File 1341/1921 Pt 1 'Khorassan Intelligence Summaries 1921-1922' [‎503v] (654/1080)

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I again went on service to Yazd and took part in many engagements, being promoted major
after two months.
I was then appointed to the command of a battalion at Hamadan but the Great War
began and I was detailed to go on service. I am grateful to God that despite a very weak force
I repulsed the enemy with loss and was able to achieve my one wish of serving my country and
securing its freedom. (The details of this fighting are given in the book entitled ‘ ‘ Jang-i-
Muqaddas az Baghdad ta Iran ”—The Sacred War from Baghdad to Persia published in the
German language).
On account of want of union, uncertainty, insincerity of the administration, factitiousness
and want of munitions we were unable to withstand the strong forces of the enemy and were
forced permanently to retreat.
To write of all that happened in those days would be impossible and not within the scope of
this little book which is merely to give an account of my life—my origins, my services. And
he who wishes proof that I served in the war will find it in books printed in Germany and
neutral countries. I leave out of all mention the services I rendered on advance and other
guards, my speeches exhorting the men to fight and give their lives for their country, for to
do so would be to reopen the wounds in my heart.
Because of the faithless behavour of my colleagues I left the service in 1916 and went to
Germany for the treatment of my wound. I had not fully recovered when I heard my country
men were in trouble again and I returned to Persia via Halab and Mosul. Yet oh the pity of
it! When I arrived I found everything in disorder and bloodshed everywhere.
I have no complaint against the foreigners. Everything I was subjected to came from the
hands of my own countrymen and, disappointed, I returned to Berlin. I joined the German
air force in order to further an object I had in view but the work did not suit my health and
I secured a transfer to the infantry.
I continued my education in Germany, learning music and transposing Persian national
songs into German. I also translated Persian books into German but for financial reasons have
not been able to publish them.
My circumstances became greatly reduced and, despite the kind invitations of European
friends to stay with them, I resolved to be independent, for my conscience and the Persian
spirit would not allow me to be under obligation to anybody.
I succeeded in borrowing some money and returned to Persia, arrving in Enzali in 1920.
I had to borrow again, this time from a Russian lady, and returned to Tehran. I was not
restored to the service, but was overlooked for five months, despite my seniority.
During this period of unemployment I translated into Persian one of the works of Lamartine
and wrote a book called “ Yak Jawan-i-Watan Dost ” which if ever published will inspire its
readers with affection and pity for its oppressed author.
Despite the promises of re-instatement made nre by a high authority I continued to lead a
miserable life and it was not till June 1920 that I received my orders, which were to take over
the command of the Gendarmerie in Meshed and to reorganize it. Incidentally, an Isfahan
and two Tehran regimental commands were vacant at this time but were given to officers
junior to me.
I found the force had received no pay, neither was any record kept of its accounts. Nothino-
that I could do was of the least avail for getting the ranks their arrears of pay and, in conse
quence of my failure to get disbursements for my command, I resigned three times in two months
but my resignations were not accepted.
Had it not been for this state of affairs the troubles between me and The late Governor
General (Quwam-us-Saltaneh) would never have arisen.
I served at this time in many extra capacities, yet contented myself with the one salary
All the reports and representations I addressed to Tehran were ignored and I come to realise
that I had not been sent to Khorasan to reorganize the Gendarmerie but to be the captive of a
strong man. r
4 .-U 4 . '? eitller ^ ] bel ^ ve 1 that lt was m conse quence of the previous Commandant’s bad work
that 1 was called to Meshed for had he been dismissd from the force he would never have been
appointed to a military command.
If I live I intend to write more on this subject.
r , . T ^ e „ llfe of the White Cabinet ” came to an end and it was succeeded by the “ Black
Cabinet. I may say here that I haye never in my life seen Aqa Saiad Zia-ud-din.
Is it not necessary—•
to look into the affairs of those Governors-General and Governors who thought themselves
supreme m their provinces and who plundered and despoiled the people ?
J