‘Persia – especially Seistan’ [‎410r] (818/949)

Dated Cawnpore, the 17th
November 1904.
From—A. SifiKSPEiR, Esq., Acting Secretary, Upper India Chamber of Commerce,
To-The Deputy Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department,'
1 a w d fS ted 1 t0 u d • T .°, U a 0 °Py of Mr - Gleadowe Newcomen’s first
report, dated Bunder Abbas, the 1st November 1904.
M Idle in Bombay Mr. Newcomen received advice from well informed
sources that, from a commercial standpoint, an investigation of the country
through which that section of the route laid^down to be followed by the ^
Mission from Bampur to Magas, Kuhak, and thence through Baluchistan to £
Gwadur would be absolutely profitless, as the country is practically a desert a
and the population scanty and not inclined to trading pursuits Since ^
Mr. Newcomen entered Persia this information has been confirmed, and he now
requests that the Government of India may be pleased to sanction his making
such alterations in the itinerary of the Mission, in consultation with the officials
on the spot, as may seem best calculated to serve the purposes of the under
taking on which he is engaged.
Mr. Newcomen points out in this connection that, should the original route
be adhered to, the Mission, on leaving Persian territory, will require to be
provided w ith an escort to replace the Persian guard and special transport
arrangements will have to he concluded.
Mr. Newcomen appears to be in favor of making Kerman his head
quarters, and from this place the Mission could visit Yezd, which I understand
is one of the most important trade centres in that part of the country; from
this place Mr. Newcomen suggests returning ma Shiraj to Bushire or proceed
ing from Kerman to the coast via Narmashir or Bampur passing through the
Rodbar District to Jask.
Mr. Newcomen has asked that directions in this matter may he communi
cated to him by telegraph, and I am, therefore, to solicit that I may be informed
with the least possible delay of the Government of India’s decision on Mr.
Newcomen’s suggestions, which I may mention appear to my Committee to be
worthy of consideration.
I also beg to give you the following extract of a letter received from Mr.
Newcomen and would be grateful for advice as to what action the Chamber
should take on his request, as my Committee do not perfectly understand what
is required: —
“ Before leaving India I forgot to make arrangements through you with
the Government of India for a requisition for our return passages,
our baggage and servants, etc.: as our point of departure is not
certain this ought to be left blank, all the rest ought to be filled
in. I append the list—
4 Horses. 4 Personal servants.
4 Syces. 3 Pirst class passages.
Baggage.”
Mr. Newcomen states that he had been obliged to meet from his own
funds the entire current expenses of the Mission since he started, including the
payment of transport and escort, expenses which my Committee understood
would be borne by Government as no funds had been provided for this purpose;
such expenditure was not taken into consideration when arranging Mr.
Newcomen’s finances, and he apprehends that his funds may run short before
long. I am, therefore, to ask that you may be good enough to make arrange
ments to place adequate funds at Mr. Newcomen’s disposal with the least
possible delay.
Mr. Newcomen advises me that communications intended for him should
be directed to His Majesty’s Consul at Kerman.