File 1110/1916 Pt 1 'Persia: SITUATION (JAN-APL 1916). Miscellaneous' [‎54r] (112/550)

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think the experiment is well worth trying though I am more sceptical than the
Russian Minister as to Prime Minister’s ability to make good his professions,
and if two Governments agree we would at once draw up representation (?) to
counter (.) this and insert such provision in it as we can to ensure permanent
character of forces. 1
As the Cabinet is considered unlikely to last long to have any chance of
success we must receive authority at once.
Russian Govemment is being advised by telegram to this effect by my
colleague. J J
57
Telegram P., No. 451-D.S., dated the Uth March 1916.
From The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Delhi,
To—His Britannic Majesty’s Minister, Tehran.
Reference is invited to your telegram No. 29, dated 3 rd instant, ill
such military intelligence is communicated to the War Office by the Com
mander-in-Chief in India and we have informed Secretary of State for India
that under this new procedure it is presumed copies of all such telegrams will
be supplied to him by the Chief of the Imperial General Staff.
58
Telegram R., No. 588, dated the 13th (received 14th) March 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 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 in the Foreign and Political
Department, Delhi.
(Sent Tehran ; repeated Cox.)
Your telegram 388, December 12th. Emissary referred to in above has
returned. He has brought a memorandum which he states was dictated by
Soulet summing up the result of the many interviews. Briefly Soulet
undertakes:—
(1) To render service and behave in a friendly manner to British Gov
ernment.
(2) To assist Kawam.
(3) To suppress the Germans.
(4) To assist gendarmes.
(5) To settle affairs in Dashtistan after finishing Shiraz matters and to
free the prisoners.
On the following conditions :—
(1) That Persian Government will give him government of Ports, Dashti
and Dashtistan and Kazerum and protect Bushire-Shiraz road and allow him to
have his own nominees in those districts; that British Government should allow
him free hand for a year, if at the end of that time his rule not satisfactory he
would resign : further if he succeeded in releasing prisoners the British would
release the Dashtistan and Bushiri prisoners.
(2) That British Government should obtain for him permanently Illkhani-
ship of Kashgais for him and his descendants and give him and his fami y
protection.
(3) That British officials shall not deal with other Kashgais, everything to
be done through him.
(4) That British Government should pay expenses of settling Shiraz affairs
either by sending reliable person with money and power to supervise expen i
ture or by making a present of £ 20 , 000 .