File 3443/1914 Pt 3 'German War: Afghanistan and Persia; German agents; British troops in East Persia' [‎62v] (135/345)

6
and all Mussulmans. They should defend the right and fight against the
enemies of Islam, and turn them out of Persia. To-day the enemies of our
country are the Russians and English. Their cruelties to Persians must be
observed and how they have behaved at Tabriz and other places, but Persians
according to their habit are patient everywhere, thinking that perhaps the
Russian and British Governments will lessen severity of their treatment.
But their cruelties and bad treatment is continually increasing against us.
Now the patience and forbearing of the Mussulmans is finished. If we take
only one example, viz., the bombardment of the Shrine of Imam Reza, is
this not enough to raise the indignation of all Mussulmans ? Such a disgraceful
occurrence touches the heart of all Mussulmans and reminds them of the
days of the Ashura. If we had any faith we should have sacrificed our lives
at that time. Since then the Almighty and our sacred prophets have directed
the Government of Germany to make friends with tne Government of Islam,
and they have in vengeance nearly destroyed the British and Russian
Governments. Now we see that many countries belonging to Russia and
Britain are in the possession of the Germans, and many of them have been
killed and taken prisoners.
In all districts of Persia the residents have shown their bravery and
patriotism and have driven out the enemy from their land with the exception
of Khorasan which has allowed British and Russians to remain.
In Kerman the people and the Government have united and driven out
the Russians and British with disgrace.
Lastly you must rise also, O! Chiefs O! brothers, do not permit them
to take from us forcibly our Kalmah:—Lailahilkllah Muhammad. ur
Rasulullah. Do not permit them to make our mosques into churches. Rise!
Our Prophet has ordained this 4 ‘Those who have faith should love their
countries”. Where, then, is your love of country? Show it now! To-day
the Russians and British have extended their hands over sacred matters.
I swear by God—Almighty God—that, death is far better than to live
in this disgrace. This servant of his country is waiting for a favourable reply.
AHMED AL HUSAINY,
AL RAZaVL
201
/
Telegram P., No.'l L2-F., dated the 2&nd (received *24th) February 1916.
From—His Britannic Majesty’s Minister, Tehran,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Delhi.
(This telegram has apparently been addressed to Foreign Office, London.)
I only received your telegram No. 85 last night and messages from
India and Gulf have also been much delayed. Government of India’s telegram
No. 1227-H. has not yet reached me, but it is understood that my observations
are asked for on views expressed in their telegram No. 348-D. S., which debars
Sykes from political relations with Kawam and defines primary object of his Mis
sion as raising of Military Police. In my opinion this is unpractical. Support
Kawam should be our immediate object and for this purpose I consider Sykes
should take with him money, men, arms and ammunition and, if possible, a tew
small guns and should get into touch with Kawam at whatever place is mos
convenient as soon as possible. Suggestions contained in Cox’s telegrams
Nos. 682-B. and 685-B.of February 14th have my entire concurrence. Forma ion
Military Police. It must necessarily take too long to be of any immecdate us®
and appears to me to be of secondary importance and we can sufficiently p 10
vide for it in our treaty with Persia.
Send to India, Sir P. Cox.
. I