این مدارک از مرکز اسناد انگلیس در شهر کیو گاردن در نزدیکی لندن و در مرکز اسناد آمریکا در ایالت مریلند در منطقه کالج پارک ،در سالهای گذشته جمع آوری شده است. کپیه اصل این مدارک موجود است و سعی خواهم کرد که بخشی از اصل مدارک رادر آینده در وبلاگ خود جهت اطلاع خوانندگان درج کنم.
خلاصه ای از مقالات انگلیس در مورد نایبیان
PERSIA
[43849] No. 3.
Sir G. Barclay to Sir Edward Grey .—(Received December 15.)
(No. 438.)
(Telegraphic.) P. Tehran,
December 15, 1908.
APPOINTMENT of Firman Firma to Governorship of Fars. Your telegram No.
352 of yesterday.
Firman Firma's record in 1906 was, it is true, not good, but he has
improved. His appointment appears to me to offer the best chance of relative
order being restored in the province, and there is no stronger man now
available for the appointment.
Firman Firma would be acceptable locally. The present condition of the
trade routes is almost impossible owing to robberies, and the Governor is a
failure.
I had pressed Firman Firma to accept the appointment, which I understood
had been offered to him, before receiving your telegram, I also assured him of
full support if he governed well.
PERSIA
[43849] No. 3.
Sir G.
Barclay to Sir Edward Grey .—(Received December 15.)
(No. 438.)
(Telegraphic.) P. Tehran,
December 15, 1908.
APPOINTMENT
of Firman Firma to Governorship of Fars. Your telegram No. 352 of yesterday.
Firman Firma's record in 1906 was, it is true,
not good, but he has improved. His appointment appeared Decypher.No. 87.
* * *
14th March, 1911
"Naib Husseyn's contract for his services
with Government expires 22nd on New Year's day and he is in great fear on
hearing a party of gendarmes having passed Qum on their way to Burujerd. He is
collecting all his men around him. Some of his former chief men who are against
him with about 40 men are waiting at Naragh to attack him when reinforcement
arrives from Government.
April 11, 1911
Kashan: Karam Khan after an
encconter with Naib Hussein's party at Kamoo, passed here on Monday with about
20 followers to Mozdabad and returned here sardar Sowalet on Thursday. and they
are in telegraphic communication with Teheran. About 30 Kashi sawars arrived
yesterday to strengthen their party here.
There is a rumour that a
party if Gendarmes coming towards Kashan and Naibs are getting prepared to meet
them in case of attack.
Febuary, 8, 1913
Kashan: Naib Husseyn is
reported to have undertaken to recover the effects etc. robbed from the Carvan
of Akbar Mirza at Shurab on 23th January
( see Isfahan news No 5 para 35 ). He continues his endeavours to obtain
the Governorship of Kashan and is said to have made large remittances to Tehran
with this object.
* * *
April 12,
1913
The new post master recently
arrived from Isfahan has stated that all posts for the East of Persia will be
handed to Naib Hussein's sawars stationed at Natanz and carried by them through
to Naien where they will be handed to the Post Master. and whence the mail from
the East of Persia will be carried to natanz and thence to Ardestan instead of as
formerly via Isfahan.
* * *
May
3, 1913
Kashan: It is rumored that Naib
Husseyn's men have been ordered to proceed to the Shiraz road to assist the
Gendarmerie.
[2416 h—6]
* * *
May 24,
1913
Ardistan:
The signaller, I.E.T.D, reports that Naib Husseyn's Sowars returning from Yazd
were orderly but the villagers had to defray their expences.
June 21,
1913
Kashan:
Typhoid fever continues and is reported rife in Kashan itself and the
surrounding villages. Many fatal cases.
* * *
September
13, 1913
Kashi
Sawars going to yazd are reported to have taken more than 2,000 Tomans from
villagers around Ardestan. Mashallah Khan on hearing this news, dispatched
Mirza Abbas Khan after the Sawars to investigate and report.
* * *
(Qum. 14th March, 1914 I.K.T.E reports
as follows:
About 160 mounted gendarmes with some guns from Tehran passed for
Burujerd and 130 gendarmes on foot also going
there but have halted here for present, Reported three or four of Naib
Husseyn's men have offered to Government fifty thousand tumans for the expenses
of an expedition to Kashan against Naib Husseyn and two of these men with about
50 armed sowars have gone to adjoining villages of Kashan and others will
follow them and assist Government troops if an attack is made on Naib Husseyn.
* * *
This Document is the Property of His Britannic
Majesty's Government.
ARCHIVES.
PERSIA AND CENTRAL ASIA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[49732] No.
1.
Sir G. Buchanan to Sir Edward Grey.
Petrograd,
September 15, 1914.
YOUR telegram No. 736 of 12th September :
Persian gendarmerie.
I
spoke this morning to Minister for foreign Affair as instructed.
His Excellency said that he. knew nothing about
Naib Hussein and reported offer of Russian protection of life and property.
On
my dwelling on the importance of maintaining an efficient gendarmerie for
preservation of order so long as war lasted his Excellency said he entirely
concurred, provided that we did not ask him to provide money necessary for its
upkeep. he would, he said, discuss
various questions to which I had called his attention with M. de Klemm, and let
me know his views later.
[ 2251 q-1]
* * *
[This
Document is the Property
of His Britannic Majesty's Government]
ARQHIVtS,
PERSIA AND CENTRAL ASIA.
Confidential.
[51980] No.
1.
Sir G. Buchanan
to Sir Edward Grey, (Received
September 22.)
(No. 137.)
(Telegraphic,) It. Petrograd, September 22, 1914.
