File 705/1916 Pt 1 'Arab revolt: reports' [‎233r] (13/494)

Shiraz.
In Persia it has not yet been possible to gauge the full effect of the
news, but the political situation is far from stable. In Shiraz, for instance,
Soulet had been amenable before the news of Kermanshah (chiefly owing
to a movement among his relations against him), but he was discontented
and known to be in touch with the German prisoners in the hands of the
Kawam, who seemed to be under his influence. The Kawam appeared
loyal, and wished to leave Shiraz for his summer quarters. But as it is
thought possible that Soulet may seduce him, anxiety is felt as to the
result of the news of Kermanshah.
Teheran has suggested that Colonel Gough should go to Shiraz from
Ispahan to strengthen the hands of the Deputy-Governor. This has been
sanctioned provided that Colonel Gough can travel with safety.
Teheran.
In Teheran the news of the Russian reverse was received with satis
faction ; and it is thought that if the Russians retire again the Cabinet will
be unable to maintain itself. Its popularity has been rapidly waning.
The Bakhtiaris in Teheran hold the view that the Turkish advance will
not last, and it is thought that their support could be gained. The
Russian Minister has been approached with a view to sending Jang and
Bahadur to Bakhtiaristan, and he has agreed to this provided that the
Russian forces now in Ispahan be withdrawn. If this were done Teheran
suggests that Jang should be appointed Governor of Ispahan; for though
his appointment would not be liked by the Russians or by the Minister for
Foreign Affairs, it would help to gain the loyalty of the tribe.
It is urged that unless the support of the Bakhtiaris be gained, trouble
might ensue in other parts of Persia; the defection of the Pars tribesmen
would, in particular, be a severe blow to us.
EFFECT OF THE NEWS OF THE REVOLT.
Egypt.
The revolt seems to have had little effect on Egypt. The news has
excited little comment. No parties have committed themselves to any
decisive expressions of opinion. The prevalent belief is that if the Sherif
succeeds he will have many sympathisers there ; but that if he fails he will
be blamed for his rashness.
The Anglophobe party call the Sherif alternately a rebel against the
Caliph or a slavish tool of Great Britain. The Islamic Press in general
have said little, but seem to think that the Turks will easily deal with what
to them appears no more than one more phase in the Arabs’ struggle
against Turkey. The lower classes do not disbelieve the news. Some of
the Fellaheen Arabic for ‘peasant’. It was used by British officials to refer to agricultural workers or to members of a social class employed primarily in agricultural labour. and the artisan classes, with a proportion of the Alazhar
University students, express pleasure at the thought that the Arabs may
have a chance of civilisation and progress if they throw off Turkish control.
Enlightened circles agree that the failure of the Sherif would be disastrous
to the cause of Islam.