Notes Prepared for Reference during Curzon’s Tour of the Persian Gulf, and Other Papers on Persia and the Persian Gulf [‎264v] (528/678)

2
This brings Beluehistan history down to 1893, the date of my first tour, when the
Persian side was perfectly quiet, although such was by no means the case in portions
of British Beluchistan. , , p ,
The policy of the Government of India, which led to the withdrawal or troops m
1894, was entirely misunderstood by the Persian authorities, and .encouraged the local
Governor to hope for extension of his jurisdiction. To effect this he immediately set
on foot numerous intrigues, while the Binds of Maud augmented the general con
fusion by making numerous raids in every direction. .
The tour of Captain Kemball in 1895 did much to restore our prestige, which was
certainly lowered by the supposed evacuation of the country, while the recent
demarcation of the frontier will, more than anything else, prevent the raiding and
counter-raiding that was caused by Persian attempts to seize the Mashkel date
groves.
^ Nor does the political effect stop at this point, for only last year by the Shah’s
express order Mashkel was declared to be a part of the Persian Bmpiio, and the
Governor of Dizak visited it in force. The absolute and final blow to this policy oi
aggrandizement that w'as caused by the erection of the boundary pillai between Talk
and Ladgasht can hardly be imagined.
As Kohuk has been Persian for nearly a quarter of a century, every one expected
it to remain so, but the fact that w r e have finally taken Mashkel, in the teeth of the
Shah’s orders of last year, lias impressed Beluchistan with an overwhelming sense of
our power, which should bear good fruit. Second only to political benefits are the
great material advantages that may fairly be expected to spring from such a successful
settlement, accomplished so smoothly and so speedily.
In the first place, by waiving our claim to the date groves of Gorani, Muksotag,
and Kindi, not only have w r e gratified the Barman Parma at a nil cost, but also, as the
owners of the aforesaid groves are Damanis, the Shah’s Government has no longer any
pretext by which to avoid responsibility for the most turbulent of raiding tribesmen.
To make the case still more plain, a special clause has been inscribed in the agreement,
to the effect that the date groves have been given to Persia on that understanding.
It is scarcely necessary to mention the large increase of material wealth that a feeling
of tranquillity invariably produces in savage districts, as the whole of our connection
with the East is but a series of illustrations to the point, so I will conclude by making
a passing reference to the sentiments entertained towards us throughout the country.
With the ruling class w T e are distinctly popular, owing to the justice with wdiich all
claims connected with property owned on our side are treated, while the Persian or
“ Gajjar ” Government generally, and the Kerman prison in particular, is regarded
with intense hatred. The lower classes, who are held as serfs by the ruling caste, are
still more in our favour, hoping for some amelioration of their lot through our
intervention. Both while alone, and as a member of the Prontier Commission,
nothing could have exceeded the friendly demeanour of all classes—a fact which it is
'extremely gratifying to record.
I have, &c.
(Signed) P. MOLESWOBTH SYKES.