ملف ٣٤٤٣\ ١٩١٤ الجزء ٣ "الحرب الألمانية: أفغانستان وبلاد فارس؛ العملاء الألمان؛ القوات البريطانية في شرق بلاد فارس" [و‎‎١‎٤‎٨] (٣٤٥/٣٠٦)

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JSub-enelo. to Serial No. 254,
Draft Telegram.
Telegram Sd. ; dated the 6th December 1915.
From -Major W. F. OTonnor, C.I.E., Consul at Shiraz,
To—Minister, Tehran.
Copy Foreign, Simla.
With regard to proposed exchange of prisoners might I venture to urge
that attempt should be made to arrange this matter direct with Khans of
Tangistan on conditions first proposed, namely, our release in return for release
of bennan and Persian subjects deported from or confined on Persian terri
tory and repayment of monies confiscated from Khans. There are eight
Europeans including Dr. Azzopardy and Mr. Christmas now held prisoners in
South Persia, one Ceylonese British subject and some thirteen or more Indians
Private and Government property confiscated on botti sides would presumably
be exchanged at same time. Amount of such property at Shiraz is very
considerable. J
With regard to question of Bushire I venture to suggest that Your
Excellency should endeavour to arrive at mutually satisfactory arrangement
with Persian Government simultaneously. There is no doubt that some suit
able arrangement could be devised and in any case nothing could he more
unsatisfactory than present situation involving as it does complete stoppage
of trade and perpetuating hostilities with Khans and people of Southern Persia.
In case objection should be raised to negotiating directly with Khans
regarding exchange of prisoaers might I venture to point out that similar cases
have occurred in other countries where British subjects have been held to
ransom in which case negotiations have necessarily had to be held with per
sons in actual possession of captives and terms made with them.
I venture in conclusion respectfully to submit that conditions under which
we are forced to live are such as render life very difficult for Europeans and
that in case of sickness most elementary necessaries and comforts are entirely
lacking.
Addressed Minister, Tehran, repeated Government of India.
255
Telegram No. 3088* B., dated tbe 22nd December 1915.
From—The Honffile Lientenant-Colonel Sir P. Z. Cox, K.C.S.I., K.C.I.E., Political
Resident in the Persian Gulf, Basrah,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Delhi.
Please see Deputy Resident’s letter No. C.-439, dated 13th Decemoer to
your address. I am of opinion that the matter is one which should be dealt
with by the Government of India and beg that no action be taken on it except
to forward it to Government of India in the Foreign Department for treatment.
Addressed Politicab Bombay, repeated Foreign and Bushire.