File 2297/1919 ‘Persian Gulf Residency Monthly Reports. 1912-20.’ [‎155r] (314/1044)

3
/
Major Rich pronounced the Tang-i-Zindan impracticable for a motor road
except at a prohibitive price and decided to survey for a detour which would
avoid the Tang ’ and join the direct Bandar Abbas-Kirman road again at
Daulatabad. He has divided his party into three sections—
(1) to survey from Daulatabad to Gulashkird;
(2) to survey from Bandar Abbas to Gulashkird;
(3) to survey from Gulashkird to Daulatabad.
Obeidullah Effendi is reported to be still with Shaikh Abul Hasan at Legirdu, j
endeavouring to stir up the tribes against the British and to collect funds for his
personal use.
On the night of the 25th-26th a raid was made by 50 “ Arab ” tribesmen under
Mustafa Khan on a caravan belonging to Persian merchants proceeding to Kirman
when it was about 16 miles from Bandar Abbas. The Deputy Governor’s riflemen
who were escorting the caravan pursued and some casualties occurred on both sides.
All information points to the Baharlus being restless and consequently the road j
unsafe.
Qishm.
Two thousand and five hundred Tumans of the fine inflicted by the Darya
Begi on the Island for the attack on the Anglo-Persian Oil Company’s camp
{vide Monthly Summary for July) has been collected and brought to Bushire
by Prince Sulaiman Mirza ; the remaining 500 Tumans was remitted on the
recommendation of the Shaikh of Qishm and the Deputy Governor of Bandar
Abbas.
Kirman.
The three men principally concerned in the escape of the German prisoners at j
Sirjan,— viz., Hussain Khan Buchaqchi, Shazadeh Hussain, and Ali Khan Qarait j
el Nabi—have been outlawed by the Persian Government.
Mekran Coast.
Reference Monthly Summary for October. Shahdullah and his followers
arrived at Charbar on the 30th November and returned to their homes.
The district has been quiet throughout the month, though apparently there is
a growing party which is trying to oust Islam Khan from guardianship of Hussain
Khan, son of the late Syed Khan. Islam Khan appealed to Mir Barkat and Mir
Mustafa for assistance and the two latter are ready to help and will endeavour to
bring about an amicable settlement of the matter. It is hoped that Major Keyes
may be able to settle this affair satisfactorily.
ARABIA.
Muscat.
His Highness has appointed Syed Abu Saleh, a British Indian subject, as
Superintendent of the Muscat Arms Warehouse. Abu Saleh had previously been
in charge of the Customs.
It was brought to the notice of the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. that Muhammad Fouad,
of Basrah origin, who is in command of the Sultan’s Army, has been speaking m a
disrespectful manner of the British Empire in public. The Sultan was m orme
and the matter was allowed to rest with an apology. Muhammad oua is
apparently a very undesirable person and a drunkard, and his public brawls have
attracted attention before.
Bahrain.
The Customs of Qatif and Ojair, which previously produced an annual income
of 140,000 dollars =Rs. 2 , 10,000 approximately) during period they were farmed