File 2297/1919 ‘Persian Gulf Residency Monthly Reports. 1912-20.’ [‎380r] (764/1044)

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((2) He also counselled the Russian Consul to bring back the Russian flag in
a public procession through the bazaar, from the house of Ali Muhammad, where
it is still secreted, so that the public might know of its definite withdrawal.
(e) In view pi the apparent eclipse of the Russian flag, His Majesty’s Consul
paid a return visit to Ali Muhammad, who tried to raise the discussion of his
grievances but was prevented by his relations.
(/) Ali Muhammad seized the opportunity of the Amir’s departure to show
his hand. He had obtained possession, or management, of a lot of scattered landed
property which was Waqf, and which the testator had in his will required to be
held in trust, by five persons. Appeal was made to the Rais-i-Auqaf, who passed
an order which was confirmed by the Adliyah, authorising five persons to examine
and take over the property. When they proceeded to do so, they were set upon
by a party of Ali Muhammad’s roughs, and two or three of them were injured.
The Deputy Governor took charge of the case, as it was not desired to make a
reference to the Governor-General which might have the efiect of obliging him to
return to the town.
It is understood that endeavours are being made to have the case settled
amicably, but it is probably, an earnest of further improprieties to come, on the
part of Ali Muhammad.
(g) The authorities are in some difficulty as the m^n poses as being the protege
of the Russian Consulate, and the Russian Consul preserves an ambiguous atti
tude. Endeavours have been made to throw the burden of the matter on His
Majesty’s Consul, who has, however, resisted the appeal of both sides, and has
refused to allow himself to be drawn into the imbroglio. For his own satisfaction,
however, he re-entered into correspondence with the Russian Consul and asked
him for * a categorical statement as to whether Ali. Muhammad.was, or was not,
under Russian protection. The Russian Consul replied that as this was the British
sphere of influence his Consulate could not afford protection or assistance to the
man but that if the British Consulate, in conjunction with the British Legation
and the Governor-General would assist Ali Muhammad, he would benefit thereby.
The letter was subsequently shown privately to the Deputy Governor, who
stated that he had also received veiled assurances from the authorities m
Tehran.
442 On March 8 th Muhammad Khan, Sartip, of Jiruft came to take bast (Per.) A Persian custom allowing an individual to seek asylum at a designated location. m the
CWnlate He stated that he had paid all the revenue due from him personally, and
tW that which he is responsible for collecting from the Afshars and others could
yf h ‘ collected without Government’s assistance. The Governor was, how
ever demanding 3,000 Tomans 10,000 Persian dinars, or a gold coin of that value. from him; also his agents had extracted 1,500 To-
ever, “ema g , Majesty’s Consul said that he was sorry that
“T ™^nces he couM not receive him into “bast” but that he was willing
inthe ciicum before the Governor-General. This Muhammad Khan
sai^wovddimly 1 prejudice his interests, and he accordingly, left and paid up the
money demanded. —r-
. ..” »V» g ov„ M„ .h, G.,— (.«•
444 Id) Muhammad Khan, Sartip, of Jiruft called recently on His Majesty’s
r, ,t He stated that the attack on the caravan at Isfandaqah had been made
Consul. Hes ““ a , . H Khan Little or no property was robbed; it was really
by the men of ^fAfshars. The Soulet-ul-Mulk is still in Jiruft await-
» 0^116 Amir-i-Mufakhkham to help him to return in safety to his
mg
_j ttvi complained of tbe exactionsof the Amir-i-Mufakh
(b) Muhammad R He expressed his contentment with the Amir
kham’s tax-gathering agents, n F
personally •Rofoinian recently telegraphed to the Governor-General
thatSJrskom SrBabak hid been threatening the district, but for the time
being they had withdrawn.