'Lord Curzon's Notes on Persia' [‎641r] (1283/1386)

19
correctly informed as to the Emperor of Russia having offered to assist Persia to
check the rising among the Kurds.
To-day being Sunday, I cannot see Baron Jomini until to-morrow.
The " Bereg ” publishes an article, translation of which, from the German, is
herewith inclosed, and which states that it was the Shah of Persia who requested the
assistance of Russia in putting an end to the Kurdish insurrection.
The " Bereg ” adds that Russia will give material assistance only in the event of
Persia being unable to quell the disturbances herself.
I have, &c.
(Signed) F. R. PLUNKETT.
Inclosure in No. 28.
Extract from the " Bereg.”
(Translation.) St. Petershurgh, November 7, 1880.
Troubles in Persia.—The « Bereg" reports some warning news from this
country which is bounded by Russia, Afghanistan, and Turkey, the countries most
interested in the Eastern question. Adjoining them is that part of Persia where the
Kurds are now trying to obtain a footing, especially on our lately-acquired Armenian
territory, and on the other side towards Turkish Armenia, where the Armenian
element has ever been in increasing conflict with the Kurds.
Since the last war in the East there is a wide rent visible in the boundary marks
of the Ottoman Empire, which, inter alia, found expression in the revolt of the tribes
of Arabian origin.
The Kurds have risen against Persia. Has not Turkey perhaps a hand also in the
game ? Does not the Porte perhaps hope to bring about a new state of affairs, which
she could use as a pretext for not complying with the decision of the Berlin Conference
as far as concerns Armenia ? Perhaps the diplomats at Stamboul intend to make use
of the Kurds in the same way as they did the Albanians in the Montenegrin affair.
All these questions will perhaps shortly be answered.
In Persia are united difficult political questions, as well as commercial ones,
interesting alike to Russia and to England.
From 1844 to 1853 a perfect understanding existed between the Cabinets of
St. Petersburg and London as regards the position of Persia. This understanding,
which had been productive of the best results, was destroyed by the Crimean war.
The opening up of this question is much to be desired, especially as the matter
continues to attract considerable attention in Russia, and in reality no reasons exist
which should necessitate any antagonism between Russia and England in Central
Asia.
The good understanding existing between Russia and Persia is lately confirmed by
the fact that Persia, as is reported from well-informed quarters, has begged for Russian
military assistance against the Kurds, supposing that the rising should assume larger
proportions and extend to the Russian frontier. Russian troops are allowed to
manoeuvre on Persian territory in order to quell the revolt of these marauders, and in
all probability the Kurds will try to find a refuge over the Turkish frontier, in which
case the Russian troops have been ordered on no account to follow.
Perhaps the Russian assistance will not be necessary, since the last reports from
Russia are quieter.
No. 29.
Mr. Plunkett to Earl Granville,—(Received November 8.)
My Lord, St. Petersburgh, November 3, 1880.
BARON JOMINI lately spoke to me about the serious complications which
might arise from the disturbances which the Kurds are at present creating on the
Turco-Persian frontier, and said he feared the next thing we should see would be a
Kurdish League, which the Sultan might use to as good a purpose as he had turned
the Albanian League.
His Excellencv added that these troubles might extend to districts nearer to the
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