File 1341/1921 Pt 1 'Khorassan Intelligence Summaries 1921-1922' [‎473r] (593/1080)

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One thousand of the Bolslievik troops went over to the latter who was victorious.
The coal mines are in possession of the rebel army. The Bolsheviks have twice
attempted to recapture them but have met with reverses. They also attacked
irom the direction of Skobelev and Andarkhan.
About 2,000 men are employed in the mines. Oil wells also exist whose daily
output is 3,000 poods. The daily output of coal is 100 two-horsed cart loads (75
tons ?) the bed being at a depth of 50 arshin. There are some 50 pits and coal is
hauled to the surface by horses. The pits are lighted by electricity and are about
a mile from the railway.
There is an oil refining works on the field and the product is stored in tanks.
The borings are from 100 to 150 arshins deep.
The rebels are of all nationalities—Russians, Armenians, and Mus lim s. The
miners are in sympathy with them. They are well armed and their leaders are
Hamdum Haji Sart, Sher Muhammad (not the blind one), Muhammadov, and
Abbas Quli.
Hunger and general misery forced the Bolshevik soldiers to throw in their lot
with the rebels. These latter do not interfere with the railway but are retaining
possession of the output of the mines and wells.
The following was the Bolshevik ration for miners : 1 pound of bread on work
ing days only. Monthly, 2 pounds of rice, 1 pound of dried apricots. ^ pound rais
ins, } pound apple tea. The pay was 3,000 roubles a month.
Deposits of bitumen also exist in this area and are worked.
Tashkent— 20th and 22nd July .—Troop trains carrying troops and militia
are aften seen passing through towards Samara.
A meeting of the Islamic Republics was held on the 1st June and lasted till
the 10th June. It was attended by representatives of Afghanistan, India,
Bokhara, Khiva, Persia, Arabia, Farghana,—by Tartars, Qirqiz, and Turkmen.
Among the subjects discussed were autonomy for the various states hut_under
BqlsheyikjprQ-tection^ ; an increase in the produce of the land ; an increase and
training of the army.
Japanese aggression in Siberia was debated and all representatives promised
to help the Soviet Government against Japan. ,
Six of the latter’s nationals have been arrested.
There is great scarcity. Infantry have to be content with ^rope-soled shoes.
Mounted men get boots.
The Siberian situation is much exercising the Bolsheviks and their anxieties
are not decreased by the rising in Ferghana and the possibility of the railway
employes going on strike.
Three thousand women of all races are being trained in the use of arms. It is
said they will be used for maintaining peace in the town if the troops are called
away.
The mortality in the town is very high and though the Bolsheviks ascribe it to
cholera some are of opinion that starvation has an equal share.
Goods and troop trains are running every day and passenger trains every
third day. The line is in a bad state and trains have to be run at half speed.
Sleepers are renewed but only those that have been previously condemned are '
available for use. Gangs are seen everywhere repairing the line.
The Bolsheviks are retaining trade in their own hands. They are hated as
much by the soldiery as by the people. It is only the fear of reprisals which keeps
people and troops in subjecton.
Ak Masjid (Perovsk) — 16th July .—Food and clothing are very scarce. If
obtainable rice and meat are occasionally issued to the troops, Railway hands get
free rations and 3,000 roubles a month, also free medical attendance.
Many troop trains have been seen going north towards Orenburg.
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