File 3360/1916 Pt 3 'Persian correspondence. (1918-22)' [‎251r] (514/668)

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3. Either Ghazanfar or Nasr Eiwan are, in any case, not very likely to
be caught b$ us but a sudden raid is more likely to succeed than a steady
approach from both sides. They will be powerless even if they escape and can
be pursued later if necessary.
4. V.kii at Tujar, who arrived yesterday—December 27th—from Kazerun
with some fourteen other merchants of that place, has just been seen by me
Their own story is that Nasr refused to let them go; that they fled in the
night, were pursued by his tufaugchis and compelled to deliver up all the cash
and documents in their possession. One of them was shot, dangerously wounded
Nasr was undecided when they left for at one time he talked of flight and at
another of preparing to resist. He is getting all his valuables into p aces of
safety. As soon as news of occupation of Kamarij was known many of his
tufangchis scattered.
5. Masih Khan who had come to Kazerun with 200 (? followers) left,
owing to some old quarrel, when Ghazanfar arrived.
6. Strong orders have already been sent by the Governor-General to the
Kashgulis and Darashuris to take your orders and co-operate as you see fit.
He is now issuing a proclamation, similar to that issued by the Darya Begi, to
all the inhabitants. When I have received a copy I will send it.
7. As Governor of Kazerun he has nominated Salar Moatezed. He is a
Turk of Azerbaijan who went to Kerman with Farman Farma’s brother and
has held various offices there and also been Chief of Police in Tehran, He
came here with Sykes—his son, Muntassar-us-Sultana wns a yavar South Persia
Rifles and Sykes’ personal A.-D.-C., but he died at Ferozabad of influenza.
He seems to me a very suitable man for the appointment. He will be ready to
start at any moment and could go ahead of Orton’s column if necessary as soon
as K is occupied but I would prefer to bring him with me. I could for that
matter come through myself with a few cavalry if desired.
8. The Governor-General is holding in readiness certain ea>Kalantars who
had been dispossessed by Nasr and they should be able to give valuable
assistance.
9. Balance of political advantage seems to be, on the whole, much on the
side of early action. Two factors, however, make delay less disadvantageous
than it appeared a week ago, viz , snow hampering communications among the
tribes, and the death of Abul Fateh Khan, the only influential Kashguli with
Soulat. Latter has been definitely located at Dizgah and that he will not be
able to move for two months is reported by a kasid who has returned from Deh
Eram, between Farasband and Dizgah. But there remains the danger from
Ayaz Kikha.
10. I have discussed most of the points in this telegram with Orton who
thinks that it would split opposition if we 'w ere to occupy Dashtarjun before
the advance on K. To resistance being half-hearted everything points
however.
11 .
We might now consider offering terms to Nasr if the capture of
Kazerun is to be long delayed. Governor-General thinks that it would be
wise to offer him terms which he is likely to accept, such as exile to Kerbela
for one or two years, followed by residence at Tehran without forfeiture of
property unless by order of Persian Government, presumably after some form
of trial, unless we are prepared to hold road indefinitely for months or years
and to pursue him wherever found. He asks, however, to be informed of your
ileas. Myself, I consider that one essential condition is the surrender to you
for justice of Meshedi Ibrahim, Nasr’s Farrashbashi, who murdered W*ills
and Sergeant Coomber. That we should also insist on surrender of all the
South Persia Rifles’ deserters frcm Kbaneh Zinian now in Kazerum, especially