File 1110/1916 Pt 3 'German War: Persia' [‎162v] (329/354)

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pay and furlough you propose to offer volunteers. If same as for consular
escorts, should they get proportionate additional furlough when they return
to India? lour telegram, dated 27th April, 276 C. Owing to shortage in
India, saddles should be procured locally, if possible. If not available, please
indicate size of animals for which saddlery is required.
255
Telegram P., No. 204 C., dated (and received) the 19th May 1916.
From— Lieutenant-Colonel Sir P. M. Sykes, K.C.I.E., C.M G., Bunder Abhas,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
Telegram No. 21 C., from the Secretary of State for India. My return to
coast would be considered a retreat and be politically almost a disaster quite
apart from reason already given. Would suggest Minister arranging Shiraz
notables to meet me to arrange reception and supplies if force ordered to Shiraz.
As recommended by Earman Parma, military transport necessary for Ears
should probably move by Sirjan.
Sent to Eoreign Office ; repeated to Tehran.
*
258
Telegram P., No. 1130, dated the 20th (received 21st) May 1916.
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 Persial Gulf, Bushire,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
Clear the line. Your telegram No. 342 E. Secret letter from O’Connor,
dated 16th May, received to-day. He says “ this fort {i>e, Kala Kilat Ahram)
could be taken possession by us (i.e., the prisoners) practically at any time,
but in the event of our doing so can General Douglas undertake to come to our
assistance at once.”
General Officer Commanding, with whom I have discussed matter, thinks
that it would be feasible for him to move out to Ahram promptly and bring
back the prisoners. His plans are being telegraphed by him to military
authorities, Eorce “D”, and to India. He seems, however, doubtful of the
grant of permission.
Even if no regular operations are contemplated venture to express hope
that permission to do this if opportunity offers may be given to General
Officer Commanding. Situation in Ears would be much easier if prisoners
were released.
Addressed Tehran ; repeated Eoreign Office and Basrah.
260
Telegram P., No. 194 S., dated the 20th May 1916.
From—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Simla,
To—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. , Basrah.
Did conversations reported by Noel take place after or before Bakhtiaris
knew of fall of Kut ?
t jJ t This refers to your telegram 2337 of 18th May.
261
Telegram P., No. 2391, dated (and received) the 21st May 1916.
From—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. , Basrah,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
Your telegram No. 194 S.
I expect to meet Khans and Shaikh at Bandikir on Tuesday.