File 3443/1914 Pt 3 'German War: Afghanistan and Persia; German agents; British troops in East Persia' [‎37r] (82/345)

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Telegram P., No. 28 F., dated the 3rd (received 4th) April 1916.
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.
During the last three months we have had greatest difficulty in the ration
ing of troops and military operations are being at this time seriously impeded
in consequence.
Supplies for next 12 months should now he arranged. Requirements of
our present military force, our Levy Corps and the Consulate are estimated by
me at 7,000 khar (Tabrizi) wheat and 13,000 khar (Tabriz!) barley. A big
reserve is insisted on by the military authorities. Our arrangements, therefore,
ought to be for 10,000 and 20,000 khar, respectively. Should the war suddenly
end, surplus stocks can always be disposed of on the trade route and levy posts.
Persian authorities reckon total annual produce of grain in Sistan at
96,000 khar, of which the state is entitled to one share.
I have been told by Revenue Director that he is ready to sell us
12,000 khar and to assist us in buying the remaining 18,000 from Khadkhudas.
The rate cannot be fixed by him without orders from Tehran. Normal
prices in past years of revenue grain have been 5 or 5| tomans 10,000 Persian dinars, or a gold coin of that value. for wheat and
4 for barley per khar Tabrizi. We are now paying 15 and 12, respectively,
for the scanty balance of dundalk crops.
It is insisted by local authorities that official prices of state share of new
crops which are good and plentiful must be reduced to nearly normal to
protect population from artificial famine conditions. Seven and five tomans 10,000 Persian dinars, or a gold coin of that value. ,
respectively, are, in my opinion, fair rates for the revenue grain. It is
probable that the Khadkhudas will sell, as now, to the public at rates about
25 per cent, higher.
As harvesting of barley has commenced, I would solicit a very early settle
ment of this question.
Present Revenue Director will not, I sincerely hope, be permitted to resign 1
and 1 trust that Najd-us-Sultana’s interference in this matter will be
prevented.
Addressed Tehran; repeated Meshed and Baluchistan.
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Telegram P., No. 29 F., dated the 7th (received 10th) April 1916.
From His Britannic Majesty's Consul for Sistan and Kain,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Simla.
. 1 believe that our military operations will be hampered and that our
grain supply will cost many thousands of pounds more during the year if the
news, which Revenue Director, Birjand, has heard from Tehran, April 4th, that
he and Sistan Director are under Meshed, is confirmed. Much greater
difficulty in getting grants and expenses sanctioned for Persian troops will
also be experienced by Hisam*ud-Daula as he himself protests.
Por period of war at any rate I beg that this arrangement be suspended.
Cordial co-operation of Sistan Karguzar and Revenue Officer during last
four months has saved us at least £10,000 according to my reckoning.
Addressed Tehran; repeated Meshed and Baluchistan.