MY
telegram No. 413 of 15th September: Persian gendarmerie.
Russian Government state that they have no intention of protecting Naib
Hussein. Moreover, the latter, though formerly guilty of acts of brigandage,
had for two years not only given no cause for complaints in this respect, but
had even, in conjunction with his son, greatly contributed to the maintenance
of order on Tehran-Ispahan road, they had given Imperial Government no reason
for anticipating a return to his former lawless pursuits.
As regards gendarmerie, Imperial Government consider its utility is
incontestable, and they have already offered to help Persian Government, on far
from onerous terms, a loan of 300,000 tomans for its upkeep, an offer which has
not yet been accepted. Russian Government add that in present circumstances it
would hardly be possible to advance a larger sum.
[2251 y—5]
* * *
January 24,1915.
26.. ....
Ardistan.Numerous complaints have been received
in Isfahan against Sardar-i Sowlat the Bakhtiari governor of that place (son of
Zaigham-ul Sultan)
Kashan. The following report under date of 24th January has been
received from the I.E.T.D. signaller at
Kashan.
Mahmud
khan ESTEKT one of Naib's chiefmen who had run away from Kashan and had joined
Gendarmerie at Qum has returned to Kashan . Reza khan Jouzjany again joined to
Naibs.
Dr.Pugin
arrived during week from Tehran and had good reception by the Naibs and was put
up by Mashallah khan. Dr Pugin has
appointed said Mohamed Thagi Kashani as Turkish consular agent in Kashan.
Dr.Pugin has hoisted Turkish flag at Mashallah khan and Naib Ali's residence
pretending it belongs to Molla Rafail a jew who is Turkish subject: All the
property of Mashallah khan and Naib Ali is placed at the disposal of Molla
Rafail Jew to enable formers to get Turkish protection. Dr. Pugin left Kashan
yesterday for Isfahan.
* * *
Ispahan
News No. 6 for the week ending 7th February 1915
43. CONDITION OF TOWN AND ENVIRONS,
Town has been
quiet though mildly excited over the arrival of the long expected Dr.Pugin who
for about a week had been delaying at Gaz whence he had sent frequent
messengers to enquire without the official reception which he claimed to
receive.
Dr. Fugin entered the town on the
afternoon of 4th February with a considerable following of hired conveyances
and one or two private carriages. The only persons of any importance in the
procession were some members of the Malik ut Tujjar's family, the brother of
Amin -ut- Tujjar, a certain Mirza Muhammad Khan (formerly a dependent of Sarura
ed Dowleh) and some dependents of Zargam - ul- Sultaneh. Dr.Pugin's carriage
was escorted by about 15 sowars from Naib Husseyn, and 3of Juzdani's sowars in
his own pay and a detachment of about 40 gendarmes headed by a Persian Officer.
Three sheep were slaughtered along the route.
Dr.Pugln proceeded to the large house
formerly occupied by the representatives of the Societe du Tombac over which on
4th instant the German and Turkish flags were hoisted. By evening the German
flag had been torn to ribbons (a fact which has struck the Persian
imagination)and has not been seen again.
Since his arrival Dr. Pugin has been
reciting any one who would call on him including a good many persons of the
lower orders whom his followers, stationed at his gate, stop as they pass and
invite into the house. He is reported to have given out that he will drive out
the British and Russian Consuls, himself occupy the Russian Consulate and cause
the Karguzar to be dismissed for failure to furnish him an official reception.
On the morning of the 1st February two
men were hung in the Maidan - e- Shah, one a Qumishehy malefactor, the other
one of the three men concerned in the recent attack on Kahkesh captured and
brought to town by the Sowars of the Governor General. (See I.N.No 5 para 34
end of ).
* * *
Febuary
21, 1915.
Ardestan.
The I.E.T.D. Signaler telegraphs as follows on 21th February.
"Deputy Governor has taken frone
Mirza Abdol Husseyn 1300 Tomans cash besides valuable property carried off from
his and his brother's and late Moad-ul - Sultan's houses and by governor
General's orders has handed over Mirza Abdul Husseyn to Mojahed Sultan who
arrived from Isfahan for that purpose and probably will return with Mirza Abdul
Husseyn. Reported Reza Juzjany is lurking Ardistan- Isfahan road. Fresh lot of
Kashi Sowars have been appointed for Kashan main road. Relived Sowars returning
to Kashan".
* * *
Febuary 21, 1915
Dr.Pugin arrived during week from
Tehran and had good reception by the Naibs and was put up by Mashallah khan. Dr Pugin has appointed said Mohamed Thagi
Kashani as Turkish consular agent in Kashan.Dr.Pugin has hoisted Turkish flag
at Mashallah khan and Naib Ali's residence pretending it belongs to Molla
Rafail a jew who is Turkish subject. All the property of Mashallah khan and
Naib Ali is placed at the disposal of Molla Rafail Jew to enable formers to get
Turkish protection.Dr. Pugin left Kashan yesterday for Isfahan.
* * *
Kashan.
14th March reports:
Naib
Husseyn's contract for his services with Government expires 22th on new year's
day and he is in great fear on hearing a party of gendarmes having passed Qum
on their way to Burujerd. He is collectting all his men around him. Some of his
former chief men who are against him with about 40 men are waiting at Taragh to
attack him when reinforcement arrives from Government.
* * *
F.0.243 /
No.7
From Isfahan,
Grahame
March 15,
1915.
