Coll 28/28 ‘Persia. Perso-Baluchistan Frontier. Demarcation near Mirjawa.’ [‎53v] (117/658)

for supplies and support, whilst to a certain extent he superseded and over
shadowed the Asad on his own ground. But this danger terminated with the
conclusion of our work, and if that conclusion is satisfactory, it is largely due
to the courteous disposition on the part of the Persian Commissioner to meet
all my wishes half-way.
48. As regards the staff of the British Commission, I have the honour to
call your attention to the excellent work performed by my assistants.
Lieutenant-Colonel Wahab, R.E., will submit his own report. No oppor
tunity was afforded for the extension of triangulation A surveying technique in which the position of a network of points is determined by creating a series of triangles between them and measuring at least two of the internal angles and one side length. for geographical pur
poses, and the work of the survey party was almost confined to a resurvey in
detail of the actual route and boundary line. Some 3,000 miles of country
were thus revised.
Colonel Wahab’s long and distinguished services on the frontier are too
well known to need further reference from me. On this occasion all that could
possibly be done was done, and the successful efforts of the survey party, not
only on the line just demarcated, but south of Kohuk, between that place and
Gwadur, should leave no room for future discussion as to the position of the
boundary,
49. Captain C. A. KembalTs local knowledge of the country and the
people and the circumstances of rival claims has been of great value to me in
laying down the boundary along the line originally indicated in his own
reports. In no case has any great departure been made from his recommenda
tions, the soundness of which have been abundantly proved during the progress
of demarcation. The entire management of the difficult departments of
transport and supply has been in his hands and all his arrangements have been
excellent.
Captain P. M. Sykes, Her Majesty’s Consul at Kerman, brought with him
all the special information that w r as requisite from the Persian side. His
personal influence with the officers of the Persian staff and his colloquial know
ledge were invaluable in bringing all discussions to a speedy issue. By his
own energy and interprise, and chiefly at his own expense, Captain Sykes has
secured a position of influence for the Consulate at Kerman which can hardly
fail to have an important bearing on Baluch frontier politics, and which might
at once be turned to excellent account in the settlement of outstanding frontier
claims and disputes. When all present claims for damages on account of recent
raids are settled, there seems a very fair prospect of long continued peace and
security on this remote Baluch border.
50. The services of some of the native officials of the Commission have
already been brought to the notice of Government specially, some having been
recommended for departmental promotion and others for honorary distinction.
In this report I have only to bring to your notice the services rendered by
Sheikh Taj Mahomed who was head accountant of the Commission as w^ell as a
most valuable agent in collecting supplies and information throughout its pro
gress. He is a good English, Persian, and Baluch scholar, possesses great
influence in Southern Baluchistan and is a man of energy and resource. Should
an extra native political assistant be required hereafter in those remote districts,
I think that it wall be difficult to find a better qualified man. An honorary
distinction would be well bestowed on him,
MOiPC—S r 6—VI-1—14-3-34— 25.