File 1323/1916 Pt 1 ‘Baluchistan:- Disturbed conditions on the Anglo-Persian border. Future administration of Mekran, Sarhad & the Kalat States’ [‎56v] (110/896)

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2 . In my telegram No.* * * § 925, dated the 12 th April 1924, I have reported the
evacuation of Duzdap on 9th April. Khwash has already been vacated. . Asaheady
pointed out by me in my letter No. 154,f dated the 17th March 1924, owing to rail
way and water complications it will be necessary to obtain some rights in Mirjawa.
It may be said therefore that the evacuation of this portion of Persia is as complete
as it is likely to be so long as the railway exists.
The reality of the Persian control in Sarhad remains to be tested and things
have advanced little, if to any degree, in South Persian Baluchistan towards any
condition giving assurances of peace on the Mekran Border. It will therefore be
necessary for the Liaison officer to continue to maintain close touch with the local
Persian authorities.
Serial No. 83. —Telegram P., from His Majesty’s Consul-General, Meshed,
to the Foreign Secretary to the Government of India, No. 18, dated
9th (received 21st) April 1924.
I am informed by Salar Amjad that Prime Minister has telegraphed that
Governor-Generals and limits of districts of Persia have been changed to agree with
M ilitary commands. Khorassan will be included in eastern district in which whole
of eastern frontier including Persian Bauchistan is included. The present Governor
General here Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Assad is appointed to Eastern Governorship and is resigning
his membership of Parliament. It is possible however that his appointment
may be affected by his strained relations with Amir Laskhar.
Appointment is being made of Dost Mohammed ss Governor, Persian Baluchis
tan and he will be under Eastern Government. This appointment is probably due
to fact that Prime Minister feels in present critical circumstances that he cannot
spare troops for Baluchistan, for, as will be remembered proposal of Dewan Begi
was that Dost Mohammed should only be Deputy Governor. If Persia is to take
over control of Persian Baluchistan and garrison it appointment cannot continue
but in any case it makes Persian Government responsible for his action. Orders
have however been obtained by S. A. that Dost Mohammed is not to interfere with
Sarhad.
By refusing^ to receive Nur Mohammed Dost Mohammed shows that he is
adhering at present to his agreement with Dewan Begi.
I am told by Salar Amjad that he has reported to Minister of War that as he is
unable to obtain sufficient camels he has been obliged to use cattle to carry supplies
for his troops to Khwash, that he cannot feed his command from Sistan and that if
railway is discontinued it will be impossible for him to feed his troops at all.
I have throughout stated this to be the case and have reported that until Gov
ernor was appointed for Baluchistan matter must be dealt with through Western
side.
Necessity of Consul officially for Persian Baluchistan has already been stated§
in my report from Duzdap as I do not think in human nature one officer can give
equal treatment to question from Persian and Indian sides.
Present system being one-sided politically is thus likely to make it more difficult
to give decision which will meet situation finally and decisively.
Above telegram was prepared before resignation of Persian Minister of War.
* Serial No. 72.
t Serial No. 49.
J Vide notes page 21.
§ Paragraph 13, Serial No. 35.
MC86FD -25 4-24—33—GIPS