Qum. 14th
March. I.E.T.D.reports as follows: About 150 mounted Gendarms with some guns
from Tehran passed for Burujerd and 130 Gendarms on foot also going there but
have halted here for present. Reported three or four of Naib Husseyn's men have
offered to Government fifty thousand Tumans for the expense: of an expedition
to Kashan against Naib Husseyn and two of these men with about 50 armed Sowars
have gone to adjoining villagers Of Kashan and others will follow them and
assist Government troops if an attack is made on Naib Husseyn.
* * *
March 21,
1915
Camel train arrived
19th March from Qum, reported a robbery
on 11th March at Meimeh, a village about 30 miles of Murchikhurt, when 30 loads
of merchendise (partly property of a British subject) were carried off.
( Kashan.
Enquiries made on 21th March from the I.E.T.D. Kashan show that rumors current
in Isfahan at the end of the week to the effect that Reza khan Juzjani had been arrested and handled over
by Naib Hussein to the Persian Government, are unfounded. Reza khan is in
enjoyment, of full liberty and apparently on the best of terms with Mashallah
khan).
* * *
March
23,1915
Qum. The I.E.T.D. signaler reports 29th March:
Sultan Hussein Agha, chief of Qum
Gendarmes, has detained Haji seyyed Mohammed and Agha Farajullah, two
respectable Kashan merchants, who were on their way to Tehran, accusing them as
being agents of Naib Husseyn. Evidently with the intention of taking some money
from them and has misrepresented that
matter to his headquarters that they are robbers and belong to Naib Husseyn!
Kashan:
The I.E.T.D.signaller reports 29th March as following:
Reza khan Juzjani's men who
had been robbing caravans round about Isfahan have brought the goods to
Kashan. Naib Husseyn is restoring to
their owners the stolen property after taking his commission .
Naib Husseyn is much alarmed at
rumors that troops are coming from Isfahan and Tehran direction to Kashan and
he is molesting people and says if any force is sent to Kashan he will cause
great trouble to everyone. It is said that the number of his two former chiefs,
who are against him at Naragh, are increasing daily. About 200 merchants have
taken refuge in the Persian Telegraph office and protesting to Tehran for
arrest of two Kashani merchants at Qum, by gendarmes who blame them as having
connection with Naib Husseyn.
* * *
April 4,
1915
Kashan. I.E.T.D. Department, 4th April
reports as following:
It is reporting that Naib Husseyn who
has sent about 250 men to Naragh agaist Karam khan and others who also have
about same number of men. They had come into conflict with each other and had
few casualties on each side and Naib
have brought 60 men to Kashan as
prisoners and Karam khan is said to have escaped.
Heavy rain and severe hail
storm on 2th lasted about quarter of an hour. Hailstorms were very large
causing great damage to fruit trees and corps .
Qum
I.E.T.D. Department reports 4th April as follows:
"It is said that officer in charge of the
Gendarmerie has taken 500 Tomans from the two Kashani merchants and has
released them . on condition that they should not leave town without his
permission.
* * *
T HE EN E M Y.
Ardistan. Developements fail. Pro-Turkish movements in Qum and Kashan.
Mashallah Khan offers his
services to Persian Governnent for War.
April 11, 1915
Ardestan. I.S.T.D.reports under
date of 11th April:
Karam khan after an encounter with
Naib Husseyn's party at
Kamoon, passed here on Monday with about 20 followers to MOZDABAD and
returned here with Sardar Sowlat on Thursday and they are in telegraphic
communication with Tehran. About 30 Kashi Sowars arrived yesterday to
strengthen their party here.
(Kashan. I.E.T.D. reports 11th April, 1915.
There is a rumor that a party gendarmes coming towards Kashan
and Naibs are gettjng prepared to meet them in case of attack.
Qum. I.E.T.D. reports 11th April
as follows:
Gendarmes from all station were
called into town and were
dispatched on to some mission towards Mahallat on 9th instant, Hence
rumour afloat they are going to Kashan but I learn from good authority they are
not intended for Kashan.
* * *
Isfahan
12th April, 1915
Sir
I have the
honor to invite a reference to Mr. Bristow's telegram No.9 of 22th January 1914
reporting to you the looting by Reza Khan Juziani of a village some 16 miles
from Isfahan part of which is the property of a British subject.
The name
of the latter is Haji Mirza Abdul Jawad a British Indian domiciled in Isfahan,
temporarily residing in Egypt. The village in question is Hajiabad, and the
total value of the looted property is estimated by his nephew and attorney
Mirza Jafar Mishki at Krans. 15413.50,
as set forth in the translation herewith enclose of his detailed statement.
Since the
date of the telegram above referred to Mr. Bristow was in correspondence both
with local authorities and Major ( now colonel ) Folke at that time commanding the local
Gendarmerie and hopes were entertained of effecting a settlement or partial
settlement of the claim by recovery of
stolen property: As there now appears to be no hope of this, I request permission to add this claim to the
list of claims on the Persian Government as No. 83 of the Isfahan file.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant
G. Grahame
* * *
To:Sir Walter Townley, K.C.M.G,
H.B.M's
Minister and Envoy Extraordinary
Tehran.
April 18, 1915
Ardistan. The I.E.T.D.reports under date of 18th April:
Sardar Sowlat and Karam khan with
all their followers returned
to Mozdabad on monday 12th April.
Qum. The I.E.T.D. reports 13th April as follows:
Gendarms who were sent away from
here as reported last week returned from Neyzar escorting of about 150 camel
loads of
ammunition intended for Tehran.
Major Frick who had come from
Tehran on inspection having investigated complaints against Sultan Husseyn
Agha, chief of Qum gendarmes and one or two other petty officers, finding them
guilty has sent them to Tehran and he is returning to Tehran today.
