Papers of the War Cabinet's Eastern Committee [‎77v] (154/544)

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nnusually gre.at. In any case it was not desirable to remove Dun-
sterville just as he was on the point of starting for Baku.
General Macdonogh explained that the reason why the War
Office had sent their telegram of the 23rd instant was that they
wished to ascertain whether Dunsterville commanded General Mar
shall’s complete confidence. He reminded the Committee that
Dunsterville had only recently been placed under General Mar
shall’s orders, and that he was not a man of Marshall’s own selection.
General Wilson said that, speaking for the War Office, he was
sure they would accept General Marshall’s opinion, and that, in the
circumstances, it was not necessary to replace General Dunsterville.
The Committee concurred in this view*
South Persia.
Sir P. Sykes and
Colonel Gough.J
4. The Chairman said that the latest news from South Persia
was distinctly encouraging. Both the Kawam and Firman A Persian word meaning a royal order or decree issued by a sovereign, used notably in the Ottoman Empire (sometimes written ‘phirmaund’). Firma
had supported us loyally. The latest information was that the
Kawam had taken Firuzabad and was pursuing Soulet, who was now
discredited and in full flight. Soulet, moreover, had been removed
from his appointment, and a new Ukhani and Ilbegi had been
appointed by Firman A Persian word meaning a royal order or decree issued by a sovereign, used notably in the Ottoman Empire (sometimes written ‘phirmaund’). Firma. The net result was that the attack of
the Kashgais on SirP. Sykes’s troops had proved practically abortive.
It appeared that not more than about 200 South Persia Rifles had
actually deserted, and, in the circumstances, it was just as well that
the suggestion to disband that force had not been * accepted by the
Committee.
The Chairman referred to two telegrams from Sir C. Marling,
dated 25th July (E.C.-927 and E.C.-928), the first forwarding an
extract from Colonel Gough at Shiraz, stating that, in view of the
impossibility of acting up to his assurance to the Government of
India to work in closest co-operation with General Sykes, he begged
that either one or the other should be relieved of his political duties.
The second telegram contained Sir C. Mailing’s comments on
Colonel Gough’s message. Marling paid a tribute to the excellent
work done bv Gough, whose resignation he strongly deprecated. In
his view, the loyal co-operation of Firman A Persian word meaning a royal order or decree issued by a sovereign, used notably in the Ottoman Empire (sometimes written ‘phirmaund’). Firma and the Kawam
tin ring the past weeks had been mainly due to Gough’s influence,
and he earnestly hoped that the direction of political affairs would
be placed wholly in the latter’s hands, as he had entire confidence
in his capacitv.
The Chairman understood that by a decision of the Committee
Sir P. Sykes had, some time back, been relieved of his political
functions.
General MacDonogh reminded the Committee that their inten
tion had been to send an officer, of the rank of brigadier, out to
South Persia to command all the regular troops there. This
suggestion, however, had not met with the approval of the Indian
Government, and the matter had remained in abeyance.
. AI > ntagu pointed out that Colonel Gough had made a very
serious charge against Sir P. Sykes, and he suggested that a tele
gram should be sent to the Viceroy in the following sense :—
“ His Majesty’s Government desire to have Sykes’ remarks
on statements made in Gough’s telegram of 23rd July. Please
instruct Gough to furnish Sykes with copy of his telegram, and
call for a very early report from Sykes on the allegations made
therein, and also on his relations with Firman A Persian word meaning a royal order or decree issued by a sovereign, used notably in the Ottoman Empire (sometimes written ‘phirmaund’). Firma. On
receipt of Sykes’ report, please furnish me with your views on
whole question.”