File 1341/1921 Pt 1 'Khorassan Intelligence Summaries 1921-1922' [‎664v] (976/1080)

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The Ferghana Sarts are described as having reached breaking point in
exasperation by the latest Bolshevik repressive measures, and it is thought
not^ improbable th,at general rising may take the place of the present guerilla
resistance. The arrest of some 200 of the leading inhabitants of Khoqand
including well-known mullahs and merchants, and the public marshalling of
these unfortunates to compulsory labour, provoked an attempt at rescue which
was foiled by the escort with the one from the other, and so great is the fear
of repressive measures that people fear even to ask for news from other centres.
Bolshevik officials at Khoqand are described as anxious and depressed.
Public meetings are prohibited and martial law is in force, and the impression
prevails that the Andipan area is even more disturbed. According to news
from Petro-Alexandrovsk referring to the last week in February Junaid had
in his previous offensive aided by Aman Verdi Sakhi attained a considerable
measure of success, and both the cities of Khiva and Hanqeh were in his hands.
The tenure of Petro-Alexandrovsk by the Bolsheviks is described as sufficiently
insecure, ^ although their force would seem sufficient to keep at bay an enemy
deficient in artillery and modern weapons.- At the same time Junaid’s blockade
was causing the Bolsheviks much trouble and keeping the troops on very short
rations. The defection to him of all Yomud in the Bolshevik ranks is asserted
and it is even rumoured that the Yomud have intentions of raiding Merv from the
desert to the north. Although river communications were re-opened the
Bolsheviks do not seem to have been reinforced, nor to have undertaken active
measures against Junaid.
Shortage of supplies is everywhere prevalent and troops are generally
on short rations, a^ condition of affairs which added to the detention in the
ranks of men promised their discharge, is not likely to make for general con-
| tentment.
The recent disorders at Tashkent are said to have caused additional
deficiency of supplies with consequent misery to the population.
The Bolsheviks are urging on people the advisability of taking matters into
their own hands and wresting from the hoarders the supplies they withhold.
84. Troop movements. —From reports received during the week the
tendency of troop movements is almost entirely eastward. Tashkent was
reinforced after the disorders, but the majority of troops from garrisons in
Trancaspia and main-line stations in Bokhara are being sent to the Karshi and
Kerki areas and to Ferghana. Westward movements reported are inconsider
able.
85. Bolshevik garrisons.—Khoka/nd.— 23rd February, 5,000 troops, of
whom 2,000 are in railway wagons in constant readiness to move. The gar
rison was brought to its present total by some 1,500 troops from Khushk between
17th and 23rd February.
2 heavy, 10 to 12 field guns, 3 armoured cars, and 2 airplanes as well as a
large supply of ammunition.
, o9 tr ? 0 ™1 rainS with 811118 and troops passed towards Andijan between 15th
and 23rd February.
qo Q 50 , Bo ! s:hevik wounded arrived from Andijan on the 20th February and
30 bart prisoners, of whom a great parade was made, the following day.
Tashkent.— 25th February. 6,000 troops including 1,000 cavalry. Increase
due to arrival of 1,500 men from Samarkand.
r , ^ mumtien factory An East India Company trading post. with attached repair shop for guns and rifles has been
established.
Kagan.— 26th February. 2,000 troops including the 2nd Turkistan and
2nd Kazan regiments. 250 cavalry belong to Popov’s unit. A detachment of
the Kazan is at Amirabad. 5 field-guns, 1 airplane, 1 armoured car.
Troops had recently passed through to Andijan and Karshi, and drafts
from the garrison had been sent to Andijan and to Charjui for Kerki.
Petro-Alexandrovsk.— 22nd February. 5,000 troops including 1,000 cavalry.
2 heavy, 8 field-guns, 2 airplanes, and much ammunition.
Charjui.—22nd February. 1,500 troops including 300 cavalry. Units
identified which were incomplete were the 5th Turkistan, 3rd Kazan and