"تقرير الإدارة عن المقيمية السياسية في الخليج الفارسي للأعوام ١٩١٥-١٩١٩" [و‎‎٢‎٢] (٣٩٦/٥٠)

I
FOE THE TEAR 1915. 83
prevented from exercising authority by the Rais of sowars above mentioned,
and it became clear that the Bakhtiari Khans, seeing the weakness of the
Central Grovernment, had aspirations towards the Governorship themselves.
The Shaikh's relations with the Bakhtiari Khans remained outwardly
friendly throughout the year. He had however reason to believe that Sirdar
Jang, Ilkhani, had instigated the trouble with some of his tribes.
Sirdar Jang and Sirdar Bahadur were replaced by Sirdar-i-Muhtasham and
Amir-i-Mujahid as Ilkhani and Ilbegi respectively. The latter of these the
Shaikh regards as his friend and well wisher and his appointment was conse
quently welcome to him.
In October, His Majesty's Consul-General for Ispahan with his staff and
ail British subjects resident in Ispahan, arrived in Ahwaz, whence most of them
left after a short stay for various destinations. Mr, Grahame, His Majesty's
Consul-General, took up his quarters at Ahwaz and remained there in charge
of Bakhtiari affairs.
After the conclusion of local hostilities, the Shaikh of Mohammerah's rela
tions with the surrounding Arab tribes gradually became normal.
The Shaikh of Mohammerah received and returned several visits with his
friend Shaikh Mubarak of Kuwait. When the latter died in October, Sir
Khazal Khan went to Kuwait to take part in the funeral ceremonies and to
help to arrange affairs.
This Department worked smoothly throughout the year at Mohammerah.
Charges of extensive frauds were brought
Customs. against the Director at Ahwaz, who w f as
replaced.
Through the courtesy of the Director of Customs, all Customs formalities
and dues were waived in the case of vessels proceeding up the Karun in connec
tion with military operations and supplies intended for troops at Ahwaz.
A British Sub post-office was opened at Ahwaz in November and a weekly
postal service by launch between Moham-
Posts - merah and Ahwaz was contracted for with
Messrs. Strick Scott & Co.
In January, the reconstruction of the old line, which had only been com
pleted from Borasjun to Ahwaz and
Telegraphs. Mohammerah, was continued towards
Shushter and Dizful. Owing to disturbances work had to be stopped and was not
recommenced till November when the work was completed. Till then communi
cation with Dizful had been impossible for many years. The line between Beg
and Borasjun was wrecked early in the year, which has necessitated traffic to
the interior of Persia going through Karachi.
Except for the interruption already mentioned, the Ang-lo-Persian Oil
British intent.. Company continued operations. Progress
was made with the new 10 pipe line. This
Company also undertook some important Admiralty work at Abadan. A new
stern-wheel steamer the " Aminiyeh " was put on the upper Karun for the
carriage of material from Ahwaz to Dara Khazina.
Messrs. Lynch Brothers continued their business but were handicapped
by the great calls made on them for river craft in connection with military
operations. They supplied some vessels besides barges.
Owing to disturbances in the Bushire hinterland, there was a great increase
in imports by Mohammerah for Ispahan and Tars. The Lynch road remained
open for traffic throughout the year.
Owing to breaches on Persian neutrality by German Agents, it was found
. T , , necessary to remove the Agents of Messrs.
Poi-eign interests. ^ Wanokhaus & Co. from Mohammerah
and Ahwaz. Mirza Abdul Karim, who was appointed to collect the firm's
outstandings, died at Mohammerah in September, and the firms effects were
then removed to Basrah to be dealt with by the Controller of Hostile Trading
Concerns.