File 3516/1914 Pt 5 'German War: Persia; situation in Arabistan 1915' [‎24r] (54/404)

Gravity of situation in the south is due almost entirely to presence of
Swedish officers. Without their support and active incitement Persians
would soon cool down and Wassmuss by himself would find it very difficult to
stir up the people to any action. Dangerous aspect of affairs is due to
existence of armed force under officers hostile to us and Russia, and they can
at any moment create ircident which will drag Persia into the war, precisely
as Germans forced hostilities on Turkey.
It would seem, from Treasurer-General’s telegram referred to in my
telegram, No. 56, that Persian Government are not averse from submitting
themselves to German and Swedish influences. Unless the Swedes can be
brought to hook, I regard the consequences as inevitable, and denouement of
plot will take place, whenever German Charge d’Affaires considers moment
favourable. No action by local officers can be of any avail on situation, and
result depends on what degree of diplomatic pressure can be exercised at the
capital.
But I also think that defeat of the Turks at Ahwaz, and fall of Constanti
nople, would probably upset the German and Swedish plans. Addressed to
Tehran ; repeated to Basrah and Bushire. Ends.
Repeated to 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. .
Telegram R., No. 571 B., dated (and received) the 18th March 1915.
From—The Hon'ble Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Percy Cox, K.C.I.E., C.S.I.,
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. , Basrah,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Delhi.
My telegram, No. 523, 15th March.
Incriminating material regarding Eisenhut is now forthcoming and Officer
Commanding Transport has been instructed by General Officer Commanding
to make him prisoner also.
Insinuate (?) three individuals are in different category to prisoner of war.
Their offence as residents of country which was then peaceful and neutral
practically involves incitement to murder or abetment of such incitement and
seems to be much on a par with piracy by sea. Will the Government of India
therefore consider whether they should not he treated as criminals. General
Officer Commanding concurs.
Telegram R., No. 576 B., dated (and received) the 19th March 1915.
From—The Hon'ble Likutenant-Colonel Sir Percy Cox, K.C.I.E., C.S.I.,
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. , Basrah,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Delhi.
General situation. My telegram, 10th March.
Gurna.—On Tigris side no change. Bloods still out. Turks remain
encamped a few miles above us, but with reduced force. Crude attempt has
been made during last few days to float (mines ? ) down on to His Majesty’s
ships. On Euphrates side above Gurna, riverain tribesmen who had submitted
to us and were settling down are showing signs of nervousness owing to
recent news of strong Turkish reinforcements coming down for advance on
Basrah.
Basrah .—Our outpost at Shaiba, ten miles away, has been strengthened.
Turco-Arab force threatening it also continuously receiving additions to its
strength, and is now reported to consist of 5,000 regular infantry, 500
cavalry, about 5,000 Arabs and 12 guns. One or two skirmishes have occurred
between reconnaissance parties in which we have incurred trivial losses, but
in which our own artillery is believed to have inflicted heavy loss at long