File 334/1916 Pt 1 ‘German War – Persia. Shiraz Prisoners – Major O’Connor’ [‎26r] (56/531)

164
Telegram E., dated the 2nd (received 3rd) July 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. , Bushire,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla (repeated to Minister, Tehran).
I have received from Trevor the following telegram, No. 1358, with
contents, of which I generally agree ‘.—Begins. I heg to make a few remarks
on Minister’s telegram, No. 215. My reference to Baghdad ladies referred
simply to fact that in my opinion they have had to put up with almost as bad
climatic and other conditions as prisoners at Ahram and for a much longer
time.
If analogous case is required that of Solium prisoners is more to the
point. They were captives of far more savage tribe and had to undergo far
more severe sufferings. I am not aware that we negotiated with tribe for
their release or offered concessions. From accounts in the press I gather that
we simply bided our time and rescued them by a raid.
Ahram prisoners, are fewer in number and much nearer.
Points 1 and 3. I think I am justified in thinking that Khans would
escape punishment.
2. It is to be hoped Germans, etc., will remain in confinement, but not
(I think) certain. They are said to be living comfortably in one of Kawam’s
gardens.
4. Khans are already having success with F(arman) F(arma)—especially
Borasjun.
5. All I can say to this is we speak here from knowledge derived from
daily correspondence.
6. Two Khans would recover ten thousand tomans 10,000 Persian dinars, or a gold coin of that value. and 30,0001b. tea,
respectively, besides knowing their villages would not be destroyed. As for
F(arman) F(arma) we know his expeditions : that in 1898 against Tangistanis,
was a failure; Kesident, in Administration Keport of that year in reporting
its return to Shiraz, states “ that little appears to have been effected as far as
the punishment of Tangistanis is concerned”; and expedition in 1905 to
punish Lurs who attacked Douglas and Lorimer did not achieve anything: I
fancy it never entered country of brigands concerned.
5, 8 and 10. At least it seems unnecessary to make consequences of our
inaction worse.
I think Minister himself overlooked past history of Khan of Borasjun
and of Tangistanis. Ends.
176
Telegram P., No. 1398, dated the 4th (received 5th) July 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. , Bushire,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart--
ment, Simla (repeated to Basrah).
I have received two further draft telegrams from O’Connor with request
that they be despatched to Minister, since receipt of Cox’s telegram 3077 and
your 323 S. These drafts repeat former representation only and no new facts
are furnished except that Smith and Christmas are in feeble health some
controversial and incorrect statements however are included. It seemed to
me therefore unnecessary to telegraph them on, in view of recent telegraphic
correspondence, copies have, however, been posted to you. You have since
received.Azzopardy’s later report sent with my telegram 1374 as regards health
of party.