Papers of the War Cabinet's Eastern Committee [‎141r] (281/544)

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APPENDIX (A).
E. C-1774.
Sir P. Cox to Foreign Office.
(No. 856.) October 1, 1918.
Your telegram No. 511, 27th September.
Assumption in first paragraph is correct. News of Allenby’s (? victory) has since
been made good use of, but it is too early yet for its effect on public to be apparent.
As far as Ministers and Shah are concerned, it has considerably relieved their apprehen
sions of anv further Turkish advance in immediate future ; so also has visit of Chief of
General Staff at Bagdad, who was here yesterday and vas able to tell Prime Minister
that no less than one-third of Turkish forces in Caucasus and Persia were being with
drawn westwards as result of Palestine victory, and that our own garrisons at Enzeli,
Zinjan, &c.. had been reinforced and were now confident of their ability to maintain
their positions.
With reference to concessions proposed, 1 note (l) and (2) are attempted. As
regards (3), 1 suggest it might be stated that transfer of South (? Persia) Bifles to
Farman Farma will be made as soon as two Governments are satisfied that Bushire
shipping trade route via Kazeroon is open to traffic, and security, and condition of
province generally and safety of foreign representatives and interests are assured by
F. F.S. arrangements.
As regards Commission of neutral officers. There is no opposition to French-Swiss.
May I say that we shall claim to be consulted in regard to their ( f . selection) ?
Ministers made a great point of being able to make known intention to form this
Commission in order to convince public of our serious intentions. I explained at the
time that it would be inconvenient to have the Commission here during the (? war)
but they urged in reply that selection and journey to Teheran of ofiBcers would take
a long time and essential thing was statement to public. Would it suffice if we were
to agree by exchange of semi-official notes to take leisurely steps for selection and
despatch of Commission ? In any case we could stipulate that neutral officers should
not be sent to the south until end of war or until we consent to their going.
Meanwhile, they would have plenty to do north, in drawing up their scheme and
dealing with northern gendarmerie who are now commanded by Swedes but are much
under officered. I have had no further discussions with Ministers on above questions
since my telegram of the 23rd September, and will await your reply before
resuming them.
As regards suggestion for recognising zone or line across which parties - would
not operate. Point which you emphasised was fully appreciated, and Minister
specially warned that for that reason it would not be possible for us to withdraw
our troops in any case. I regret to learn, however, that in moment of panic and
without consulting with me further, Persian Government have despatched a protest to
Constantinople protesting at (group undecipherable). Persia and especially at
neighbourhood of the capital being thus invaded and urging (group omitted)s
to withdraw from Persian territory, and saying if they complied they would urge us to
do the same.
The understanding between myself and Ministers was that they should discuss
proposals with Cabinet and Shah as necessary, and I should refer to Government, and
that we should then resume negotiations. In reply to my remonstrances Prime Minister
explained that what had happened was that Governor-General at Tabriz, who has recently
been allowed (group omit) bv the Turks and arrived here, brought to the Shah and
Cabinet alarming reports to the effect that Turks had every intention of advancing in
force on Teheran, and would be here (? within a) month, and matter seemed to be so
urgent that no time was to be lost, and so it was decided to send this protest. He
continued that Persian Government had done the same two or three times before,
and as it did not commit us in any way it did not seem to him that our pourparlers
enhanced prejudice in any way.
I am sorry this should have occurred, but I fully understand there can be no
question of our withdrawing. Would it not be feasible, however, as far as Kermanshah
Enzeli line is concerned to agree upon a zone which parties would not cross ?
Addressed to Foreign Office 956. Repeated to India.