* * *
April 25, 1915
Ardistan. Karam khan and
Sardar Sowlat, with large party, arrived Ardistan about 19th April and took up
position in the Imamzadeh. the Sowars of Naib Husseyn occupying the
Chaparkhaneh. Hot firing began at dawn on 20th. Eventually the deputy governor
intervened.
Firing ceased. Sardar Sowlat allowed the chief of Naib Husseyn's Sowars and his second in command to keep their arms and horses and remain with the deputy governor, He disarmed the others about fifteen and carried them with all their effects to Mozdabad. Total casualties, one man of Karam khan, wounded, died in the evening.
Firing ceased. Sardar Sowlat allowed the chief of Naib Husseyn's Sowars and his second in command to keep their arms and horses and remain with the deputy governor, He disarmed the others about fifteen and carried them with all their effects to Mozdabad. Total casualties, one man of Karam khan, wounded, died in the evening.
25th April. remaining Kashi road guards for the Naib - Ardestan road have left for Kashan.
(Kashan. Reported that Reza khan Juzjani's Sowars have robbed some
carvans near Kohroud and goods are brought to Kashan and being sold here .
* * *
An Austrain traveller visited
Naibs took photograph of Mashallah 'khan with his Sowars and promised them
every assistance and hopes of setting their affairs.
Mean time telling them that if they go
to frontier, Germans will supply them rifles and ammunition,
* * *
25 april,1915
The German Minister visits the Naibies head
quarters in Kashan and hoists German and Turkish flag at Mashallah khan head
quarters, idicating Naibies are protected by Germany
* * *
[This Document'is the Property of His Britannic
Majesty's overnment.]
NEWS No.
18 FOR THE WEEK ENDING 2nd MAY !915.
Summary
May 2,
1915
(In Qum
and Kashan the reported approach of the Turks to Kermanshah has given rise to
considerable excitement. In the former
there has been difficulty about cashing notes of the imperial Bank of
Persia, in the latter Mashallah khan
has offered his services with those of 3000
men to the Persian Government, should it declare war on any foreign
power).
Pro-Turkish movements
in Qum and Kashan, Mashallah Khan offers his services to Persian Government for
War.
( Mashallah Khand
sends a telegram to central Government offering volenterely his support to fight against any enmy of
Iran. with his three thousand fighting men. While other tribe's Khans such as
Bakhtiari promissed their support to the British only. even agaist)
* * *
NEWS No. 18 FOR THE WEEK ENDING 2nd MAY !915.
Summary
CONDITION OF TOWN AND ENVIRONS.
Undercurrent of agitation continues,
26 April. Meeting of
Clergy in Madsjd i Shah.
Sheikh Had!i & Sheikh Reza arrived from Najaf with "Ahkam".
Governor General calls on Haji
Agha Nouruilah. Differences
arranged.
1 st .May. Meeting of
(Clergy at Takht i Pulad).
Sharif ul Vaezin arrives from Kashan.
29th april. Fireworks for
opening of Medjliss.
2nd May. Bazaar looking
askance on notes of Imperial Bank.
Muttamid i Khakan and
Haji Seyyid Habibulah appointed Deputies.
Democrats purchasing
arms.
Price, stationery.
Wheat Krs. 90-106
& Barley Krs. 45 per Kharvar,
Wheat Bread Krs.1.80 per shah man.
Environs, reported unsafe.
* * *
The war
confidential.
[57023]
Mr.
Marling to Sir edward grey
(No. 183.)
(Telegraphic.) Tehran,
May 8, 1915
Russian Minister informs me dispatch
of troops is very doubtful, as Viceroy of Caucasus has expressed himself unable
to spare any.
Position here, always precarious, thus
becomes critical. Germans, by further expenditure, by playing on Persian
prejudices, viz., hatred of Russia, mistrust of ourselves and Islamic
sentiments, &c, by lying reports of German and Turkish victories, and by
exploiting difficulties of Imperial Bank of Persia, have entirely captivated
public opinion in the capital. In fact, press, Parliament, [? everybody] are
with them. They possess arms and are
enlisting recruits.
In Shiraz, Ispahan, Hamadan,
Sultanabad, and Kermanshah same conditions prevail in different degrees.
All their preparations point to
concerted plan to attack us, and I expect attempt will not be long deferred.
Ministers, though we have made them understand what ultimate result for Persia
will be, are themselves somewhat impressed by German action, and they are
unquestionably afraid to act against very powerful pro-German sentiments of
Tehran. Moreover, they have no force to rely on except police, and are
practically powerless.
Russian, French, and Belgian Ministers
agree with me that immediate dispatch of troops to Enzeli is the only chance of
restoring situation, and it may even now be too late, as Germans, conscious that
cause in Europe is lost, will stop at nothing. What form attack will take I
cannot say. Germans are so completely masters of the situation here that
violence is unnecessary, but it may be different in the provinces.
(Sent to
India, Petrograd, Basra, Bushire, Shiraz, and Ispahan.)
Position here, always precarious, thus becomes critical. Germans
* * *
May 16,
1915
( Kashan. I.E.T.D. reports 16th May that Naib Hussein's
men have had some fighting at Nasharj with Ali Mozbashi. A few casualties on
both sides. Ali Mozbashi escaped. Naib's men looted the surrounding villages.
A band of about 50 men looted two
carvans of merchandise and one of pilgrims near Kohroud during the week).
D.21 May 1915
R.22
Doctor Schaffter C.M.S. just arrived
from Kashan reports the Tehran post robbed about 6 p.m. 20th May at Carava Srai Sangi between Imamzadeh and Targh
by numerous bandits stating themselves to be followers of Chiragh All Khan
Bakhtiari. see my tel. No.35 who shortly afterwards near the same spot attacked
Paquet and his party , including Ali Riza Khan , son of Sara'dar
Muhtashim both of whom escaped unhurt. Declared object was to demonstrate the futility of the Gendarmerie .
