Coll 28/28 ‘Persia. Perso-Baluchistan Frontier. Demarcation near Mirjawa.’ [‎114v] (239/658)

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If it is desired to claim territory now, in order to enhance the value of
subsequent rectification, course (a) (the yellow line) might well be claimed as a
reasonable interpretation of the Holdich agreement, not amounting to re-defini
tion as proposed by Major MacMahon. But if the literal interpretation i s
enforced here, we might find it hard to avoid an attempt at literal interpretation
between Reg-i-Malik and Mirjawa, and I think that the resulting boundary
although possibly well enough for a temporary settlement pending more exten
sive changes, would not be at all a satisfactory permanent boundary.
(6) Summary. —To summarise, my opinion of the correct interpretation of
Colonel Holdich : s line is as follows :—(shown in continuous blue in map 2)
(a) From Pillar 11 North-West along the centre line of the “ Tahlab-
Mirjawa ” river, as far as the junction with the main bed of the
Ladis river, about 300 yards below Killa Safaid.
(b) From this point the boundary should follow a straigdit line for about
one mile north-east to the foot of the nearest spur of the lulls.
(c) From this point the boundary follows the local watershed through
peaks 5805, 6956, 7157, 7180 and 7619, to the highest point of the
Kacha Koh (7685), and thence in a straight line to the highest point
of the Koh-i-Malik Siah.
(7) Frontier Rectification. —I had received no instructions to consider the
possibility of a considerable rectification of the frontier, but on my return to
Quetta the Hon’ble the A. G. G. in Baluchistan mentioned this possibility. I
am not in a position to express, an opinion on the general principle, but the
following details of the country involved may assist consideration of the ques
tion :—
{a) In map 1, the area shown in red is completely devoid of permanent
water and is uninhabitable, except where water is brought by rail
way, and except for short periods after very occasional heavy rain.
On the other hand the hilly areas lying east and west between
Koh-i-Sultan and J^^nalaf, and along either side of the present
boundary, do contain a certain amount of water, and camels can
be grazed there. Thus, to withdraw the frontier 10 miles is to give
up nearly as much as is lost by withdrawing it considerably more.
Except for levy and railway posts, I think there are no buildings
or permanent habitations in the whole area.
(6) Any British subject whose country is transferred to Persia will con
sider himself very hardly treated.
(c) Of the various lines which could be suggested for a new frontier, the
°? jq' particularly natural one, that I can suggest, is the boundary
or tke Reki and Sinjrani tribal areas, which I understand to pass
rouglily north and south through the Koh-i-Dalil (longitude 62°
o ’ -ji i ^ no ^ k now whether this represents a suitable amount
or withdrawal.
(d) Between Mirjawa and Nokkondi there is no natural water supply on
i ra ^ wa y Ime. A railway terminus or frontier post at any other
p ace tnan Mirjawa would have to get all its water from Dalbandin.
Dehra Dim, 7th June 1932.
Captain, R.E.,
In charge Perso-Raluch Boundary Parly,
Survey of India-.
LC221FD—12—-25-6-32—GIPS