File 3443/1914 Pt 3 'German War: Afghanistan and Persia; German agents; British troops in East Persia' [‎132v] (275/345)

4
Lynch’s road thus remains the sole source of supply for enemy forces in
Ispahan.
Were the Russian likely to reach Ispahan in very short time the measure
might not be worth while, but as I understand that contrary is the case it would
seem in our interests to close this channel of supply and Russians would
probably welcome measure.
We should no doubt need to compensate Bakhtiaris for whole or . portion
of tolls at present received by them from Ahwaz road. The amount involved
monthly will be ascertainable from statistics of traffic.
■Would you consider general question in consultation with Bussian
authorities as you may think necessary. It is no use to . discuss details until
we are agreed on general question as to whether some action in this direction
is desirable.
69
Telegram ft., No. 193, dated the 22nd (received 23rd) January 1916.
From—The Deputy Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Delhi.
Situation. Governor has received replies from Sheikh Hussein and
Z. K. and Khan of Borasjun referring to first batch of telegrams from Prime
Minister.
First to have written exceedingly truculent letters to Governor saying he
has broken his promise to them (that P) when he came to Bushirethat he
would rejoin them if the English did not evacuate the place, and (had ?) be
come an infidel and no better than the English whom they consider “more con
temptible than dogs ”. They refer to Prime Minister as a traitor and fool and
say they will continue fighting till English are turned out of Bushire.
Khan of Borasjun has sent a long argumentative draft telegram to Prime
Minister in which he says he has received Prime Minister’s telegram with
additions and Prime Minister must have received his telegram very mutilated
as His Eoyal Highness has not answered the points raised.
Khan declares Soulet and Deputy Governor, Kazerun, have taken oath
on koran to join nation and former is sending 1,500 men under his son to
attack Bushire, This is advance guard and Soulet will come himself later
with large force. Incidentally he quotes in extenso the alleged telegram from
Soulet to Shah referred to in my telegram 15-63 and another telegram pur
porting to have been sent by Deputy Governor, Kazerun, and Sultan Ahmad
gendermerie officer there to Committee and all pro-German newspapers report
ing Soulet’s adherence to cause of nation.
Sent to Tehran ; repeated to Foreign and Basrah.
71
Telegram R., No. 197, dated the 23rd (received 2'tth) January 1916.
From—The Deputy Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire,
To-—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Delhi.
(Addressed to Tehran ; repeated to Basrah.)
Deports reached Bunder Abbas that German Zayliz (? Seiler) recently
arrived at Kerman from Yezd has left with number of men for unknown
destination probably Baluchistan. Also that Zugmeyer intends to leave
Kerman shortly.