Sehaffter
who had been called in professionally by
Naib Hussain was treated with all honors by the bandits .
Graham .
( The
British are so annoyed Naib is in touch with German Deligates, and favors them!
Their reaction is Naming them " Bandits!)
* * *
May 23,
1915.
173.
Kashan. I.E.T.D. under date 23rd May telegraphs:
"Seid Ibrahim, chief adviser of
Naib Hussein, died during week. By his death lost a great and valuable
assistant for which they are much upset and grieved. Naib's men are quite
disorderly and keep plundering and robbing people everywhere that they go.
Naibs are making fortifications and position on the top surrounding hills.
* * *
May 30,
1915
134.
(Kashan,
I.E.T.D. reports 30th May as follows:
" German consul with his staff
from Isfahan passed here during week. He was unable to see Naib but promised to
do so on his return journey.
All Mujtaheds ( Clergies) here
received letter from a Mulla ( shujael Vaezzin)
in Tehran saying it is time to join Turks and make holy war. And placards to that effect have been posted
to town gates and in the Bazaars "
June 6, 1915
196
196
3 or 4 German pass 5th June for Isfahan.
Mohammad khan Savehi with 40 Sowars
joins Naibs
( Kashan.
I.E.T.D. 6th June reports as follows:
German consul passed here during the
week for Isfahan. He paid a visit to Mashallah khan and gave him some presents
and they had private conversation with the promise to sent German flag from
Tehran.
* * *
Three or four Germans passed there
yesterday for Isfahan said in place of DR. Fugin.
Mahmmad
khan Savehi ( Shah-Savan) with 40 Sowars have joined Naibs. Fifteen of Naib's
men have ran away from Kashan towards Natanz. Naibs have sent some men to catch
them up.
206
206
* * *
( Kashan. German consul from Isfahan
has sent a special man to Mashallah khan here with request to supply him with
20 Kashi Sowars
for
Isfahan consulate).
* * *
June 20, 1915
No.215. The enemy.
On
20th June a party as detailed below arrived from Tehran via Kashan:
Two German officers
12 German and Austrian soldiers.
43 Turks and Caucasians.
16 of Naib Hussein's men.
2 officers of him. ( Naib.)
Each
man of the above armed with a rifle and revolver( on entering the town they
concealed the latter)
8 mules leaden with machine guns and etc.
22 mules with rifles and ammunition.
28 mules with baggage.
Most of the horse and
accoutrements of the above party were furnished by Naib Hussein.
* * *
The
German "wireless" is reported to have begun working again at the
beginning of the week but it is difficult to verify the truth of this report as
the approach to the station continues to be jealously guarded by armed men.
* * *
Decode, Isfahan
Dated and
recorded June 20, 1915
My telegram of June 17, No. 126.
Party
mentioned in my reports from Kashan of June 17th arrived today as
followed: 2 German officers, 12 German
and Austrian soldiers, of whom 2 more officers in disguise. 43
"Turks" and Caucasians. 16 sowars and 2 officers in charge from Naib
Hussein. The above are mounted and are armed with one rifle and revolver per
man.
8 transport
mules with maxim machine guns, etc. 22 mules Rifles and ammunition, 29
heavy baggage.
12 Sowars serving German consul left for Kerman
on the 19th of June.
Addressed Tehran, reported Bushihr.
Graham.
* * *
During the
night of 29th/ 30th June another party arrived composed
as
follows:
One German
(Becker?)
1.
German or Austrian in Caucasian uniform,
2.
Burujerdi Sowars, 4 Isfahani Sovars.
All the
above except ,1 armed with rifles
and the 3 Germans with pistols in addition.(This party arrived without its
baggage and is reported to have dropped four Farsakhs outside the town whence
it was fetched in during the night by mules from the German consulate. 55 loads
in all of which a large quantity benzene or (petrol).
* * *
June, 27,
1915
226
(Kashan. On 27th June reports as follows:
Four Germans and Austrians with 17
Persians Sowars arrived here 25th and left 26th for Isfahan. Two German
officers also passed here for Isfahan on 25th by post carriage).
July 4,
1915 235.The enemy:
There
has been considerable activity in the
German camp. Between sunrise and noon on 29th June a party compassed as follows
arrived from Kashan with:
4 Germans(or
Austrians).
18 Persian Sowars.
33mules loaded as follows: 17 with rifles and ammunition. 10 with big boxes (
including machine guns?) .
6 baggage.
During the night of 29th/30th June another party arrived compassed.
* * *
(Kashan.
I.E-T.D.reports 4th July.
236 -
Two carvans from Isfahan were robbed
during the week near Kashan evidently by Naib Hussein's men and one multeer
killed in the act and goods were brought to Kashan.
Mashallah
khan having sticked two men belonging to Amir khan (his brother) for some misconduct a fight ensued between
the two brothers on 21th instant lasting
some hours but Naib Hussein eventually stopped them. Mashallah khan had
one man killed and one wounded badly and Amir khan had two men wounded
seriously.
* * *
236
- July, 1915
Naibs have ordered Kashan and Natanz taxes
to be collected and paid to them and the rate of Krs.6 per Tuman. Total amounts
would come to about 60,OOO Tumans.
* * *
Mashallah khan has confiscated Saham
ul Saltaneh's lands and properties in Kashan. Taking revenge for latter's
son-in-law's (Chiragh Ali khan, Sardar- i Soulat) act, who had looted Naib's Sowars in Ardistan
some time ago.
