ملف ٣٥١٦\١٩١٤ الجزء ٧ "الحرب الألمانية: بلاد فارس" [و‎‎١‎١‎٩] (٥١٩/٢٤٢)

and Kawatn at once that reports received from His Majesty’s Minister show
that it appears certain that Germany will be successful in drawing Persia into
war; that there can only be one result and that all their interests lie in avoid
ing rupture with power that controls the Persian Gulf, and that the following
inducements are offered them. In the event of our coming out victorious as
we have complete confidence that we must do, our policy will be to preserve the
Chiefships of Kashkai and Khamseh tribes in their person and in their own
families, and to keep them in full enjoyment of properties which they now
own, and to leave them to manage their tribal affairs under our aegis. That
what we desire of them at the present moment is the expulsion from Pars of
the intriguer Mukhbir-es'Sultaneh and his German adherents; to control the
petty Khans and gendarmerie; to protect telegraph employes and British
subjects in Pars; to keep telegraph lines and road between Shiraz and Bushire
open and secure; to put a stop to fanaticism and lawlessness and generally to
keep order on our behalf in Pars until the conclusion of hostilities. That in
consideration of undertaking to do this, we wall permit them to collect normal
revenue and give them at once five thousand pounds for expenses and if
required assistance with arms and ammunition and that in the event of their
successfully carrying on to end of war in addition to above assurances we will
give them ten thousand pounds each and absolve them from payment of any
arrears on account of revenue of past year which may be due to the Govern
ment of Persia. We might also undertake that Governorship of Luristan
should be vested in K(hamseh) family.
At the same time we should permit the Shaikh of Mohammerah to wire
to Soulet reminding him of the formation of confederation and calling on him
now to make pact with the Vali of Pusht-i-Kuh and himself.
17
Telegram V., No. 1082 B., dated the ]0th (received 11th) May 1915.
From—The Hon'blr Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Percit Cox, K.C.I.E., C.S.T.,
Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Basrah,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla (repeated to Tehran, Bushire, Ispahan and India Office).
Please see telegram from Minister at Tehran to Poreign Office, No. 161.
As regards Bakhtiaris the following is outlook. Bahadur and Sirdar Jang
are at Dieful.
With regard to murder of Dyer and affairs in Arabistan, I have exchanged
friendly letters with them, but the representative they sent to interview me
was not plenipotentiary and neither the Sheikh of Mohammerah nor I felt
able to discuss with him any important or secret matters. I am waiting for an
opportunity of meeting them very soon at Bamuz. IPith regard to fanatical
rising in Shuster, rising in Arabistan, safe conduct of Wassmuss and incursion
of Turkish troops, the attitude of Sirdar Jang, however, has been nost
equivocal and even Doctor Young, bis staunch adherent, telegraphed on 27th
April that the present attitude of Sirdar excited his grave suspicion.
I was reminded by the Sheikh of Mohammerah that the Bakhtiaris are
not a one corporate body but a monster with many beads, that now their
interests are not limited to Bakhtiari country any longer but that they have
extended their tentacles all over Persia and although he thinks that they will
not enter into war seriously from self interest, he is not confident of their being
prepared to enter into any compact with him and us. As stated before, he is,
however, prepared to enter in our joint interests into matrimonial project
should it prove likely to promote a satisfactory agreement.
It is possible that Sirdar Jang may seek to avoid open meeting with my
representative or me in view of iiis recent attitude in which case I would
propose to send Haji Bais as my representative also as that of the Sheikh of
Mohammerah. Por the object in view we could hardly have a better emissary.