File 3443/1914 Pt 3 'German War: Afghanistan and Persia; German agents; British troops in East Persia' [‎156v] (323/345)

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273
Telegram U., No. 771-C., dated (and received) the 28th December 1915.
|? rom —The Deputy 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, Delhi.
Cox’s telegram 3098-B.
A point -which I fear I did not make very clear originally is that according
to refugees from Shiraz and other sources reports of our inhuman treatment
of prisoners, cruelty to Persian women, etc., have been spread everywhere by
enemy and are gaining credence. Beception of letters from Sheikh Hussein
and Wassmuss seemed to me to afford opportunity of giving lie to these
calumnies.
If no notice is taken of these letters it seems to me enemy will hold this
up as a proof that reports are correct besides possibly carrying out their threat
to stop all communication with Shiraz prisoners. No doubt to have, any deal
ings with Wassmuss and Sheikh Hussein except punitive measures is undigni
fied, but I respectfully submit that by force of circumstances our position in
Southern Persia for some months past has not been very dignified.
Copy will be shown to Cox.
274
Telegram F., No. 39-F. ; dated (and received) the 29th December 1915.
From—His Britannic Majesty's Consul for Sistan and Kain,
To—The Sdbretarv to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart-
ment, Delhi.
Eeference is invited to my telegram 37-P. of the 20th instant. On the
25th instant hundreds of women demonstrated outside the Revenue Office. Then
grain from the revenue stock was sold to them at the Police Station. The
Revenue Director is urging the Sardars to send to the town the balance of
their dues in the form of grain.
In Sistan there are, I think, ample stocks of wheat but holders must be
urged to bring them to market.
There is also barley suitable for camels and mules; it is, however, so much
mixed with wheat that it is rejected by the Officer Commanding for cavalry
horses.
It appears to be imperative to import good barley.
275
Telegram R., No. 772-C., dated (and received) the 29th December 1915.
From—The Deputy 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. ,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Delhi.
Your telegram No. 402. Yes. I could help Kawarn with money for his
men (either from Custom House balance or secret service, preferably former I
think) if he can arrange to get cash up or find a merchant who will cash a
bill of exchange. I told him so in my letter and added in latter case he could
draw on me up to £2,000 and should communicate (?) if he required more.
Secondly. Darya Begi has received news through one of his men that
Wassmuss was at Borasiun Monday, December 27th, and was leaving for.Shiraz
same day with an esc^qt. It seems unlikely Wassmus would go to Shiraz if
Kaw r am had got upper hand unless he is going to try and square Soulet.
Sent to Tehran; repeated to Porign and Basrah.
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