File 1749/1921 ‘Persian Gulf:- Residency news summaries 1921-25’ [‎84r] (182/494)

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Lt N M. Karkaria, 2nd (Terr.) Bttn., Bombay Pioneers, another
Parsee traveller, arrived by caravan from Bushire. He professes to be
gathering material for a book on Persia and intends to travel to Isfahan,
Tehran and Gilan, returning to India via Isfahan, Yezd, Kerman and
Duzdab.
Bushire.
Two minutes silence from 11 a.m. on Armistice Day was observed by
all Civil and Military establishments and British firms in the Gulf.
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. returned from Bahrein on the 8th and proceeded
on tour to Kuwait, Mohammerah, Muscat, etc?., on the 28th November.
The Column which left Shiraz early in November marched into Bushire
on the evening of the 27th November—strength estimated at about 600 In
fantry with four machine guns, 100 Cavalry, 30 Artillery with 2 mountain
guns.—It returned to Borasjun a few days after its arrival, being slightly
reinforced by part of the Bushire garrison. It has not been possible yet to
ascertain if any serious effort has been made to collect revenue in Dashti
and Dashtistan, or to reduce these districts to order.
Colonel McCormack arrived in Bushire by H. E. the Shaikh of Moham-
merah’s steam yacht “ Ivy ’’ on the morning of the 1st December. He
stayed till the 4th when he left for Shiraz. He was suffering from a slight
attack of sand-fly fever during most of his time in Bushire, and in conse
quence was unable to transact much business, though his Persian Staff in
spected the office of the 16cal Finance Agent. It is understood that he has
had an account of arrears of revenue made out against Haidar Khan which
will be sent to the latter shortly with a full explanation of how these
arrears—which Haidar Khan disclaimed—have arisen. There is local]v a
certain amount of ill-feeling against the Finance Agent in Bushire, and the
Governor and Karguzar were both anxious to have an opportunity of seeing
Colonel McCormack about him; it was rather unfortunate that Col.
McCormack could not meet the Governor. Although the Colonel had arranged
to call on His Excellency, his Persian Assistant subsequently advised him
that the Governor ought to call first, in consequence the meeting did not
come off. The general feeling, as a result of the visit, is one of dissatisfac
tion, as it is believed that Colonel McCormack’s information about the state
of things is entirely onesided. In conversation Col. McCormack gave the
impression that he was prejudiced from the very start against Governors
and Karguzars whom he preferred to regard as the traditional enemies of
the Finance Department. Any complaints they might have against the
Finance Agent he therefore discounted straightaway, expressing his view
that as a general rule the efficiency of a Finance Agent varied in direct
ratio with his unpopularity.
Anglo-Persian Oil Company. Bikarz area .—The area is quiet and
conditions generally satisfactory.
The supply of labour much exceeds the demand, though about 400
coolies A term used to describe labourers from a number of Asian countries, now considered derogatory. are employed. It is hoped that work will soon be found for many
more. Local labour averages Krans three daily which is cheap considering
the cost of food
Supplies are fairly plentiful, but could be cheaper. They are largely
controlled by two contractors, who import from Bushire and Mamasani and
alone have facilities for storage. The Military officers’ zeal to control
prices has to be kept in check. The provision of a small bazaar is an urgent
need and reserves of flour can then be kept in sight and regulated.
Qashqai Guards .—Isfandiar Khan is Kalantar and Head guard. He
is seldom seen, but his influence has been satisfactory. 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. Ashair
(Saulat) has repeatedly written to him to avoid giving cause for complaint.
Movements .—Mr. Clegg left on the 24th instant for Bushire en route
Main Fields after handing over to Mr. Greenhouse.
Ganawah. —Visits have bedn paid to 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. Haidar Khan, C.I.E.
He is very apprehensive regarding the advent of troops into Bikarz area
and hopes their retention will not be necessary for more than a month or
two.