* * *
Naib Hussein has called his 20 Sowars
who had gone to Isfahan
for the
German consul and they have arrived Kashan on 1st instant).
237. Tehran road.
7th
July. In-coming post from Tehran
reported all parcels (value about 1000 Tomans)
robbed between Tarq and Immamzadeh (Kashan territory) by 40 Sowars of
Chiraq All khan towards sunset on 4th July.
Graham.
* * *
July11,1915
246
Ardistan.
9th /10th July.
About 10th July at Ghaleh Goosheh near
Khalidabad 30 mounted robbers attacked
carvan of some 350 camels moving from Kashan towards Yazd. 34 Mans of opium
seized, 33 bales Yazd goods opend, all silk and shawls taken. Naib Hussein's
Sowars in pursit. Carvan halted at Khalidabad.
( Qum.
seven Germans and Austrians and about 13 Persian Sowars arrived from Tehran on
9th and left on 10th for Isfahan via Kashan.They are bound for Shiraz. They
possess some loads which are in shape of wooden boxes.
A party of about 25 policemen
travelling by Carries arrived and left about the same time as the above party
but it is said that they have no connection with them. They are transferred
from Tehran to Isfahan Nazemieh .
* * *
The chief of Qum gendarmes with 20
gendarmes went to Kashan to see Naibs
and to get back 20 gandarmes who had run away and joined the Naibs and to make
some other peaceful terms with each other.
* * *
(Kashan.
Officer in charge of Qum gendarmerie, with 20 men, arrived
here on 4th and remained till 9th instant. He had interview with Mashallah khan. They had good reception and agreed between themselves to be friendly in future with each other.
here on 4th and remained till 9th instant. He had interview with Mashallah khan. They had good reception and agreed between themselves to be friendly in future with each other.
July 13, 1915
255.
Ardistan. 15th July I.E.T.D. reports:
Two Armenian colporteurs of Bible
Society coming from Anarak were robbed of everything except books, opposite
Telebad near Ardistan by five armed footmen.
Camel caravan which left Ardistan last
night towards Kashan was attack by some mounted robbers two Farsakhs out of
Ardistan. They had opened few bales before Governor's Sowars came up and
started firing when robbers went away carrying only one bale. Deputy governor
states that these robberies are commited by Sardar- i Sowlat's Sowars.
(Qum. One
German and Austrians travelling by post
carriage passed here on the night of 16th for Isfahan.
* * *
July 13, 1915
(
Kashan. By strict orders of Naib landlords are repairing and whitening all the
shops and bazars, repairing the old ones with new good ones & etc, and
Naibs themselves are doing repairs to
water reservoirs and Masjids of the town.
* * *
Secretary of State,
Washington.
August 13, 1916 - 4 p.m.
Strictly confidential.
My telegram August 13, 2 p.m. Shah fearing Allies may wish to force him to
leave Teheran with them, asked me for American flag for 'his protections I expressed regrets hut replied that It was impossible.
Populace fear the same thing and leaders
approached me asking if I would receive mass protest of citizen's of
Teheran. I replied: first; it is my opinion Allies will attempt no such thing.
Second; that I would not be authorized to receive such a protest. I am assured that Allies, contemplate no such move as forcing the Shah to quit Tehran with them in case they leave the Capital.
CAFFERY,
Charge
d' Affaires.
* * *
No.85 August
22, 1915
The Honorable
The Secretary of State
Washington.
Subject:
Russian encroachment.
Sir:
I
have the honor to report about a fortnight ago that about seventeen hundred
Russian Cossacks statationed at Kazvin for the Last
ninety days, started to march to Teheran.
This
occasioned a great
deal
of Anxiety and alarm. the Turkish embassy and German legations
and subjects of each applies to
this legation for protection and brought. their valuables here for safe-keeping.
It
is reported
that H1s Imperial
Majesty and some of his advisors opposed resistance and favored removing the
seat of Government from Tehran to Isphahan. However others were more Belligerent. and I am reliably informed
that Persians to the number of 18000 quietly
collected
arms and ammunition for active
resistance. It is also Reported that different Tribes
offered voluntary assistance to the extent of furnishing several thousand armed
troops if necessary. This was an strange contrast with the hitherto supine
attitude of Persian character and perhaps accounts for the fact that after
marching towards Teheran for one day the Russian Cossacks suddenly turned back
to Kazvin where they are still stationed .
It
has been plausibly that this move by the Russians was only for the purpose of
intimidation to force the appointment of a pro - Russian cabinet. At any rate
it seems to have had that effect.
I
have the honor to be
Sir,
your
obedient servant
John L.
Caldwell Minister.
* * *
January
14th 1917
Kashan. The people have sent a
petition by telegraph to H.R.H Zill Ul -Soltan praying that Mashallah Khan may
be appointed governors, as his present pay is not sufficient for the
maintenance of his Sowars.
* * *
Ardistan. See
parp 2. Mashallah Khan has plundered and destroyed Mozdabad, Amirabad, Zavareh and
Muqar, and is strengthening the fort at Karshahi. It is to be feared that Chiragh Ali and Reza will escape punishment
for their crimes. The government of Yazd apparently took no steps against them and
they are quiet safe in Nain. They have now open negotiations with the force in
Ardistan and Prince Sarem Ul-Dowleh says that he fears it will be necessary to
pardon them. This is unfortunate as there are heavy claims against them.
* * *
H.B.M's
consul General.
P.O. 248/ 1168.
