‘Seistan Persia & Seistan’ [‎122v] (249/617)

I quite agree as to the value of Captain Dal/s note, and I think it states the case very
fairly I cannot help feeling, however, that we might with advantage abstain from such an
exhaustive despatch as is foreshadowed by his proposals m paragraph 20 What we have to
answer is a single sentence at the end of the telegram of December 27th, and the enquiry
there made had reference to what our action should be, supposing a crisis occurred m Persian
Baluchistan. We have already replied that military intervention is impossible, so tar as we
are concerned, and I cannot imagine that there will be any difference of opinion on that point.
But if we take up that position I see no advantage in discussing possible dangers, such, e.y., as
the acquisition of a coaling port by Russia, which must be just as obvious to Her Majesty s
Government as to us. If we lay stress upon these things, depend upon it we sha 1 be called
upon to contribute at any rate a share of the cost; and we simply have neither the men nor
the money.
2. The despatch of June 24th,* 1887, paragraph 4, says all that can now be said, and we
. have nothing to do but to adhere to that de-
* Secret E., August 1887, Nos. 277-408 (No. 408). gcr iption of the general position.
3. So far as commercial interests are concerned, I understand the Finance Department to
hold that there is no case for our embarking in the expense of Agents, and certainly the figures
supplied do not show a large trade. I think that the hopes entertained by some as to the
future of the new route to Seistan may some day be realised, but that nothing is so likely to
prevent or postpone this as premature activity. I take it for certain that, as General
_ Brackenbury pointed out in the papers to be
f Secret E., June 189 , os. - . found in the discussion of 1891,t any step we
take will stir up Russia to take another. On the other hand, the Tea interest in the Kangra
Valley pressed upon me the other day the desirability of Consular Agents in Seistan, and
reports I have just seen from Lieutenant Webb-Ware indicate that the route is being used.
„ .„ T ^ n . I do not think we are vet in a position to go
J Secret E., August 1887, Nos. 277-408 (No. 408). £urther than the 18871 despatch went On this
side of the question, and I entirely concur with the majority of the then Council in their views
on the railway extension, but I should not wish to say finally that we would not contribute to
the establishment of Consular Agents, if and when Her Majesty’s Government thought it
could be safely attempted and were prepared to share the expense. In the event of a sudden
crisis all that it seems to me that we can do is to call upon Her Majesty's Government to see that
Indian interests—and especially our right of access to the Persian markets—are not prejudiced.
Two Powers, I imagine, alone can be concerned—Persia itself and Russia—and with both it is
for Her Majesty’s Government to deal diplomatically.
4. As regards telegraphs. So long as the line is a coast one, I presume it will fall rather to
the navy to protect the stations, though we might have to furnish detachments as we have done
recently. Our interest in the line is large enough to warrant our doing this, so long as we
confine ourselves to the defence of the few stations on the coast. I heard from Mr. Ffinch in
Calcutta of the idea of an inland line, but as it is postponed sine die, I do not think we need
refer to it. It might alter the whole conditions materially.
5. Politically our chief interest consists in the effect of disturbance on our own people. I
think I should mention that the Government of India in 1894 laid it down that we were not
to keep troops in Makran or undertake any responsibilities there, and say that we adhere to
that policy, but that recent events show that we may be called upon to interfere, and that
disorder on the border will of course increase the chances.
6. Perhaps Captain Daly could put up a draft based on his note and these suggestions.
11th June 1898.
E.
ye-J^52>-53j}.J
From Her Majesty's Secretary oe State for India, No. 54 (Political), dated the 19th
May (received 6th June) 1898.
"With reference to our telegram of the 23rd February 1898, forwards a copy of a letter from
the Foreign Office, accepting an arrangement under which Indian revenues will contri
bute, during the year 1898-99, a moiety, not exceeding Rs. 6,000, of the total expenses
connected with the provisional deputation of Captain Sykes to Kerman. Adds that he
now awaits the promised despatch in the telegram referred to above on the subject of the
participation of India in a more permanent arrangement.
Circulated.
6th June 1898.
7th June 1898.
W. J. CUNINGHAM.
E.
J. W(estland).
M. D. C(halmers).
E. H. H. C(ollen).
A. C. T(revor).
C. M. R(ivaz).