File 1341/1921 Pt 1 'Khorassan Intelligence Summaries 1921-1922' [‎497r] (641/1080)

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Intelligence Summary No. 35, for the week ending August 27th, 1921.
201. Khorasan.
Meshed. -Ihe situation has changed but little, either for better or for worse.
Since his recantation of an intention to go to Europe, Muhammad Taqi has
resumed the pursuit of those aggressive measures which were interrupted by the
negotiations with the Persian Cabinet. In other wmrds, the force despatched to
Sabzewar to oppose the arrival of a Governor-General not acceptable to Muhammad
Taqi Khan has continued its march and is now in position.
This objective gained, the policy of the latter is wrapped in some obscurity as
regards the future. He may contemplate carving out for himself a separate king
dom—-or republic—within the borders of Khorasan, or he may intend to try and
carry his arms further and associate himself with other agencies operating in Gilan.
That a secession of Khorasan from the Persian Empire is contemplated by certain
persons in Meshed will be seen further on and it is highly probable that the form of
governance intended is republican.
On the 21st August a column composed of 200 infantry, 21 cavalry, and two
Lewis guns, preceded the previous night by twelve wagons with rations and an
escort of sixty men, marched south, ostensibly to Sabzewar. A suspicion that this
force was directed on another objective was justified later for it branched south
east and marched to oppose the Hazara Chief, Shuja-ul-Mulk, who was reported
to have already moved north and to be at Bakirabad.
On the 24th, Ko. 12 Company of the Gendarmes, all Turks, 100 strong, left
Meshed for the south. Their objective was said to be Sabzewar but they were
halted at Sharifabad.
The distribution of troops is as follows :—•
A mixed force of 600 gendarmes at Sabzewar which has probably been ex
panded by local recruiting.
A mixed force of 260 infantry, 21 cavalry, and two Lewis guns at Fariman
watching the Barbari and Baluch coalition.
A reserve of 100 infantry at Sharifabad for use either in the direction of
Sabzewar or Bakharz.
A general reserve of about 600 of all arms in Meshed, not including recruits
whose numbers are being added to very day.
Directing these dispositions is Muhammad Taqi Khan who has ideas of
governmental reform in Persia. He is supported by four or five extremists who
have associated themselves with his policy. A certain number of traders was
inclined at first to side with the above for they feared Sumsam-us-Saltaneh might
levy contributions from the bazar and they dreaded the presence of his Ba.khtiari
following. It is possible, however, that the development of events in the direction
of Bakharz and the apprehension of a predatory incursion by Barbaris, Timuris,
and Persian Baluchis, will cause them to abjure this new political faith.
The forces opposed to the above combination may be stated as follows :—
The solidarity of the Province as a wirole in its aversion to civil war.
The active hostility of Barbari and other tribal chiefs in East Khorasan
and their determination to resist interference by Muhammad Taqi
Khan.
The mobilization of retainers and clansmen by 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. Mu azzaz of
Bujnurd.
The opposition of Shaukat-ul-Mulk of Birjand who is supporting the Persian
Government in the present situation.
The policy of the Kurds of the northern portion of the Province will without
doubt be dictated by that of 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. Mu azzaz wno is himself a Kurd.
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