January
21st 1917
11. Province:
Ardistan. Chiragh All and Reza juzjani
have gone from Natanz. Chiragh Ali has written to say that he cannot maintain
his Sowars in one village for any length of time and must move from place to
place. He is still in hopes of getting some employment which will enable him to
support this Sowars, and letters of indemnity from the Russian consul and
myself. I believe that Russian consul has sent him such a letter, but I have
some claims against him.
Mashallah Khan's methods in Chiragh
Ali's seem to have been
drastic
and several women from Mozdaba and Amirabad have telegraphed to H.R.H. Zill Ul - Soltan, and
the Minister of interior complaning for his crulty and Of the killing Of Seven Villagers. Kashan.
Mashallah Khan
has returned here, and his men are
keeping quiet and behaving well. The merchant and Mullas appear to be still anxious that he should be appointed
governor.
* * *
Confidential
Subject: Recent Happenings at Isfahan.
No. 289 May13,
1917
The
Honorable
The
Secretary of State,
Washington
Sir:
I have the honor to report that about
one year ago ' His
Highness,
Prince Zill-es-Sultan, a great uncle of . His Imperial Majesty the Shah,
returned from Europe and was again appointed Governor of Isfahan. (See dispatch
No 186 of July 17, 1916) Some Years
ago His Highness was governor and became notorious for his terrible cruelty
for the
tortured and put political prisoners to death in the most atrocious
manner! He is now nearly ninety-years.
of age and his son the matricide Prince Sarem ed Dowleh,.
who recently retired as foreign Minister, is assisting' his father at Isfahan.
Numerous complaints have
recently come to the Cabinet
and to the different legations of the arbitrary and vicious method recent
employed by this governor , and today it is reported that a few days ago the
Zill - es - sultan put to death three political prisoners without trial, two
being shot and the third put to death in the characteristic manner of this
governor, to- wit, by placing the
offender in plaster of Paris and allowing the same harden. Some twenty years
ago the same governor executed a great number of men in the same manner.
Other
instances of even more nauseating happenings are reported.
I
have the honor to be,
Sir.
Your
obedient servant
John
L. Caldwell
Minister
* * *
Haig: Isfahan Date April 23
1918
Decypher
Mashalle
Khan of Kashan has sent to me a confidential agent protesting his readiness to
serve us in any way. In return he is very anxious for some sort of an assurance
of friendship from the British Legation. As you Know he has a lurid past and was originally a German
partisan but, it is long since he saw the error of his ways and he has behaved
well and kept the road reasonably safe for some time past.
He is so well off now that I think that he may be trusted not to take to road again and I believe it would be worthwhile to conciliate him by a friendly message. He is an energetic man and might be useful, He is anti Bakhtiari. He asserted that Persian Government does not pay him enough for the number of the road guards which he maintains, but I do not consider that he can expect us to help him in this direction
He is so well off now that I think that he may be trusted not to take to road again and I believe it would be worthwhile to conciliate him by a friendly message. He is an energetic man and might be useful, He is anti Bakhtiari. He asserted that Persian Government does not pay him enough for the number of the road guards which he maintains, but I do not consider that he can expect us to help him in this direction
Tel No:: 95 April 24, 1918 GLT no 64 .
It would
be well worth while to
get hold
of Mashallah
- Khan but
it might be embarrassing if at a
later date S.P.R. extended
their
sphere up to
and
beyond Ispahan. Can you negotiate and see exactly what he wants?
I spoke to him and
as his request wrote a letter giving him conformation
E.G.G.April 4
From: Haig, Isfahan
No. 104. May 13 1918
Your Telegram No 95.
I suggested to Mashallah Khan's agent
possibility of S. P.R. coming to Isfahan and asked him how Mashalleh Khan would
view such a move. He said he was
quite prepared to cooperate with S.R.P.
and to help them in every way and all that he wanted was our friendship. I gather that he is anxious. for this in view
of a possible Bakhtiari coalition against him at some future date and I think
in view of what he has said about S. P. R. some assurance might be given
him. It could always be revoked if he
went against S. P. R.
HAIG.
We can certainly give him the assurance of our friendship
provided he understands that any relations we form with him cannot be allowed
to affect our long-standing friendship with the Bakhtiaris
Mr Maclean EGG
C.M.M
What are his money
requirements? C.M.M
Discussed with Minister who approved of a friendly reply
without giving him any expectation of help in money matters. Henry Tel No. 120
May 18 C.M.M.
* * *
Dated 6th
Recd 7th January 1919
Rajab
Ali has occupied Natanz and plundered people and treasure there. Masallah Khan has received orders to proceed against him but appears to about attitude
of Persian Government towards him.
Mashallah Khan is now deserving of our support
and I have assured
him that he may safely
obey orders which
he has received and asked him to do his best to crush this brigand. A little encouragement and expression of approval from the Persian Government would not be amiss.
Your tel.
No . 6
P.M
. inform me that Sardar Sowlat is instructed to attack Rajab
Ali at Natanz. They desire Mashallah Khan to lie
in wait for him at
Kashan in case he should pass that way. If he went
to Natanz they fear he would
attack the opportunity of plundering sowlat's property.
* * *
DecypeNo. 22
Dated 16 Jan.1919.
Recd. 17
HAIG,
ISPAHAN.
I am informed that the Persian Govt, have diminished
Mashallah Khan's allowance for sowars by 500 tomans a month with a view to
increasing that of the Governor of Ispahan by this amount.
It is of course important that the allowance of the
latter should be sufficient, but unless the Persian Govt, have other
arrangements in view, we must rely on Maahallah Khan for keeping order on the
Tehran road, for help against the brigands when Sirdar Jang attacks then and
-or assistance in the Kashan election, and it
would be better to avoid, if
possible, alienating him by reducing his allowance.
