File 3443/1914 Pt 2 'German War: German emissaries to Afghanistan' [‎80v] (169/490)

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All Khans, Mullas and Saiyids, it is reported, have been summoned by th
Deputy Governor to the city to discuss the presence of British troops as w 1
as the action it is possible to take against the Sarhaddis. There is much bluff
ing in all this. That a settlement will be easily effected between the Sarhaddf
and Deputy Governor is my belief, provided that, from outside no complica.
tions are introduced. The Sistani and Sarhaddi Baluchis will immediately
side with local authorities against us should war be declared between Persia
and ourselves. The Governor-General was speaking to Tehran in Teleoranh
Office last night. ° ^ I
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Telegram P., No. 418 C., dated the 12th (received 13th) August 1915.
From—The Assistant 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.
I have received information to the effect that according to a private letter
which has been received from Shiraz that Wasmuss has quarrelled with and
beaten Mirza Mahmud, his Munshi A term used in the Middle East, Persia and South Asia to refer to a secretary, assistant or amanuensis. Munshis were employed in the British administration in the Gulf. [who was captured (?) with him by us last
March], on accusation made by brother of editor of “ Habl-ul-Matin’* of his
having embezzled tomans 10,000 Persian dinars, or a gold coin of that value. 10,000. It is stated by the writer The lowest of the four classes into which East India Company civil servants were divided. A Writer’s duties originally consisted mostly of copying documents and book-keeping. that Governor-
General has intervened in the matter to get accounts settled, as be fears that
disclosures will be made to us of his relations with Germans by Mahmud.
By getting hold of Munshi A term used in the Middle East, Persia and South Asia to refer to a secretary, assistant or amanuensis. Munshis were employed in the British administration in the Gulf. perhaps you might be able to obtain some useful
information.
Secondly, it is mentioned by same correspondent that you have offered to
pay salaries of gendarmerie from August 1st, but that gendarmerie officers have
been told by Governor not to accept payment from us. Is there any foundation
for this statement ?
Addressed to British Consul at Shiraz and sent to Government of India
and Sir P. Cox.
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Telegram P., No. 7 F., dated (and received) the 18th August 191».
From—His Britannic Majesty's Consul for Sistan and Kain,
To—-The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
Position in Sistan. It has come to my knowledge that the conversation
carried on by the Governor in the Telegraph Office was with his Deputy in
Sistan and not with authorities in Tehran. Governor was informed by Deputy
that there is no cause for uneasiness as Taj Mohamed has come only to
buy sheep.
Yesterday Taj Mohamed sent a letter to Vice-Consul to say that he hai
come on behalf of all Sarhaddi Chiefs to afford protection to Khudadad Khai
against the local authorities and to escort him to Sarhad if necessary.
I am giving advice to Taj Mohamed to call on Deputy Governor and an
making him a promise to arrange a safe conduct lor him.
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Telegram P,, No. 8 F., dated the 13th (received 14th) August 1915.
From—His Britannic Majesty's Consul for Sistant and Kain,
To Ihe Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
Mr. ^ew and Mr. Hale came back to Birjand on August 12th. Th
following is a reliable account of event at Kain.
Before dawn of July 30th eighty Russian cossacks arrived there. Ten o
them were sent in advance up to the city gates under the guidance of tto