'Seistan' [‎111r] (221/782)

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effect that, as the Akhundzada was coming to Seistan to see the British Consul at
the latter’s instigation, he desired to be informed what steps the local Government
proposed taking to prevent a foreign Governor entering Persian territory. The
Deputy Governor replied that the Akhundzada’s coming to Seistan was a mere
rumour, and that his entry into Persian territory would be opposed.
9. W lien the troops M. Molitor had asked for reached Deh Dost Muhammad,
M. Molitor returned to Seistan and immediately visited M. Miller and the
Yamin-i-Nizam. The following day the Yamin had an interview with M.
Miller, at the conclusion of which both he and the Russian Consul left the
Russian Consulate together and visited M. Molitor. The three then proceeded
to the city to see the Deputy Governor. (M. Molitor subsequently explained
to me that this joint meeting at the house of the Deputy Governor was a pure
coincidence.)
At this interview M. Miller is said to have explained to the Governor that,
according to M. Molitor’s reports, the Akhundzada had been allowed to enter
Persian territory. He requested the Governor to order out all the local troops
and to resist the invader by force. It is stated that M. Miller offered the assist
ance of his own Cossacks. At the same time he demanded 30 men as a guard
for the Russian Consulate, representing that Seistan was now in a state of
insecurity.
Orders were at once issued for 300 men from the border villages to con
centrate under Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Purdil Khan on the frontier. Ammunition and gun
powder were distributed to all the troops in the capital itself.
On the conclusion of the interview, M. Molitor hurried back to Deh Dost
Muhammad, where he met the Akhundzada, who again refused to discuss the
the question with him, but stated his intention of collecting revenue from the
village.
10 . The same evening (4th July) the Yamin-i-Nizam left Seistan with all
his troops and two guns, and camped at Siadak {vide Colonel Trench’s map),
about 2 J miles south of Deh Dost Muhammad.
11 . Leaving Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Purdil Khan and his troops at Deh Dost Muhammad,
M. Molitor returned to Seistan. He paid me a visit, and explained to me that
he had carefully avoided discussing the frontier question with the Akhundzada
in its political aspect, and had posed as a Customs officer only. He said he had
sent out a Persian flag which was flying in the village of Deh Dost Muham
mad. He maintained that he had done his best to avert a conflict, but added
that certain hostile influences were at work winch might tend to provoke
disturbances on the frontier. He did not disguise the fact that he referred to
M. Miller. On the 8 th July, M. Molitor completed his report on the action he
had taken and asked the Deputy Governor to countersign it. This the Deputy
Governor refused to do.
12. During M. Molitor’s absence on the frontier, the Russian Consul had
written letters to the Deputy Governor and the Yamin-i-Nizam. He asked the
former for an official explanation of his action in allowing an armed force
belonging to a foreign power to enter Seistan.
The Deputy Governor (as he subsequently complained to me) was much
annoyed at this “ piece of interference ”, and in a short but polite reply
told the Russian Consul that the matter only concerned the Persian Govern
ment. The above was afterwards corroborated by M. Miller’s Mirza who told
my Head Clerk.
The second letter was addressed to the Yamin-i-Nizam in the same
strain as above, and warned the Yamin to oppose the Akhundzada by force
M. Miller had also been able—through Passand Khan, the Baluch in charge
of his postal arrangements—to establish communication with one Atta Muham
mad, Sinjerani Baluch, Katkhuda of Chahar Bujak, a man wffio has considerable
influence with, and a personal friend of, the Akhundzada. My agent, who is
also a personal friend of the Afghan Governor and is admitted to his Durbar A public or private audience held by a high-ranking British colonial representative (e.g. Viceroy, Governor-General, or member of the British royal family). ,
reported that Atta Muhammad received instructions from the Russian Consul,
and at all the meetings incited the Akhundzada to make use of his superior
guns and troops against the Persians.
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