'Lord Curzon's Notes on Persia' [‎557v] (1116/1386)

2
Prince Rukn-ud-daulah, ex-Governor of Khorasan, is making strenuous
efforts to be re-instated, and is strongly supported by the religious commu
nity at Meshed as also by the Russians to whom he has been so useful.
It is stated that the Russian Consul-General offered to assist him with money
to attain his object, but that the offer was refused. Whether this is true or
not, at any rate His Highness’ confidential clerk had a long interview with
the Russian Consul-General, and shortly afterwards the latter commenced mak
ing preparations for his journey to Tehran. Pending the arrival of the new
Governor-General, the affairs of Khorasan are being carried on by the Mu’in-
ud-doulah.
The Russians have been complaining to the Central Government against
the retention of the Persian Foreign Agent in his present post, and even went
so far as to state that non-compliance with their wishes might lead to a rupture
between the two countries. The Shah’s attitude towards Russia has lately
however received a much firmer tone, and he is determined not to yield. The
Kawam-ud-daulah, Minister for Foreign Affairs at Tehran, is another oficial
who has incurred the displeasure of the Russians, and efforts are being made to
effect his removal, also with the object of getting the Mushir-ud-daulah, a noto
rious Russophile, appointed in his stead.
The Governor of Kalat is dead, and Muhammad Mehdi Khan has been
appointed in his place. Several Russians are reported to have been travelling
in the vicinity of Kalat and Deragez examining the country and making en
quiries.
With regard to the question of bringing the Yamuts under more direct
control, Colonel Stewart points out that there is at present a more friendly
feeling towards Persia than he has ever known.
The attitude of the Yamuts hitherto has generally been one of distrust and
hatred. This has been caused by a want of unanimity amongst the leaders of
the troops sent against them, a state of things which led to acts of treachery
being committed by one leader on tribesmen who had just concluded a treaty of
peace with another. This want of unanimity also by nullifying the aggressive
action of the Persian troops, confirmed the Yamuts in a belief that they were
invincible on their own soil. In the same way in their civil relations the Yamuts
are partly under the Governor of Astrabad and partly under the Kurdish Chiefs
of Bujuurd and Kuchan with consequent abuses.
To obviate this Colonel Stewart suggests that the Governorships of these
places should be united, when the province would be of sufficient importance
to attract a man of influence. The seat of Government also should be removed
from Astrabad to some place more to the north where a more direct influence
might be exercised over the Yamuts.
To disabuse the Yamut mind of a belief in their invincibility, a force consist
ing of at least three batteries of artillery, 2,500 cavalry, and 3,500 infantry,
should be sent into the country between the Gurgan and Atrek rivers, and the
real submission of each tribe obtained.
Five posts might then be established in a line on the north bank of the
Gurgan. This would have a great moral effect on the Turkomans, and also show'
Russia that Persia did not intend to lightly resign her rights to the country.
It appears that an account given of the Persian Cossack Brigade in one of
the previous diaries was somewhat incorrect as regards the contented state of
the men. It is now reported from Tehran that a petition has been placarded
up in that city giving a long and detailed account of the grievances of the men
serving in that Corps. These grievances are well founded, and are chiefly due
to the system of appointing officers straight to the Brigade without reference to
the Commandant. The number of officers is consequently largely out of propor
tion, and as the fund for the support of the Brigade may not be exceeded, the
pay of the privates is reduced to a minimum.
A. T. II. NEWNHAM, Lieutenant,
10th Bombay Light Infantry,
Attach#, Intelligence Branch.
Simla ;
7th June 1891.