File 1341/1921 Pt 1 'Khorassan Intelligence Summaries 1921-1922' [‎506v] (660/1080)

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are retained, irrespective of categories. Aviation lias stood still so long among
tlie Bolsheviks that Henry Barmans are still the standard machine.
From the narrator’s remarks it would seem that Brusilov does not enjoy that
distinction in Bolshevik councils that the British ascribe to him, the Chief of the
Great General Staff the “ Vuishe Shtab ”, or Higher Staff, at Moscow, being Kame
nev. It is true that Brusilov has lost his feet. His son, a captain in the Red
Army, deserted to some Whiteguard force, and was shot before his identity was
established.
The narrator has his hospital discharge certificate and flying book with him
but they are at present retained by the Persian authorities. These, though, do not
necessarily prove his identity.
Nine Turbat citizens, traders, have been brought into Meshed under arrest by
order of Muhammad Taqi Khan. One, Abdul Hussein, a wealthy t man and once
employed by the British as a contractor, is among these. The reason of their
arrest is probaly spoliation.
The curfew restrictions under martial law are relaxed on account of Muharram.
The local press has been forbidden to publish military news without permission from
Gendarmerie headquarters.
The Kavkazi community under the leadership of Mir Murtaza is seeking to
sever the diplomatic relations existing between Muhammad Taqi Khan and the
British Consulate General. They represent that the British are supporting the
tyrannical Persian Government against the reform movement initiated by
Muhammad Taqi Khan. It is said that a delegation on this matter received
a rebuff from the latter.
207— Cis-Frontier.
Bandargaz. August 21st and 25th. — {i) The mail steamer arrived on the 19th.
It appears she was bound for Meshed-i-Sar but, having touched at Hussein Quli,
the Komissar of that place forbade her to go beyond Bandargaz. She therefore
returned to Krasnovodsk, for some unfortunate Persian passengers on board,
who were going to Meshed-i-Sar, were ordered by the petty tyrant aforsaid to be
taken to Askhabad for verification, the while their families were detained under
arrest at Krasnovodsk.
{ii) Balakhani’s work people at Baku have gone on strike and are not permitted
to enter the city.
(iii) The authorities of the Tsentro Soyuz are active in establishing themselves
at this port. They are at present negotiating for the purchase of a cargo of mineral
oil, the property of the Azerbaijan Government, in return for which they propose
to give cereals. The concern contemplates sending agents to various towns in the
interior for commercial exploration and the development of commercial connections.
Bujnurd. August 30th. — Two hundred and fifty troops have arrived at
Nokhur, having detrained at Archman. They were followed by another 200.
One hundred and fifty cavalry are expected in addition.
{ii) It is surmised from the increase of force on the frontier that the Bolsheviks
contemplate re-establishing their former posts along the Atrek and as far as the
Caspian. Lately three engineers arrived, carried out an inspection, and returned,
but whether this was with the object of re-establishing these posts or in connection
with some military movement is not known. (It may be remembered that a party
of engineers was also reported to have been busy near Bajgiran. See last week’s
Summary, page 7, paragraph 5.)
It is noteworthy that in Chingir along the Sumbar River a number of posts has-
been established. These are on the heights and in Persian territory, the former
sites, now ruined, being avoided. The reason for this is that all fords and roads
across the Sumbar are easily watched from these heights. The troops are still
under canvas and no intention of reconstructing the old posts is evident. An
expedition against the Yomuds is still discussed.
{iv) A telegram dated the 3rd September states that the frontier from Kohna-
kesar to Qara Qala is now garrisoned by 1,000 men. On the 23rd and 24th August
ft