File 1341/1921 Pt 1 'Khorassan Intelligence Summaries 1921-1922' [‎608r] (863/1080)

whom are on rails, together with all their impedimenta, ThTs
sudden increase to the normal garrison of Merv was due to
arrivals from Kushk and Charjui. Aeroplanes and guns were also
on rails waiting for transport elsewhere.
A few days previous to the narrator f s departure the inhab
itants of Takhta Bazar were ordered to evacuate their housesas
Takhta Bazar was to be converted into a military station. Those
deprived of their property were to be compensated by receipt of
accommodation in Yolatan, Merv, aid Baharam Ali.
Troops evacuated from Kushk have been moved to Yolatan and
Tashkopri, a proportion — stated to be 1,500 — being left be
hind as fatdg es for moving stores etc., etc..
Among Bolshevik troops in Aerv who had been evacuated from
Kushk the opinion was held that the place was restored to the
Afghans as compensation for the losses sustained by the latter
in the Anglo-Afghan war of 1919, the Bolsheviks assuming res
ponsibility therefor on account of their being unable to afford
yhe Afghans that help in men and guns which they had promised.
The ddficials in charge of departments in Merv are described
as belonging to the Jewish persuasion. Much use is also made
by the Bolsheviks of Persian Jews ( ,, Jadids M as they are known)
for purposes of intelligence connected with Persia.
News from Takhta Bazar confirms the above details with re-
(A-
gard to the evacuation of Kishk. Forced labour has been employ
ed for some time for the repair of barracks and houses while the
defences of the place are receiving attention and guns mounted
therein. Similar defensive works are being pushed on at Tash
kopri.
No one can enter Takhta Bazar now without a pass.
Among the items discussed by the men of the Red Army at
this place were the evacuation of Turkmen from the Maruohak
area, the rendition of five towns to Afghanis tan ,frnd the grant
of independence to Bokhara and Khiva. These latter places are
supposed to be evacuated at the beginning of L-ay.
CHARJU1. There is little to record that is new of the situation
here. The despatch of troops by river to Khiva is