‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 14. PART II. (From 16th to 30th September 1915.)’ [‎55r] (114/276)

. appendix 319
[l)y. No. 22010)
Telegram P., No. 2062-B., daced 19th September 1915.
(Received in War Section, 21st September 1915.)
From—The 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. , Basrah.
To—The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign and Political Department.
The following has been received from Consul at Ahwaz, No. 115, dated
September 18th, and is repeated to Secretary of State for India and Government
of India. Begins. Seven miles west of Ahwaz oil seepage discovered. This
means that it is distinctly probable that a large oil-field will eventually be
developed in neighbourhood of Ahwaz.
Sent to Basrah and Minister, Tehran. Ends.
Working copy to G. S. (M. O. 3).
Copy to M. S. C., G. S. (M. O. 1, M. O 2).
Telegram R., No. 2068-B , dated 19th September 1915. APPENDIX 320
(Received in^War Section, 21st September 1915.) (^- Ah. 22014)
From—The 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. , Basrah.
To—-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign and Political Department.
My telegram 2040 (By. No. S.-21859), September 17th, and Minister’s
telegram 295 (By. No. S.-22009). September I7tln Bakhtiari. Unless
instructed to contrary I would propose (?) initial negotiations with Il-Khani
and 111-Begi on (line) s indicated in my telegram 108I.-B (By. No.-S. 9989),
May 11th as modified oy Government of India telegram 493 (By No.
S.-10204) May 15th, and Foreign Office telegram 121, May *lst. In regard to
last named telegram however, anticipated in my telegram T.-13 (By. No.
-10788), May 22nd, I would point out that events have shown clearly that
cash payments do not serve purpose and that Bakhtiari require, as I think is
natural, something more substantial and enduring. I trust therefore that I
may be authorized, whilst omitting all reference to their obtaining access to
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. littoral, to negotiate with them on lines above suggested.
Preliminary communications could conveniently be exchanged through
the Shaikh of Muhammareh, through whom Khans have approached me. As
regards promise of assistance in obtaining Governorships, the only essential
one as that of Isfahan, which is in their sphere and on which they have in
practice an undoubted lien, and in regard to which they are I think entitled
to claim our assis'ance, especially as there is some reason to hope Isfahan will
eventually be recognised as part of our sphere. Conclusion of a satisfactory
agreement with Khans, which should include a permanent settlement of
Shaikh and Bakhtiari troubles, would be of such immense political and strate
gical value to us that I earnestly hope Government will consent, without delay,
delegation to negotiate on above lines.
Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Muhtasham has on several occasions during past ten years
himself made overtures for closer political relations between the Bakhtiari and
His Majesty’s Government, and there is every reason to think he would
prove amenable now ; the fact he has taken first step through the mediation
of Shaikh is of some importance. We need to remember that newly appoint
ed Il-Khani and Il-Begi may be expected to remain in power for some years to
come and if opening offered by them be neglected now, it will not probably
recur
In this connection I have to report that from correspondence received
by this mail from Bushire it is apparent that Saulat-ud-Dauleh has now sided
with hostile element amongst Khans of the Bushire hinterland and he and
his lieutenants have been writing menacing letters to our adherents adjuring
to sink differences and join forces against us I believe this could have been
avoided had my advice to offer other inducements than money been taken when
it was submitted.
Addressed India, repeated Minister, Secretary of State for India,
163
W^orking copy to G. S. (M. 0. 3).
Copy to M. S. C , G. S. (M. 0. 1, M. O. 2 ),