Kerman; repeated Chief of General Staff,
Tehran, and Cox.
237
Telegram R., No. 4416, dated the 2nd (received 3rd) September 1916.
From—The Honffile the Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
To^—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
Following from Tehran:— Begins. Your telegram August 24th. In
view of money I have already put to your credit, I cannot find more for you
without very good cause being shown.
Addressed Colonel Gough 40 ; repeated Cox. Ends.
I have paid Imperial Bank of Persia Us. 75,000 as requested. As
regards item 1 in Gough’s telegram, I presume it should be included in
Gough’s account of special disbursements. As regards item 2, which is
recoverable from Persian Government, I am asking Minister to accept res
ponsibility for recovering it eventually from Persian Government.
239
No. 319-C., dated Bushire, the 21st (received 29th) August 1916 (Confidential).
From — Major A. P. Trevor, C.I.E., Deputy Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
Bushire,
To—The Foreign Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department.
In continuation of my letter No. 232-C., dated 29th June 1916, I have
the honour to forward herewith, for the information of the Government of
India, a copy of a telegram which Colonel O’Connor has asked me to despatch
to His Majesty’s Minister, Tehran, giving his views on the question of the
Bushire hinterland.
I am sending the telegram to Tehran, but shall refrain from commenting
on it, as in the present condition of affairs in the north I cannot think that
Sir C. Marling would care to be bothered with such matters.
As Colonel O’Connor is proceeding to India at once and will no doubt
discuss the wffiole question with you, the matter does not seem of sufficient
urgency to warrant the expense of telegraphing at such length. I have,
therefore, sent on the draft telegram by post, and shall inform you that it is
coming.
The only comment I now wish to make is to say that in my opinion
Colonel O’Connor apparently does attach undue importance to the assurances
of the two Khans; personally I do not think the slightest reliance can be
placed on any assurances given by these rascals. I consider that the reason
the people of Chahkutah and Tangistan are more reasonable now is because
they have felt the pressure of the closing of the road, and see we can make
things unpleasant for them.
Enclosure.
Telegram, No. 288—1720, dated the 21st August 1916.
From— O’Connor, Bushire,
To—His Britannic Majesty’s Minister at Tehran.
Situation in Bushire hinterland now as follows:—
Settlement which has been made with Khans has given greatest satis
faction to all inhabitants of previously hostile districts who were heartily siek
of whole business and. who now welcome restoration of normal conditions