File 464/1917 Pt 2 'Persia: Bushire hinterland situation' [‎40v] (87/600)

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When at last after a long time a cypher telegram of eight pages (No 12)
reached here from the legation, and when this event naturally became
known in our ^ party and neighbourhood with lighting rapidity, we bad to
endure that this telegram contained nothing beyond the communications from
the Baghdad Indians* Committee to Daud AH.
And when the said Baud Ali, at the instigation of the governor, was set
upon, robbed and severely wounded to boot, the hope revived that this fresu
affront to the Germans would be followed by a speedy dismissal of the
governor. To-day 23 days have elapsed since I despatched my report (tele
gram Noy 22) of the assault to Tehran, and I have not even received an
acknowledgment of my telegram yet.
Under these circumstances nearly all our partizans and friends have with
drawn from us. The few, who adhere to us still, are doing so partly fr<>m a
sense of honour, and partly because they still hope that* the powerf ul German
Empire will not leave in the lurch the only two Germans in South-East
Persia.
Our opponents triumph openly, scoff at the impotence of the German
legation, aud only await the day when the German agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. in Kerman has to
withdraw in shame and derision. That matters have not yet come to this
pass is due to the fact that a little respect is felt for the personality of the
Germans of this place, and that it is considered impossible that they have
been completely disavowed by the legation. In conclusion I beg the legation
to consider that the stirring up of revolt in British Baluchistan and the threat
to India through an expedition despatched in the manner suggested by the
Foreign Office and great general staff is to be carried out from Kerman.
. ^ 01, purpose Kerman is indispensible as a strong German supportin ’’
point. The activities of the expedition on the Indian frontier regions coulcf
and would, have the greatest effect on the general events of the world and
could do great damage to the enemies of the Empire. I beg the legation to
look at the case from this point of view and to treat it accordingly. °
(Given to the Embassy by Wedig.)
Bu. Erich Zugmayer,
Imperial German Consul,
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No. 888, dated Kerman, the 12th July 1917.
Prom Major D. L. R. Lorimee, C.I.E., His Britannic Majesty's Consul for
Kerman and Persian Baluchistan, Kerman,
To—The Foreign Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Simla.
In continuation of my telegram No. 317, dated 16th May 1917. I have
the honour to forward herewith—
(1) A copy of a memorandum, dated 7th July 1917, which I have
received from Captain J. N. Merrill, South Persia Bifles.
(2) The paper referred to therein, in original.
Copy of a memorandum from Captain J. N. Merrill, South Persia Rifles, Kerman, to Major
D. L. R. Lorimer, C.I.E., His Britannic Majesty's Consul, Kerman, dated the 7th
July 1917.
The inclosed paper* in re Br. Csutoras of Sirdjan fame (or ill fame)
has come to Hght in one of my files : it
may perhaps be of use to the prison
authorities in India.
* Note containing addresses not printed.
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