'General information on Persia for any future edition, 1895' [‎63v] (117/211)

30
Inclosure 2 in No. 30.
Vice-Consul Devey to Consul Lloyd.
gj r Van, December 30, 1890.
I PAID a visit to the Governor-General, and again addressed his Excellency upon
the accusations made against Shakir, and also upon the numerous cases ot sheep
stealing and other crimes which have occurred lately. His Excellency was kind
enough to fix an appointment and summoning the vilayet “ Mektuhji,” caused him
to note down the items as per list of crimes and other incidents (with translation)
inclosed. This document, put in form of question and answer, was received hy me a
few days ago.
Shakir, it seems, had a very serious illness eight or ten weeks ago; he is scarcely
yet convalescent, and certainly not in a fit state to be brought to this town.
In respect of administrative measures adopted with a view to preventing the
recurrence of outrages in surrounding districts, recent letters may have thrown some
light on this subject. The police force and the efficiency of the military have been
raised, and measures have been taken to put a stop to border raids, and I also hear that
the Persian authorities are likewise making a serious effort on their side.
I regret, however, to have to report that a bad raid took place at Khuzu
village again some six weeks ago. Two men were killed and one wounded, and
450 sheep carried off; women are said to have had miscarriages through fright. The
situation of this village, 6 or 7 miles from the bridge over the Bashkaleh stream (near
which Major Clayton, then Vice-Consul at Van, had an encounter with robbers, I
believe, on one occasion), and at the foot of wild frontier mountains, is peculiarly
exposed, and the valleys around noted as the haunt of brigands. The malefactors in
this case are said to have been a hand of thirty, mostly Shikiak Kurds, from a distance
of 25 miles across the border. Two Nestorians from the village are now here to put
forward the case, which is meeting with the earnest attention of the Government, and
special measures are, I understand, under consideration in view of the particular
circumstances.
I have, &c.
(Signed) GEOEGE POLLAED DEVEY.
Inclosure 3 in No. 30.
List of Crimes ; and Answers.
(Translation.)
1. IT is reported that 300 sheep were raided from the village Zireklu, Adeljivaz
Caza.
In the despatch from the Ka'imakam of that Caza, dated the 23rd October, 1306,
the restitution of these sheep was announced.
2. By the Kurd named Mehe of Kiumar Nahiyye, in Arjish Caza and his
associates were stolen on the 1 st September, 1306, 121 sheep, one donkey, and a few
chattels, the property of an Aleppo sheep merchant named Mikhail.
The articles stolen were restored by the local authorities, and the culprits were
arrested and delivered to the Courts of Justice.
3. Erom Zeranis village in Van district, on the 5th October, 1306, a number of
sheep were stolen by robbers of the Arusan tribe of Persia.
The need of restitution has been announced to the Persian authorities.
4. Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul asserts that forty cows were carried off from
the village Kabobik, in Bergri Caza, by Arusan Kurds of Persia. The authorities are
not aware of this, but a number of sheep were stolen in the beginning of September
1306, or thereabouts, by these Arusan.
Correspondence is being carried on with Persian authorities on this subject.
5. Two months ago seventy-one sheep were stolen from Aktash village under Van
by Hasan Agha’s men of the Alend tribe of Persia.
The sheep were restored by the authorities.
6 . Some sheep were stolen on the 22nd October, 1306, from Dagveran village
under A an by Mohammed Sheikh of Ijare village, in Chaipere Nahiyye, in Persia,
and others.
Correspondence is being carried on with the Persian authorities for restitution.