File 5257/1919 'Persia: the Military Commission' [‎44v] (93/534)

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• rni, mantral dpSGTt of PgTSI^, OH 9 /CCOIIIlt of Ictek of
86 . Central Region.—The g „ DO rt the scanty population living on its
rainfall and water generally cannot even SMjwrt tBe sea y v v
borders, IVnrSa^.—Azerbaijan with its damp climate
87. Norm- n esi, .\onu, f ■ beine so well watered, is one of the most
m the northern portion on account of its being ; o ^ ^
fertile parts of Persia Wheat is f^^/out extensively. It is estimated that b
A?eSian1an support P some 20,000-30,000 men in addition to its normal population.
AZ6 The' CaspianTttoral is almost as fertile as ^erbaipn rice and tobacco being
the chief products. The country is thickly wooded and is weH watered.
In the case of the Astarabad district, the products mignt be considerably
increased having regard to the fertility of the soil, the water supply and climatic
conditions. At preslnt m this district sufficient supplies are barely obtainable for
local needs. Cattle and horse-breeding are carried on m this district.
In the Tehran area, the supply situation is difficult, considerable imports being
required for local needs. •, » r? ,
4 88 . Eastern. —The eastern frontier, between the desert and Afghanistan, con
tains some of the most fertile districts in Persia. Khorassan and Sis an m norma*
years produce supplies far in excess of any probable requirements. The Qamat,
however, produces barely sufficient for its own needs. It is estimated that K. orassan
alone could support 100,000 men in addition to its normal population, the lack of
communications here, as in the remainder of Persia, militates against export and
there is therefore a large surplus of grain.
89. Western. —In pre-war days Kurdistan, Kermanshah and Luristan produced
considerably more grain than was required for local consumption. The surplus of
Kermanshah alone was calculated at 20,000 tons. During the war, however, owing
to the ravages of the Turks and the Russians, conditions have changed, and recently
the troops operating between Hamadan and Khanikin have been maintained with
difficulty owing to the fact that such a small portion of the grain-bearing area was
put under cultivation.
Conditions have now begun to improve steadily, and in a short time should be
normal. As the central desert is approached the fertility of the country becomes less
and less, and Kum, Kashan and Yezd have to import for local consumption.
Arabistan in normal years also produces a large surplus of grain; it has been
calculated that Northern Arabistan can support 20,000 men over and above her
normal population, while Southern Arabistan could maintain some 10 , 000 .
90. Southern. —On account of the insecurity of the communications and the
disturbed state of the country, the southern provinces have to some extent lost their
former prosperity. Even so, Ears is able to maintain Yezd in normal times and
still have some surplus, while it is estimated that Kirman could support some 5,000
men.
As security increases and more land is put under cultivation the southern
provinces should be able to cope with all possible needs with little difficulty.
Recently much harm has been caused in Ears oy locusts. This occurs frequently.
Conclusion.-—To sum up, except as regards the desert regions, the supply
situation m Persia should normally present, no great difficulties. Except in the case
o e e ran area, Yezd, Kum and Kashan, there are already supplies in excess of
dislocation^ reqmrements ’ and a11 needs for the army should be met with no great