Reports and Correspondence Relating to Persia, Including Trade and Trade Routes in Persia [‎96v] (192/252)

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We cannot object to the Persian Government locating a customs post
close to Robat so long as it is in Persian territory, but if the Kirman kafilahs
are to be cleared at this post, we can tairly claim that the Birjand kafilahs should
be cleared as well so as to permit of their proceeding direct to Birjand via the
Palang-Koh route.
If these Birjand kafilahs are not cleared at Robat, then a fresh customs
clearing Bureau should be established at Girdi talab where the Seistan and Palang
Koh roads divide. To compel the Birjand kafilahs to go on to Seistan when
the inundations are out would mean that they would have to go to Nasratabad
and return back again to Girdi talab, an extra 100 miles all for nothing.
21. Paragraph 46. Here Captain Webb Ware gives a detailed account
of his examination of Mirjawa and shows that the junction between the Talab
and the Mirjawa rivers is not a defined point, but that the Dar-i-Giaban from
the north flows into a sort of depression, known as Padaha, and that in years
of heavy rainfall this depression overflows and the flood waters then join with
the flood waters of the Mirjawa river from the west and find their way jointly
to the south-east into the Talab.
It is necesssry for us to have a post on this frontier to protect our trade route
from the raids of the Persian Damanis and others, and Captain Webb Ware
has located a post at Padaha for this purpose.
22. Paragraph 47. The question of the right of Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Sir Nauroz Khan
of Kharan to levy taxes on the Damani date groves in Mashkhel is one that
requires further enquiry. The subject has been discussed with Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Sir
Nauroz Khan, who is at present in Quetta, and an agreement has been come
to by which Sir Nauroz Khan acknowledges that he has no Sirdari rights
over the trans-frontier Damanis, but while claiming Sirdari rights and a right
to levy Poll tax from all Damanis who live within the limits of Mashkhel or
pasture their flocks or own date trees in Mashkhel, the Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. has agreed to
levy no taxes for the present from these Damanis pending a settlement with
Mir Jhiand Khan, the Damani Chief, which Major Showers and Captain Webb
Ware are to endeavour to effect during the coming cold weather.
The question of the rights of Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Sir Nauroz Khan over the Rekis
under Mir Khia Khan of Mashkel is one that is now occupying my attention.
Both men are in Quetta, and every endeavour is being made to effect a settle
ment between them,
23. Paragraph 48. The question of an overland trade route to Kirman
is one of considerable importance. It is a noticeable fact that Agha Muhammad’s
kafilah A train of travellers; a caravan; or any large party of travellers. marched from Kirman via Bam, Narmashir, Gurg and Robat-i-Malik Siah
apparently following the road to the north of Sarhad which I recommended for
the alignment of the new overland telegraph line and which Mr. Armstrong of
Letter No. 10930 , dated 13th December 1900, to the Telegraph Department was deputed
the Government of India, Foreign Department. t O Survey last winter. Agha Muhammad
reported that he had found a very fair caravan route throughout with water at
suitable distances apart and plenty of good camel grazing and fuel which is
all in favour of this route for the telegraph line. I have not yet seen Mr.
Armstrong’s report, but should the overland telegraph line eventually follow this
route, doubtless a great impetus will be given to trade with Bam and Kir
man.
24. Paragraph 60. I agree with what Captain Webb Ware says of the
advisability of his taking a tour this cold weather along the Persian Baluchistan
Frontier and of his visiting Khwash, the capital of Sarhad, should opportunity
offer. In the event of Major Showers meeting the Persian officials on the
Mekran Frontier, I propose to instruct Captain Webb Ware to meet Major
Showers at Mashkhel to complete the settlement of the claims against the
Damanis with the Persian authorities.