'Report on The Mission to Seistan, by Surgeon-Major G. W. Brazier-Creagh, A.M.S [Army Medical Services] 1897.' [‎25v] (55/131)

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S. Enquiries will be made about Mansur Khan’s complaint against Imam Baksb§
Sarpara.
i. I have already telegraphed to Government about sending Surgeon-Major Brazier-
Creao'h some more money.
No. 5, dated Camp Kosha Pain, Seistan.
From—S ttrgeon-Majob Brazier-Creagh,
To—The Agent to the Governor-General in Baluchistan.
In continuation of previous correspondence I have the honour to submit some further
notes for your consideration and information.
(1) Now that the Russian officer has withdrawn from Seistan and fixed his base of opera-
tions at Birjand, there appears to me to be no further necessity for retaining the cavalry escort
in the country.
Water and grass are all now drying up and during the months of August and September,
consequent on poisonous flies, the country is not suitable for horses unless they are carefully
housed in well ventilated and sanitary stables and sheeted all ovei.
(2) I purpose sending the escort, detailing two to accompany me on further tours, to
our Robat post on the frontier, there to await orders from you or till my return. Suitable
arrangements will be made by me for their supplies for a further period of two months.
( 3 ) They are now, both man and horse, “ well salted,” from a camp life in here during
the heat, and I do not think they will find any difficulties in the return journey during the
months of August or September, knowing the route as they do.
I am of opinion the route we traversed when coming between Kondi and Seistan is the
better of the two more particularly for cavalry where water is to be had except at one stage,
the going is fairly good all the way and not
sandy and waterless as on the northern route.
Between Amalaf and Kirtaka.
(4) It would greatly facilitate the return journey if supplies could be left at the stages
noted marginally, and I do not think there
( 1 ) Amalaf. would be much difficulty in this if Lieutenant
Webb-Ware made arrangements with the Reki
headman at Mir Jawa.
(2) Tazgi.
(5) I made enquiries on this head when coming through, and from information received
I am led to believe they will be only too glad to supply us; indeed there is great disappoint
ment in Mir Jawa that they were not included in the Boundary demarcation.
(6) Supplies for the section between Amalaf or Kondi to Dalbandin could doubtless be
obtained from Chagai, and that between Dalbandin and Nushki doubtless could be supplied
from Nushki or Konak if sufficient warning were given the people and the supplies laid out by
a capable man as when proceeding here.
(7) Some such arrangement as the above, if it could be brought about even as a test case,
would be a considerable saving on the expenses incurred in transporting these supplies all the
way from Quetta.
(8) On 2nd July {f Mansur Khan,” son of Alla Dad Khan, Kharat Afghan, Gasfandar,
came to me reporting that in October last a Seistan Kafila A train of travellers; a caravan; or any large party of travellers. of theirs had a row with men of
Imam Bakhsh, Sarpara tribe, near Konak, and that his cousin, “ Amir ” son of Dost Muham
mad, who accompanied the Kafila A train of travellers; a caravan; or any large party of travellers. as guide, was shot by the Sardar’s men.
(9) From complainants statement it appears that the Sardaris men demanded octroi
which the Kafila A train of travellers; a caravan; or any large party of travellers. men refused to pay, having, as they state, heard that the Supreme Govern
ment had caused all remission of octroi into Quetta, and further told them that if they could
show any Government document authorising them to recover octroi,” of course they would
pay it, but otherwise would not; the altercation waxed warm, whereupon they shot Mansur
Khan's cousin, tbe guide.
(10) Mansur Khan and his people sought permission from me to be allowed to proceed in
force against the Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. to have vengeance and satisfaction.
(11) It was explained to him that it was not possible for me to give him permission to
cause a breach of the peace and violate laws within British dominions, and if he persisted as
he seemed disposed to, in his rash act, he would get into trouble. He then craved permission
to be allowed to proceed to Quetta to prefer his claim, which permission was granted and a
letter given for presentation to the Governor-GeneraFs Agent on arrival.
Complainant further states his cousin was taken to the Hospital in Quetta where
he died, and that the case was reported at the time to the Quetta Police authorities. 13
(13) There are numerous applicants seeking permission from Government to be allowed
to re-excavate the old karezes at Robat, Kirtaka, Sindak, etc. This man “ Mansur Khan ”
a Ph llc ants and is prepared to open Kirtaka karez if Government will agree to
culturable ^ ° 6 ^ r0( ^ uce as Government revenue after the lauds have been made