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File 2976/1916 Pt 1 'Persia Bunder-Abbas-Kerman telegraph and road' [‎244v] (192/452)

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The record is made up of 1 item (225 folios). It was created in 15 Jul 1916-20 Jun 1918. It was written in English. The original is part of the British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity. .

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<md of Aoril the following useful work in second section could be completed by them.
Firstly in one week one company with explosives could eliminate 80-yard difficult
nlace in Tang-i-Zagh for pack animals. Secondly—in one month Pioneer Battalion
can construct a road fit for motor lorries between Tarum and Hapabad. In the
first section nothing short of a permanent metalled road will be of any use for
motor lorries and money would be wasted and the alignment probably spoiled if
a temporary road in the first section were to be attempted. The conclusion is
that during this summer a Pioneer Battalion can make a motor road between
Saadatabad and Saidabad but that the first section of 83 miles can only be under
taken next winter with the help of labour brought from India.
It appears so obvious that this route must be adopted for the road that after
consulting Major Rich, Major Grant, Major Farran, and Consul, Kerman, I have
selected sites of posts for one battalion and two squadrons South Persia Rifles
between Tang-i-Zagh and Saidabad and have drafted plans for these posts. The
principal features are two big posts at Tarum and at Saidabad ea ch of which is
allotted one complete squadron and also Headquarters of a half battalion and
80 per cent, of the half battalion, the remaining 20 per cent, rifles of _ each half
battalion being allotted to small defensive posts along the road blocking all the
chief communications from west to east. Offices for telegraph and for feouth
Persia Pifles also store rooms and accommodation for petrol and motor spare
sets are included in all post plans. These posts can be built chiefly with local
labour and material and copies are held by Major Rich, who will include estimate
for posts in his detailed estimate for the road. The work of building can best be
done in summer, and building could proceed at the same time as the construction
of the road. The final alignment of first section of the load has not yet been
definitely chosen, and on his return journey Major Rich will examine alternative
alignment between Bunder Abbas and Guhra passing west of Kuhihinau and via
Pin which is said to be shorter and easier. Between Bunder Abbas and Tang-i-Zagh
I have allotted tentatively posts for about a company altogether from the Bunder
Abbas South Persia Rifles battalion as climate of first section is hot.
Copies of all plans and details are being conveyed to Shiraz for your ultimate
approval, but if you could see your way to giving your approval generally to Chief
of the General Staff this very important work for the Kerman Province is likely to
be hastened greatly and pending an early decision on these primary considerations
affairs here are somewhat at a standstill. This information is required by Chief
of the General Staff as early as possible and as your Staff Officer I am therefore
taking all action possible which I feel you yourself would take had you been present
here, but of course until you approve and notify your approval to Simla work will
be deferred. Within about a month or six weeks Major Rich expects to complete
all his surveys and estimates and take them with him to Simla. He expects to
arrive at Kerman from Saidabad about the 31st of this month.
Telegram P., No. G.-19, dated the 27th March 1917.
From— Colonel Orton, Kerman,
To—The Chief of the General Staff, Simla.
Following telegram was sent to Daulatabad on 16th to you through Base
Commandant and is now repeated:—
Begins. G.- 12 , Hajiabad, March 16th.
With regard to Bunder Abbas-Kerman road question, I have had a discussion
with Major Rich here and have seen his report of 4th December to you and subse
quent correspondence. There seems little doubt that railway should follow Minab-
Rigan alignment. As regards Tang-i-Zagh-Saidabad alignment being best for mili
tary road, I agree with Major Rich’s arguments. Though formidable, Tang-i-Zagir
is only 4 miles in length and stream there has small catchment area. General he o
country and gradients favour construction of permanent road but are so s f oa y
that temporary road strongly deprecated as useless and waste of money. Undoubt
edly considerable mineral wealth especially in vicinity of Tang-i-Zagh. Upper
section said to be comparatively open and easy. If commencement of roa
making is desirable and a Pioneer Battalion is available, it is recommended by Rrc ,

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This part contains correspondence relating to the construction of a telegraph line and road from Bandar Abbas (or Bunder Abbas or Bander Abbas) to Kerman in Persia [Iran].

It includes correspondence between the India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. and the War Office, the Foreign Office, and the Government of India, as well as India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. minutes and reference papers. It also includes: enclosures from the Foreign Office of copy correspondence with the Treasury, and Sir Charles Marling, HM Minister Tehran. The file additionally includes copy correspondence of the Government of India with the following: Brigadier-General Sir Percy Sykes, Inspector-General, South Persia Military Police, Bandar Abbas; 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. ; and HM Consul, Kerman.

It includes correspondence regarding the following subjects:

  • the perceived urgent military necessity of a Bandar Abbas to Kerman telegraph line and road to strengthen the British position in South Persia, in view of the establishment of the South Persia Military Police
  • the War Office supplying three hundred miles of iron wire for the construction of the telegraph line
  • the Secretary of State for India approving the proposal of the Government of India to proceed with the construction of the telegraph line without awaiting the conclusion of an agreement with the Persian Government
  • progress reports on the construction of the road and telegraph line from the Foreign Department of the Government of India
  • the route via Tang-i-Zagh and Saidabad being selected as the most suitable alignment for the road, and the cost of improving this route
  • the question of whether the military advantages of the road will outweigh possible political disadvantages which may arise from its construction
  • the proposed transfer of the Bunder Abbas-Kerman telegraph from its present alignment to that of the new ‘motorable’ road via Tang-i-Zagh and Saidabad
  • the construction of a temporary telephone line from Bandar Abbas to Tang-i-Zagh
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1 item (225 folios)
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English in Latin script
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File 2976/1916 Pt 1 'Persia Bunder-Abbas-Kerman telegraph and road' [‎244v] (192/452), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/10/608/1, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100054071716.0x000060> [accessed 29 March 2024]

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