'Persia and the Persian Question by the Hon. George Nathaniel Curzon, M.P.' [‎238] (273/714)

PERSIA
developments of the Muscovite earth-hunger which I have sketched,
and which might be fraught with peril to the harmonious relations
between the two empires. Here I will pause ; and will not go on
to suggest that, if a commanding necessity ever arose, such a posi
tion might very effectively be utilised by an Indian army for offence,
because I am loth to imagine a situation in which British or Indian
soldiers will ever again be required to march in fighting order
through Persia, or be forced into a policy of aggressive retaliation.
The map, however, will assist the reader to form his own judgment.
There remain, however, two questions of practical importance
—viz. the engineering possibility of constructing such a line, and the
F . probable returns that might be expected from the country
ing" opened up. If the map be inspected, the physical con-
facihties tour of the region will suggest that the most natural,
though by no means the shortest, method of reaching Seistan is hy
the valley of the Helmund from Girishk or Kandahar. The greater
part of this distance—namely, that from Hazarjuft below the con
fluence of the Argandab to Rudbar, a distance of 160 miles—is
locally known as the Garmsel, or Hot Region, identical with the
Garmsir of Southern Persia. No part of this unhappy neighbour
hood has suffered more from the passions of man than the Garmsel.
In olden times it was the scene of active cultivation, and the site
of busy and populous cities. Brigands, outlaws, and the stormy
trail of armies have converted it into a sandy and untenanted
desert. But the testimony of those who have explored it, notably
of Dr. Bellew, who marched this way from India with General
Pollock, is enthusiastic as to the possibilities of recuperation. This
is what he says :—
The valley everywhere bears the marks of former prosperity and
population. Its soil is extremely fertile, and the command of water
is unlimited. It only requires a strong and just Government to quickly
recover its lost prosperity, and to render it a fruitful garden, crowded
with towns and villages in unbroken succession all the way from Sistan
to Kandahar. Under a civilised Government there is not a doubt
that Garmsel would soon recover its pristine prosperity, and then this
part of the Helmund valley would rival in the salubrity of its climate
that of the Tigris at Baghdad. When the curse of anarchy and law
lessness is replaced in this region by the blessings of peace and order,
then Garmsel will once more become the seat of plenty. The advancing
civilisation of the West must some day penetrate to this neglected corner,
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