File 3516/1914 Pt 7 'German War: Persia' [‎147r] (298/519)

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Telegram P., No. 44, dated the 27th (received 28th) April 1915.
From—His Britannic Majesty’s Minister, Tehran,
1o The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Simla.
Please see my telegram, No. 169.
Saad-ed-Dowleh has been vmable, even with energetic support of two
Legations, to form Cabinet, as influential men so necessary to deal with
situation, who bad given us assurances of their co-operation with him, have
feared to face universal detestation in which he is held. Difficulties were put
in his way even by Ain-ed-Dowleh and Shah.
Russian Charge d’Affaires and I decided that in these circumstances and
in view of urgent necessity for introducing a measure to stop run on Imperial
Bank of Persia and impending arrival German Minister with large following
of agitators, a strong Cabinet must be formed immediately and we agreed to
drop Saad-ed-Dowleh in favour of Ain-ed-Dovvleh who enjoys confidence of
JVlejlis for the moment.
I was received by Shah yesterday morning and informed His Majesty that
we should do so in deference to his wishes and a couple of days later Ain-ed-
Dowleh received his firman A Persian word meaning a royal order or decree issued by a sovereign, used notably in the Ottoman Empire (sometimes written ‘phirmaund’). of appointment. Steps have been taken by him
to pass a law suspending payment in cash by Bank and he is supported loyally
by the Mejlis. To-morrow the proclamation should appear.
In spite of German efforts to take advantage of the excitement likely to
ensue from financial crisis, Ain-ed-Dowleh is confident that he can maintain
order. But during the last few days Tehran has been much inclined to panic
and members of Turkish Embassy have been to United States Legation for
safety and town believes that on April 24th German Charge d’Affaires slept
there.
An excellent effect has been produced owing to vigorous united action of
two Legations, and I think that we shall have as strong a Government as Persia
can produce while even Mejlis seems to comprehend necessity for enforcement
of Persian neutrality.
Confidential. That the accession of Ain-ed-Dowleh to power instead of
Saad-ed-Dowleh is already looked on f ere as a triumph for British as against
Russian influence is on the other hand unfortunate and I fear that a similar
view will be taken at Petrograd. But I am positive that Saad-ed-Dowleh’s
appointment could not have been brought about without Russian troops from
Kasvin and moreover ( ? ) was wanting. Indeed we were overloaded with
personal unpopularity of Saad-ed-Dowleh and additional weight of Persian
hatred of Russia.
Earman Parma has been induced by us to join Cabinet and by forcing any
particular Minister on him, though, I think, it wiser not to embarrass (Ain-ed-
Dowleh). I have let him know (that) inclusion of Yossughed Dowleh might be
politic. Inclusion of these two would give Russia complexion (?) to Cabinet.
Addressed to Foreign Office ; repeated to Basrah and Petrograd.
Telegram, No. 998 B., dated (and received) the 29th April 1915.
From— The Hon j ble Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Percy Cox, K.C.I.E., C.S.L,
Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Basrah,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
My telegram, dated the 25th April.
Polio wing telegram received from Bushire, No. 373, 28tb April:—
Have received following from Kazerun -.—Begins. “ Gendarmerie still
at Kazerun and intend to take Kamarij by surprise. Kamarij is prepared to
fight if any steps taken.” Ends. Hope Persian Government will insist on
immediate recall of expedition. I understand that old garrison ot about 100
and expedition of 183 and maxim are all at Kazerun, which is an unnecessari
ly large number in present conditions.
Addressed Tehran; repeated Shiraz and Basrah. Ends.