ملف ١٧٤٩\ ١٩٢١ "الخليج الفارسي:- ملخصات إخبارية للمقيمية البريطانية ١٩٢١-١٩٢٥" [و‎‎٢‎٠‎٨] (٤٩٤/٤٣٠)

The Sheikh was naturally much concerned at this news, firstly at an
attempt to reinstate Sheikh Abdul Karim which would be certainly resisted by
the Chenana and thus caused a serious disturbance on his-border, secondly, because
the Walls claim to this territorry is not justified, and thirdly, because at the request
of His Majesty’s Vice-Consul, Ahwaz, he had accepted the responsibility for law
and order of this tribe as a temporary measure. The Sheikh has replied to the
Wali in friendly terms to the effect that he is sure that the Wali will not press for
the appointment of Sheikh Abdul Karim over this tribe when he is aware that
Abdul Karim is a subject of Mesopotamia and an outlaw, and that any question of
boundary can be easily settled between themselves in the winter. His Majesty’s
Vice-Consul replied to the Wali that he was a little surprised at his intention to show
such kindness to a man who had been deposed from his headship and was an outlaw,
and considered the matter must be due to some misunderstanding for such an action
could only have unfortunate results.
Th6 Wall’s messenger, however, one Qaid Hussein, who was subsidized by the
British during the war, lias created a considerable amount of unrest and excitement
during his journey through the district by absolutely unauthorized talk, it is thought
more in order to focus attention on himself than with any other object.
Extreme heat has been experienced during July and the Dizfulis state that
they have never known it as hot before. The city has been without life, the popu
lation either remaining day and night in their Shabadans or immersed in the river
Diz.
Isfahan— (lith June — 24th July).
The condition of the town is satisfactory, but a feeling of uncertainty exists.
The activities of the Russian Minister in Tehran, the news of the landing of Russian
troops at Enzeli and the unfavourable reports received regarding the situation in the
capital have produced an unsettling effect on the town generally.
No one believes that the Medjliss will last long or do any good work, and the
general opinion is that the present cabinet will fall shortly.
I The roads continue to be infested with robbers and no satisfactory arrange
ments have as yet been made for their security. One day the gendarmerie is
ordered to take charge of the road and the following day the Governor General
is asked to take over the responsibility, but neither is supplied with sufficient funds.
Owing to the unusually good crops of W'heat and barley, prices have declined
greatly but little business is being done as owners are holding back for higher prices.
A large supply of Russian kerosine has arrived and prices which had gone up in
May to Krs. 44 and more, have fallen to Krs. 1G per Shah man.
Shiraz.
Orders have been received from the Ministry of Finance for the disbandment
of the “ Nizam ” troops, but so far have not been confirmed by the Ministry of V ar.
As a result of the agitation by the Mullas and others for their retention (in demon
stration of their hostility to the South Persia Rifles), the Prime Minister has telegraph
ed and enquired of the Governor General whether the latter thought any portion of
the “ Nizam ” should be retained. The sense of the Governor General’s reply
Was that the Prime Minister should specify to what armed force the former should
look for support, and in view of wages still mounting up, to ask for an urgent decision.
In accordance with instructions received from His Majesty’s Minister, the re
duction of the South Persia Rifles has commenced, and the force in Shiraz has been
reduced by one squadron of cavalry, one company of infantry and one section of the
Machine Gun Company and other details. There has been no untoward incident
I so far, though the reduction has shaken for the moment the fighting value and morale
of the force. The Persian officers are more sorrowful than anything else, and bitter
against their own Government.
On July 9th, taking advantage of mourning ceremonies for a religious digni
tary, the anti-Bahai and anti-Governor General agitators held crowded meeting
in a mosque. Sardar Nasir, deputy to the Governor General, fearing trouble, had