ملف ١٩١٦/٣٣٦٠ الجزء ١ "مراسلات بلاد فارس (١٩١٦-١٩١٧)" [و‎‎٢‎١‎٧] (٨٠٤/٤٣٨)

36
kck backbone, but it seems desirable to adopt a system which will stimulate the
initiative ot and give rank and position to the Persians, whose intelligence has
a ways een of a high order. It is not intended to employ Indian instructors,
excep at iiushne and Bunder Abbas, as they are considered to be unsuitable by
my officers and myself. J
8 . One difficulty in Persia is, that the troops raised in the Uplands hate
and fear- service m the Garmsir or hot country, where they fall ill very rapidly
during the summer. It is intended to increase the force now existing at
_un er Abbas for service between Bunder Abbas and Dowlatabad and between
Bashire and Konar Takhteh This scheme vdll eventually help the Govern
ment ol India by providing garrisons for the Gulf Ports and thereby obviate
tne necessity for locking up so many Indian troops in the Persian Gulf.
9. Bodies of men are being equipped and despatched to guard the roads
to the north and south, while 200 men form part of the Kawam’s force, which is
about to take ^ the field against the Baharlus. There is a distinct lack of Arms
and Ammunition, but two months hence one thousand Lee-Metford rifles may
be expected via Bushire^ although that road is only open upon the payment of
lackmail and then with no guarantee of permanency. It is, however, pro-
posed that I accompany the Pirman Firman to Kazerun with the column and
other troops in January. The Firman Firma hopes to be able to treat with
each petty Khan separately and to arrange for the entire route to be taken over
by the South Persia Bifles, Of course risks will have to be run but, in my
opinion, this scheme should be attempted in preference to any other. The
Khans are now, more or less, ready to make their submission to their own
Goi eminent and naturally prefer doing this to accepting arrangements dic
tated by British troops. Moreover, a force descending on their backs cuts
cff their retreat to the hills.
10 . In conclusion, I am favourably impressed with the force, which I have
taken over. There will be many difficulties to overcome, but I am confident of
ultimate success, provided that the Indian column is kept at my disposal,
until the new force is ready to fight the tribes, and that I am given, when
available, the most modern instruments of war in the shape of aeroplanes,
armoured motor cars and perhaps even a <£ Tank . 55
11 . I am sending copies of this despatch to the Foreign Department, Chief
of the General Staff, Sir Percy Cox and the Deputy Besident, Bushire.
77
No. 28-S., dated Bushire, the 15th January 1917.
Endorsed by Second Assistant to the Volitical Resident in the Persian Gulf.
Forwardnd to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, for information, in continuation of this office endorsement No. 17-S.,
dated the 8 th January 1917.
Telegram from IBs Britannic Majesty’s Minister, Tehran, No. 5, to Lieutenant-Colonel
H. A. K. Gough, His Britannic Majesty’s Consul, Shiraz (repeated Bushire No. 4), dated the
9th January 1917.
Enclo. to Serial No. 77.
Telegram R., No. 5, dated (and received) the 9th January 1917.
Prom—His Britannic Majesty’s Minister. Tehran,
To— Lieutenant-Colonel H. A. K. Gough, His Britannic Majesty’s Consul, Shiraz.
(Repeated Bushire, No. 4.)
Bushire telegram 11 and your telegram 6 . Former telegram has reached
me somewhat mutilated. I understand Bushire advocates encouragement of
Muhammad Khan Hujabr and that Farman Farma points out that this
virtually means encouragement of Soulet whose creature Hujabr really is.