File 1341/1921 Pt 1 'Khorassan Intelligence Summaries 1921-1922' [‎462v] (572/1080)

The flotilla seems greatly to have been reduced, different narrators testifying
to seven or eight steamers remaining. All are agreed that one was lost during the
floods.
There has been a reduction here too in the numbers of famine refuges. It is
said they have been redistributed. It is possible that the shrinkage in numbers
is due to death and not to further migration.
The destruction of the crops by floods has created a serious situation for the
riparian population which was dependent thereon ^and it is evident that they too
will have to migrate in search of food.
Kilif. September 3rd .—The floods have washed away half the town and
the homeless people have emigrated to Afghanistan.
Termez. September 2nd .—The floods have destroyed most of the houses
in Patta Kesar as well as some of the barracks. Termez itself has suffered no
damage.
Several tributaries of the Oxus join the main stream near Termez, namely,
Syr Khan, Kafar Khang, Zakis, Kundaz, Qulab Canal.
The steamer service was resumed on the 30th August.
The administration has changed but little. Patta Kesar is in Bokharan
hands and Termez in Bolshevik . Of the latter the Chief Komissar is Marosin, the
City Komissar 'flirlin, the Special Department Officer is Naroska. The Bokharan
Governor is Abdur Ghafur.
Qulab. August 30th.—On the 8th August the rebels attacked a Bolshevik
post near Karataghan, killing JO and wounding 25, but retiring on the approach
of reinforcements.
Famine refugees have penetrated as far as Qulab and some of them have
migrated^to A fghanistan. I he Afghans are keeping a strict watch on their fron
tier and do not allow merchandise across though cereals are smuggled and exchang
ed for glassware and arms.
The Bolsheviks are paying much attention to agriculture. Women are set to
spin yarn and weave cloth, children encouraged to attend schools, and young
persuaded to join the army.
Meetings for the relief of the famine stricken areas are frequently held and
grain for them is taken for them from those cultivators who have reserves by
methods that are as much compulsory as persuasive. The Afghans are regarded
as being unfriendly because they refuse to come forward and help the Bolsheviks
in the present food crisis.
The lestrictions on travelling by train do not apply to those who are in posses
sion of passports or mandates to return to their own countries for the Bolsheviks
are anxious to reduce the number o> c mouths that have to be filled. Nevertheless,
travelling is expensive, judged by Bolshevik values, for a ticket from Samarkand
to Kaakhka costs 12,000 roubles, or a workman s wages for ten months. There are,
besides, other payments, for the paths of obstructive officials, able to call up the
myrmidons of the Special Department, have to be strewn with rouble notes.
Kagan. September 4th .—Prices are rising and bread sells at 1,000 roubles
a pound.
. A ^ n . e ^t August a party of 15 Russians passed through to Mazar-i-Sharif,
via Charjui, to discuss trade matters with the Afghans and to propose an exchange of
cereals for arms. It was rumoured that no understanding could be arrived at and
that the Commission was returning.
The Karski line has reached Karki (not confirmed from Karki).
Bokharan officials are asked to co-operate in the relief of famine areas and are
threatened with the loss of their appointments if they are not sympathetic and
disposed to be generous.