File 1341/1921 Pt 1 'Khorassan Intelligence Summaries 1921-1922' [‎237r] (121/1080)

SECRET.
Meshed Intelligence Diafy No. 26 for the period ending 14th August 1922.
Local.
1. A Pole (?), name given as Nikolai Maximofl, and late Commander of
Russian troops at Takhta Bazar, has arrived with his wife from Herat. He
deserted with 4 others who are still in Herat. It is stated that Maximoff
reached the Russo-Afghan frontier a month ago from Warsaw. He was brought
to Meshed from Karez in custody. Efforts will be made to get in touch with him.
2. A Persian paper published in Meshed gives the news of the murder of
Lenin in a train proceeding to the Caucasus, where Lenin was to take a course
at the medicinal springs. (Note.—A report to this effect also comes from
Cherniyevo, dated the 26th July.)
3. Persian traders have received telegrams from Turkistan and Tehran
advising them not to send goods to Russia, either for the Nijni Novgorod Fair,
or any other purpose.
4. Reference Diary No. 23, paragraph 1. The Mir Lashkar is creating a
good impression fn. his tour of the frontier. The frontier Khans have promised
to return the arms which came into their possession in the time of the late Moham
mad Taqi Khan.
Afghanistan.
5. Zuljikar .—A number of Turkoman families were endeavouring to migrate
into Afghanistan, when they were opposed by the Russians. Afghans supported
the Turkomans, and under cover of rifle fire the Turkomans crossed into
Afghanistan. The incident happened at night with little loss to either side.
6. Herat .—Arrivals state the following :—
{i) The Persian Consul at Herat is asking to be relieved owing to lack of
protection afforded him by the Afghans. Thieves are said to have
entered his house.
(ii) Certain Turkish officers arrived in Herat from Russia and were proceed
ing to Kabul. The names of two of them are Kemal Effendi and
Rasmi Effendi.
Transcaspia,
7. News from Askhabad states that the Persian Consulate is still closed.
8. Since the issue of the new Bolshevik paper currency, the Persian 2-kran
piece is equal to from 2 to 2|- million old paper roubles.
9. Kizil Arvat, 28th July .—The number of the workmen in the Railway
Workshops has been increased to 2,500. Orders have been issued that 5 engines
and 15 wagons are to be turned out monthly.
10. Turkomans are migrating to Persia, as they fear the loss of their property
to the Russians, who force them to sell their camels and horses at the prices fixed
by a local commission.
11. Kaakha, 6th August .—The branch of the Propaganda Department was
transferred to Artik on the 1st August. Arrivals are sent to Artik for investiga
tion.
12. Reference Diary No. 25, paragraph 5. Russian troops disguised as
rebels attack and plunder Turkoman villages at night. The Turkomans complain
to the authorities about these robberies, but are told that the thieves are J urko-
mans and not Russian soldiers.
E NC. iu INDIA FOBtIGN ^
« EC RETARY’ S NO 66^ ; J
DATED SEP 14=*
Ra ad OCT 4T. 1923..
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