'Report on The Mission to Seistan, by Surgeon-Major G. W. Brazier-Creagh, A.M.S [Army Medical Services] 1897.' [‎32r] (68/131)

No. 1.
Appendix B.
Translation of a letter, dated the 3rd Safar 1315=4th July 1897, from Sueghon-Majoe Bkazier-Ceeagh, A.M.S.,
to the Deputy Governor, Seistan.
After compliments .— I was much astonished to hear you have issued an order to the
Kad Kudas throughout the villages in Seistan, that under no circumstance were they to
s ell grain or supplies to the British Officers camp.”
I was further astonished to hear that you endeavoured to induce the Mujtahid to issue
a firman A Persian word meaning a royal order or decree issued by a sovereign, used notably in the Ottoman Empire (sometimes written ‘phirmaund’). stating that to supply the British Officer was against religious order, but it gives
me great pleasure, and I have been careful to record, that this all-wise and conscientious
High Priest refused to issue any such order.
Your friend would invite your attention to the order from the Ain-ul-Mulk, Deputy
Governor of Khorassan and Seistan, dated 22nd March 1897—of which you possess a copy—
as also the order of your respected father the Hashmat-ul-Mulk, Governor of Tabas and
Seistan, bearing the same date, enjoining you to provide me with all necessary supplies
and provisions and make every preparation to supply our wants, so that we may suffer no
inconvenience in any way whatever during our stay in the country, and not to interfere
with or obstruct me in the discharge of my duties.”
Bearing in mind the friendship between us, and the friendly relations always existing
between the Supreme Government and the Persian Government, I cannot understand your
circulating such orders as not to supply the wants of your brother Siah Musulman strangers
in your country, who are with the combined orders of the Persian and Supreme Governments
sent into the country to protect it from plague. I have the honour to request you will explain
why you do so, and immediately countermand such orders.
No. 2.
Translation of a letter in reply, dated the 4th Mnbarram 1315 = 6 th June 1897, from the Deputy Governor,
Seistan, to the British Commissioner Doctor Sahib.
After compliments .—In reply to your murasla I inform you that I have complied with
the orders of my Government, and if you want any more supplies and have got any further
orders from your Government I have no objection to supply you, but in case you have none
(i. £., orders) you will feel that my Government will object to this and to your remaining in
the country and visiting towns. Further, I thank God there is no disease in the country,
and it is advisable that you will leave the country, because I think my Government will ask
explanation from me.
All else is well and I wish you good health.
His
Seal.
No. 3.
Translation of a letter, dated the 4th Muharram 1315 = 6 th June 1897, from Surgeon-Majoe Beazier*Creagh,
A.M.S., to the Deputy Governor, Seistan.
After compliments .—I am in receipt of your reply to my letter, dated 4th July 1897,
and cannot understand your saying “ your Government will object to your giving my party
supplies/*
It appears to me your Government will object more because you have not complied with
the distinct orders of the Ain-ul-Muik, Governor of Khorassan, and His Excellency your
father, Governor of Seistan and Tabas.
You must be aware that we are here by order of joint agreement of His Highness
the Shah-in-Shah with the Supreme Government and that I have no desire to prolong my
stay in the country except under the orders and instructions laid down by agreement.
I cannot therefore understand your saying “ it is desirable for me to leave the country ”
when I am ordered to stay, and take all precautions it seems desirable to me to protect the
country from possibility of plague getting into and decimating toe country.
It will be obvious to you that if I stay in one place it is impossible for me to protect
the routes on the Seistan, Afghan, and Perso-Baluchistan frontier, the care of which are
in my hands.
On hearing from the Russian officer that <f he had heard that plague had come into
Kandahar Farrah, etc.,” I proceeded to the frontier to verity the above statement and make
the necessary arrangements, but thank God no plague exists in any part of Afghan territory.