File 3516/1914 Pt 8 'German War: Persia' [‎66v] (137/434)

(4) Question which was referred yesterday in regard to giving notice to
inhahitants and friendly Khans. According to his present instructions, Army
Commander considers he is responsible for protection of Bushire only ; and
he wishes me to bear political responsibility as Resident in the absence of any y
fresh instructions.
Please repeat your reply to Bushire.
Addressed His Britannic Majesty's Minister, Tehran, and repeated to
Bushire.
19
Telegram P., No. 94, dated (and received) the 3rd August 1915.
From—His Britannic Majesty’s Minister, Tehran,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Poltical Depart
ment, Simla.
Please refer to your telegram No. 1543 B.
1. You should hoist the British flag.
2. I think that as suggested Governor can be given his choice.
3. Consul can have no confidential cyphers being a Persian and unless
you expect to get from Consulate records really valuable information I think
that it would be better merely to have them sealed up. Seizure of records
would probably provoke reprisals against our Consulates at Shiraz or Ispahan
or elsewhere which might be avoided if Governor and also Turkish Consul
were (?) or induced to despatch telegrams en clair to Ministry of the Interior
and to Embassies, respectively, reporting what had occurred.
4. While leaving you entirely free hand it would be more correct vis-a*
vis Government of Persia that for your actions as Consul-General I assumed
the responsibility.
Addressed to Sir P. Cox; repeated to Government of India and Bushire.
20
Telegram P,, No. S. 769, dated the 4th August 1915.
From—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Simla,
To—The Hon’ble Lieutenant-Colonel Sir P. Z. Cox, K.C.I.E., C.S.I., Political
Kesident in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Basrah (repeated to Tehran and Major
Trevor, Bushire).
Clear the line. Please refer to your clear the line telegram, 1548 B., of
3rd August. Subject to any remarks that British Minister, Tehran, may have
to offer, we are of opinion—(1) That in place of Persian flag British flag should
he hoisted. (2) That Governor should be sent to India by next mail steamer
unless he strongly urges that he should be sent to Lingah or Bunder Abbas
and you agree. In this case you should again refer the matter for orders, with
your reasons for doing so. (3) Seizure of Turkish Consulate and records
should certainly be carried out. (4) As proposed in your telegram of yesterday*
notice to inhabitants should be issued.
21
Telegram R., No. 1552 B., dated (and received) the 4th August 1915.
From—The Hon’ble Lieutenant-Colonel Sir P. Z. Cox K.C I.E., C.S.I., Poli-
tical Resident in the Persin Gulf, Basrah, ' *
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla. &
Urgent. Your telegram No. 241.
Last paragraph of my telegram, No. 1548 B„ referred only to Persian
Government, Your Excellency and to Government of India, to account for m?
e c 0 rap mg in my own name and not by direction of Army Commander.
Addressed Minister , sent to India^ Bushire.