File 2976/1916 Pt 1 'Persia Bunder-Abbas-Kerman telegraph and road' [‎247v] (198/452)

I may mention that in view of the bad rains this cold season and the previous
shortage of stocks, it is certain that there will be great scarcity all over Fars and
Kerman. Consequently if a Pioneer battalion is sent, all or the greater part of
the supplies for it will have to be sent from India : also no doubt all the grain
and most of the fodder for the camel corps.
In the circumstances it might possibly be better, though not so satisfactory
of course, to employ local labour (as far as possible) to make the road, if it is sanc
tioned. This would have the additional benefit of providing work for a large
number of men who are otherwise likely to be in a semi-starving condition.
Enclosure No. 4.
Memorandum No. 507, dated the 7th April 1917.
From— Mr. W. R. Howson, His Majesty’s Consul, Bunder Abbas,
To—The 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. , Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
If the Bunder Abbas-Saidabad-Kerman road is to be constructed I would
strongly advise that Government be asked to detail at least one complete Camel
Corps (1,000 strong) to transport the baggage and supplies of the working parties
and material for the road.
Trade had been greatly hampered by local transport being used in large
numbers for the transport of troops and stores and there is the likelihood of a com
plete break down of trade unless the strain is removed.
The Customs premises are already congested and unless some of the goods
are allowed to be transported to the interior the Customs Department will have
no alternative but to refuse cargo altogether or else to store it in open, unprotected
spaces.
The 10th Camel Corps which is being raised here is only about 600 strong and
out of this number over 300 accompanied the reinforcements to Shiraz and may
be considered lost to Bunder Abbas as they are not likely to be returned.
(Received with Army Department No. 6082 , dated the 27 th April 1917 .)
Telegram R., No. 26652, dated the 24th April 1917.
From—The Chief of the General Staff, Simla,
To —Major Rich, Kerman.
(Repeated Sir P. Sykes, Minister, Tehran, O. C. Bunder Abbas.)
Your telegrams 124 and 125 of April 5th. Government of India are prepared
to'accept your opinion that Tang-i-Zagh is best alignment for permanent road. Im
mediate need, however, is improvement of existing tracks for emergent military
requirements, e.g., passsage of occasional cars and lorries. In this connection see
your telegram 109, January 19th, where you contemplate possibility of clearing
suitable track by June. Your detailed report on this head should be ex
pedited in accordance with (a) of your instructions. Pioneer battalion not avail
able and in view of other more important demands on Indian labour the employment
of local labour will be necessary. Your estimates should be framed on this basis.
Your proposal to pay flying visit to India on arrival Bunder Abbas agreed to.
Telegram R., No. 834, dated (and received) the 1st May 1917.
From—The 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 Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign and Political Department,
Simla.
My telegram 676. Superintendent, Construction party, reports. April 29th,
line would be through to Kerman April 30th.
Telegram R., No. 837, dated the 1st (received the 2nd) May 1917.
From—The 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. ,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign and Political Department.
My telegram No. 834. Superintendent now telegraphs line completed AphJ