Coll 28/97 ‘Persia. Diaries. Tehran Intelligence Summaries’ [‎104v] (208/749)

2
Internal Security.
Bakhtiari.
9. The news of the appointment of Morteza Quli Khan as Governor of
Bakhtiari has been generally welcomed by the tribe and has already had a
steadying effect in some cases, and to some extent undermined the position of
Abul Qasim Bakhtiari. He has already been deserted by some of his followe^i*^
and he has sent a message to the Persian Commander at Isfahan to the effect th* j
he wishes to discuss terms of submission. The Janeki tribesmen under Majid
Bakhtiari, son of Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Muazzam, who attacked the Persian garrisons at Izeh
and Qaleh-i-Tul (see Summary No. 17/43, paragraph 11) are still being trouble
some. and attacked a small Persian garrison at Qaleh-i-Gandurman, about
40 miles west of Shah Reza (Qumisheh). Reinforcements were sent from Urujan,
some 10 miles to the north-east, and the tribesmen were drawn off.
Fars.
10. General Shahbakhti’s operations for the occupation of Nasir Qashgai’s
stronghold at Firuzabad make slow T progress. The column from Kazarun has
reached Jirreh, 30 miles to the east, and the column from Jahrum has reached
the vicinity of Qir-o-Qavzin, 25 miles to the west. The column from Kavar met
with considerable resistance and is being reinforced, having apparently been
checked. Meanwhile, air operations are being carried out against any tribal
concentrations presenting targets. No attempt has yet been made by the tribesmen
to interfere with traffic on the road. Qavam-ul-Mulk, whose family has for
generations played an influential part in Fars politics, has been sent to Shiraz
by the Shah at the request of General Shahbakhti. It is hoped that his influence
will restrict the number of Nasir’s supporters and give confidence to those tribes
who are distrustful of the Government. There is general satisfaction in Fars .
that the Government has at last taken action indicating an intention to restrict
Qashgai depredations.
11 . There is little accurate information regarding the whereabouts of the
sub-tribes. The greater part of the Darashuri are believed to have reached their
summer quarters; the Kashquli are reported to be endeavouring to get passage
through the Dushmanziari country, but to have been opposed by the latter tribe.
The Farsimadan and Shishbuluki were ordered by Nasir Qashgai to return to
their winter quarters, but some sections may have disobeyed the order and gone
north. The small sub-tribes are for the most part still in winter quarters.
British Affairs.
12. General Sir H. Pownall, Commander-In-Chief, Paiforce, visited Tehran
from the 21st to 24th May.
13. His Majesty’s Minister, accompanied by the Oriental Secretary, left for
Isfahan on the 20th May and, accompanied by the military attache, left Isfahan
for Shiraz on the 25th May. They returned on the 31st May.
14. The Government of India have provided a mobile company of Indian
infantry to assist in the campaign against locusts in the Kerman-Bam-Zahidan
area. There is some danger that the swarms if not checked might invade India.
15. Admissions to the Indian General Hospital opened for the treatment of
Persian typhus patients amounted between the 11th Anril and the 20th May to
1,388.
American Affairs.
16. Mgr. Spellman. Cardinal Archbishop of New York, has arrived in
Tehran for a short visit en route to India from Turkey.
Polish Affairs.
17. The number of civilian Polish refugees still in Persia as on the
25th May, 1943, is : —
Men.
Women.
Children.
Total.
In Tehran
Isfahan
Ahwaz
1,397
64
394
6,270
538
1,401
2.870
1,378
1,039
10,537
1,980
2,834
1,855
8,209
5,287
15,351