File 1341/1921 Pt 1 'Khorassan Intelligence Summaries 1921-1922' [‎700v] (1048/1080)

4
In spite of the boast recorded last week uneasiness exists in Bolshevik
official circles lest the British Mission succeed in concluding a secret anti-
Bolshevik treaty at Kabul.
( 4 ) The most benevolent intentions towards Persia continue to be voiced by
Bolshevik speakers. It is hoped to assist her to the benefits of Soviet govern- If
ment by peaceful means, but her true friend, Bolshevik Russia, will not
shrink from her duty if invasion be necessary for that end. Bolshevik speeches
i at Bokhara during the first half of January hailed the triumph of their dip
lomacy in Persia but stated that it was not enough to make a friend of Persia.
She must be converted into a real enemy of England. “ In any case we are
making all necessary arrangements for d spring campaign in Persia in order
to eject the British and her present rulers including the Shah whose recent
visit to Europe has turned him into a paid agent of the British. 7 ’
India, of course, comes next on the list, and it is thought that compara
tively little difficulty will be encountered owing to the substantial progress
already made by the revolutionary party in that country.
(5) From several sources it appears that’spy fever is at its height in Turkis-
tan and that the authorities imagine that their government departments are
jjermeated by British spies. The arrest of the notorious Mehr AH at Merv is
ascribed to this suspicion, and at Baku both Narimanov and Haidar Khan are
reported to have been arrested and despatched to Moscow, though in their case
misappropriation of public funds is openly said to be their crime.
The 4 Bolshevik propagandists who passed through Russian Sarakhs for
Afghanistan are now said to be Afghan delegates returning from Tashkent.
This may be the case but in that event the route is an unusual one, and there
would appear to have been no reason for the secrecy observed concerning
them.
36. Bolshevik garrisons.
Orenburg.—12th. January, 3,000 troops mostly Paissians and including
500 cavalry. 8 field-guns, 2 armoured cars and 1 airplane.
The civilian population is in great distress from hunger and want of
clothing. Riots which occur on this account are ruthlessly suppressed.
Tashkent. —16th January. 4,500 troops including 600 cavalry. Of this
total only about 1,500 are fully trained soldiers, and the balance are newly-
enlisted men who are sent towards Askhabad as they become relatively ■efficient.
Two heavy and 8 field guns are reported but there are probably other guns
in the fortress.
Khuddu is in Tashkent and from several sources it is stated that he has
been definitely promised assistance on a considerable scale in men and arms,
but that his being permitted to act is wholly dependent on the course taken
by Perso-Bolsevik relations.
Samarkand. — 12 th January. 3,000 troops mostly Russians and Tatars.
9 field guns, 1 airplane, 3 armoured cars.
There is occasional snping from distant hills attributed to followers of the
Amir of Bokhara.
Much discontent owing to a recent levy of 30 per cent, on all livestock
belonging to the population.
Shops were permitted to open up for a few days but again closed.
Ragan. —14th January. 4,500 including troops at Amirabad 500
cavalry t included in the total. Russians and Tatars are in the majority.
2 heavy and 10 field-guns. 3 armoured cars. 1 airplane.
Bukhara. —14th January. 1,500 Young Bokharan troops. Officers and
senior Non-commissioned officers are Russians. 300 cavalry in the total.
Troopfe are armed with obsolete rifles and are poorly clad. 2 heavy and 6
field guns
Karshi. —14th January. (Hearsay.) Mixed force of 2,000 Russians
and Young Bokharans. Former well armed. 1 6 -gun field battery and 3
additional field guns. 1 airplane.