File 2976/1916 Pt 1 'Persia Bunder-Abbas-Kerman telegraph and road' [‎319v] (342/452)

M* 1
It has further been decided to send an engineer officer with staff as soon as
possible to report on improvements to road. Similar arrangements will be
required in his case.
(Addressed Kerman ; repeated Cox, Sykes, Bandar Abbas, Bushire, Tehran.)
Telegram, No. 454, dated the 1 st (received the 2nd) September 1916.
From—His Britannic Majesty’s Consul, Bandar Abbas,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
Your telegram dated 28th August, &18-W. Officer Commanding South
Persia Rifles at Bandar Abbas can only provide thirty partially trained able-bodied
men as escort to telegraph working parties. Even if these men can be relied upon,
which seems doubtful, number is insufficient. Considering abnormal activity this
year of Baharlu and seriousness of situation in Kerman Province, I think it
necessary that an escort of at least one double-company Indian Infantry up to field
service strength should be provided for the protection of working parties.
Suitable escort will be necessary for engineer party. (Addressed Foreign;
repeated Kerman, Cox, Sykes, Bushire, Tehran.)
Telegram, No. 734, dated the 2nd (received the 3rd) September 1916.
From—His Britannic Majesty’s Consul at Kerman, Kerman,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
Foreign Department telegram 978-W., and Howson’s 454. As neither
Farran nor I had any idea what arrangements Sykes had in his mind to make for
the protection of working parties on Baft-Tangi-Zindan Section and as in view of
Baharlu activity I did not see how protection could be provided without outside
aid I wired Sykes on 29th August enquiring what he proposed.
On receipt of reply from him I shall telegraph you joint views of Farran and
myself.
(Addressed Cox ; repeated Minister, Foreign, Howson, Sykes.)
Telegram R., No. 561-C., dated the 1st (received the 2 nd) September 1916,
From— Sm P. Sykes, K.C.I.E., C.M.G.,
To The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment.
(Addressed Kerman repeated Chief of the
Bunder Abbas.)
General Staff, Tehran, Basra, Bushire, and
Reference Foreign telegram No. 978, August 28th. My opinion was given
before the Sirjan incident. As however Government of India considering despatch
of further reinforcements above incident will undoubtedly influence their decision.
Apart from this Central Persian line was built without much difficulty, robbers
not valuing telegraph material, Parties were guarded by local levies if necessary,
and this should be done for engineer and working parties. Until Baharlus severe
ly dealt with by regular troops, as we are both urging, there would always be risk
of raiding parties , but matter too important not to run risks if necessary. I will
try to effect something in connection with Baharlus at Shiraz. I consider that
construction of these communications will enable us to deal with robbers much
more effectually than at present. Commandant, South Persia Rifles, and Gov
ernor, Bandar Abbas, can supply adequate force up to Daulatabad, and I hope to
arrange with Kawam to send strong instructions to Governor, Ahmadi. There is
every reason to believe that situation both in north Persia and elsewhere will im
prove and this together with arrival of reinforcements will cause general improve
ment Kerman Province and remove many difficulties.