"تاريخ الحرب الكبرى استنادًا إلى وثائق رسمية: العمليات في بلاد فارس ١٩١٤-١٩١٩" [ظ‎‎٤‎٤] (٥٦٦/٩٣)

60
OPERATIONS IN PERSIA
April 1915-
Doubtful in spite of assurance to the contrary, to believe to be a pre
attitude of i; m inarv to a Russian occupation of Tehran, led to a vigorous
„ - station for the total withdrawal of Russian troops from
cS,“ K S a“„ and Ardebil. In several frank exchanges of view on
March - the situation with Sir Walter Townley during the third week
of March the Persian Prime Minister, evidently speaking with
the strong support of the Majlis and of the German and Turkish
Legations insisted on such a withdrawal to pacify and ease the
oublic mind. Persian public opinion, he said, would not allow
Persia to side with the Allies ; and the Persian Government,
having no intention of joining the Central Powers, wished to
remain neutral. For this she must have the assistance of
neighbouring countries. Sir Walter Townley replied that it
appeared clear to him that the prevailing uneasiness m the
country was due, not to the presence of the Russian troops
but to the German and Turkish intrigues which were stirring
up the country against the Allies. He had already on several
occasions remonstrated against the inaction of the Persian
Government, who had done nothing to restrain the hos ile
activities of enemy agents and Persian subjects To
instances which he had formerly given of these activities at
Shiraz, Isfahan, Pusht-i-Kuh and elsewhere he must now add
Kermanshah, where the so-called German consul had started
to enrol and arm a hostile force. It was only natural, coi y|™.
Sir Walter Townley, that, seeing no signs of disapprobation
the disaffected elements presumed that the P ^f ia n Governmen
approved of these activities. The Prime Minister had been
unable to suggest any measures to ensure security if the Russians
withdrew, so that it was useless to suggest such a course. 1
fact, in face of the evident Persian unwillingness or inability to
maintain neutrality, it might become necessary for Russia ana
Great Britain to despatch more troops into Persia. “
Persian Government really meant to remain neutral, tn y
should take steps to recall the pro-German Governor-Genera
and Swedish officers from Ears and replace them by others who
could be relied on to adopt an impartial attitude
The Persian Government appeared, reported Sir wane
Townley, to be wilfully shutting their eyes to a situation in
tended to lead to an incident that would force Persia in o
war, either against her will or at the bidding of an unenhg ene
populace who did not realise the catastrophic consequence .
A suggestion by the Persian Government to recall the
General and Swedish officers from Ears on the sole condltl0n
that the Russians would agree to withdraw their troops