ملف ١٩١٦/٣٣٦٠ الجزء ١ "مراسلات بلاد فارس (١٩١٦-١٩١٧)" [ظ‎‎٣‎٢‎١] (٨٠٤/٦٤٧)

that in consequence we run little risk in allowing the Germans to remain in
Bakhtiari country, it only remains for us to find a solution for remedying the
sf-cond state of affairs. In the telegram already referred to such a solution
was indicated in the alternative suggestion that we should raise a Bakhtiari
police force under British officers.
Since the expression of those views I have been much exercised as to the
question of finding some modus vivendi between the Khans and the Zill es
Sultan, provided the latter is to be a fixture at Ispahan. The only solution
i hat has so far occurred to me is that we should endeavour to effect a formal
reconciliation between the Zill and the Khans. I have not approached the
Khans on the matter, but I have every reason to believe that the scheme is a
perfectly feasible one provided the Zill can be persuaded to settle the blood
feud in the accepted tribal manner by paying the Khans a visit in their
country. I am not, of course, in a position to express an opinion as to how
the Zill would view the proposal, but I cannot help feeling that if you could
see your way to visit the Bakhtiari country this autumn, your presence and
influence might provide just the inducement required to persuade the Zilt
to accompany you and make his peace with the Khans.
It would seem to me that this proposal should be considered independ
ently on its own merits. It would of course be a fitting complement to the
adoption of either of the more redical remedies already suggested, but should
not, I think, be looked upon in any way as an alternative measure or substi
tute.
A copy of this letter is being forwarded to the Chief Political Officer,
Basrah.
28
No. 355-C., dated Bushire, the 13th (received 26th) September 1916 (Confidential).
From— Major A. P. Trevor, C.I.E., Deputy Political Resident, Persian Gulf,
To—The Foreign Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department. \
In continuation of my telegram No. 1812 of to-day, I have the honour
to forward, for the information of the Government of India, translations of
letters written from Sirjan on 2nd August 1916 by Dr. Sutoras Herr Biug-
mann and Obeydullah the Turkish emissary to Herr Seiler at Shiraz, describ
ing their position subsequent to their arrest at Kerman by Brigadier-General
Sir P. Sykes in June last.
2. The messenger bringing these letters was intercepted at Shiraz by
Nejaf Khan, the Intelligence Agent, who managed to get hold of the letters by
promising the bearer that he would not be punished, Nejaf Khan got a trans
lation made at Shiraz by some one who knew German, and it is no doubt a
rough one; I have had no means of checking it, as Nejaf Khan was afraid to
send the original letters by post in case they sirouid go astray.
3. The letters form an interesting comment on Sir P. Sykes’ despatches,
Nos. 68-P. and 74rP., dated 19th July 1916.
4. A copy of this letter is being sent to His Majesty’s Minister, Tehran.
Enclosure No. 1.
Translation of a letter from Dr. Sutoras to Herr Seiler, dated the 2nd August 1916.
As I told you in my last letter, Obeydullah, Brugmann, Dettmer (torpedo
engineer) and Oertel (merchant and technical expert) both of latter being
civilian prisoners who have escaped from the Russians arrived in Sirjan the
29th July under Persian escort. Officer in charge of escort, Prince Husain, has
been ordered by General Sykes to remove me and the sick men to Bunder
Abbas. I didn't want to go and tried to delay the start by arguing the point
hoping to get correct news from Shiraz. I thought this all the more desirable
because I heard that you and the rest in Shiraz were free and that Wassmuss
was advancing from Bushire to Shiraz. I/Y e also get good news here from