* * *
Your tel No 6
P.M
. inform me that Sardar Sowlat is instructed to attack Rajab
Ali at Natanz. They desire Mashallah Khan to lie
in wait for
him at Kashan
in case he should pass that way. If he went
to Natanz they fear he would
attack the opportunity of plundering sowlat's property.
* * *
March 9,
1919
57. the refugees from Naraq, having received
4,00 Tomans from the finance agent at Qum and assurance from H.M's minister,
left that Telegraph office at Qum on March 7, to return to Naraq.
Mashallah
Khan of Kashan has 300 soward in Natanz, ready to march against Jafar Quli, but
the Governor says he does not require them at present. I have however, asked Mashallah
Khan to do his best to capture or kill Jafar Quli, should he enter the Kashan
district.
It was
reported during the week that Jafar Quli had gone from Quhrud, through
Murchehkhurt, to Tirun, but this was a mistake He sent some of his Sowars in
that direction to get cartriges, but he himself is between Nayestanak and
Mushkin. The Bakhtiari Sowars, who had
been pursuing him, returned to Isfahan during the week, but have again been
sent out.
* * *
short news collected by the
British Counsel in Espahan
Deycepher
No. 60.
Dated,
12th
Recd,
13th, March, 1919
Haig, Isfahan.
My
telegram:·No.62.
Mashallah Khah has received order from
Tehran to join Gendarmerie with all his men. he is not prepared to obey this
order as he has no confidence in Persian Govt.
He
wishes to disperse with sowars and retire from road but . says that he
cannot accept assurance of Persian Government as a cabinet hostile, Our
assurances as well. He has about 400 sowars and 200 Tufangchis. The horses of
sowars and ammunition all are his private property.
His men cannot be disbanded or they
will become brigands. They should be taken into the service of Persian
Government but Mashalla Khan will expect to be paid for their horses and arms.
* * *
March 16, 1919
62. The decision
have begun in Kashan. The Persian Government have telegraphed to the governor
of Kashan telling him to order Mashallah Khan to go to Tehran and to disband
his sowars. The pursuit of Jafar Quli has been continued throughout the week.
From Nayestanak he went to Ardistan, but there attacked by Zaygham-ul Saltaneh and
Ibrahim Khalil Khan, the brother and Brother-in-law of Sardar- i- Sowlat. They inflicted some loses the gang, drove it off, and pursuit it, but were forced
to abandon the pursuit when their ammunition gave out.
The Bakhtiari Sowars
sent from Isfahan arrived at Ardistan in pursuit of Jafar Quli; and Ali Mohamad
Khan, son of Sardar-i Zafar, also arrived there from Nain, and continued the
pursuit, but Jafar Quli had too long a start and fled westward passing near
Gaz, 12 miles north of Isfahan.
Information received
that he was making for Mirabad, on the Khonsar road, but Riza Juzjani has
telegraphed from Turin to the merchants in town to say that Jafar Quli joined him with 50 Sowars, all in a wretched
condition.
I have not yet ascertained what step the Government propose
to take next.
Reza Juzjani has been
fortifying himself at Turin.
* * *
March 23, 1019
67. I omitted to mention in last week's news
that an important member of Jafar Quli's gang had been killed. This man, Mehdi
Khan, was supposed to be the man who wounded my predecessor Mr. Graham, and is
known to have committed several murders. He was sent to India as a prisoner of
war, but was released and sent back to Persia. On his way to Isfahan, where I
was to have supplied him with funds to enable him to continue his journey, he
joined Jafar Quli's gang. The week
before last he went to Ushturjun,
intending to take from the
Kadkhoda of that village, a very fine mare which he had. The Kadkhoda shut the
gate of the village fort on him and when he demanded admittance shot him.
Besides his arms, a bomb was found on him. His body was brought to Isfahan and
carried through Bazars. The governor allowed the Kadkhoda to keep the horse and
arms of the deceased.
[ The Consule admits
that although Mehdi Khan had wounded mr.
Haig and killed several persons. he had to supply him with money and supplies(
guns and bombs to join Jaffar Quli and kill him} This proves the British uses
the bandits to get rid of each other!?]
March 30, 1919
77. Enemy agents:
Wassmuss and Oertel with an Indian and three others passing
as Qashqais, passed northward via Quhrud to Kashan during the week, avoiding
Isfahan. The party was riding, wassmuss
passed as Mr. Witt, an English carpet
merchant- from Bushehr, and Oertel,
apparently as a Russian.
They sold three rifles to Mashallah Khan of Kashan. At Kashan
or between that place and Qum, they seem to have persuaded two Russian
officers, captain Lesli and Lieutenant Boyarski, to let them have their
carriage.
For the Russian officers who
left Isfahan a week ago were seen near Pasangan riding, and Wassmuss and Oertel
were seen a stage behind them. At Sensen,
in a carriage. The Germans were fortunately arrested at Qum by the Gendarmerie.
* * *
Decypher 1.April
1919
No. 87. Haig Ispahan
Soper Shiraz telegraphs
that they are
willing to enlist any of
Mashallah's men who are medically
fit and adequately guaranteed. I am
not sure what Persian Government propose
to do about Mashallah Khan or how far
negotiations have progressed
but if his force is to be
broken up this seems
to be a good way of
disposing of it. Is
there any objection to my
broaching subject to Mashallah Khan ?
Shall I ask
Etela- ed-Dowleh? EGG.
Please do DL .
Spoke to him
and at his request I wrote a
letter giving him purport of
above. EGG April 4
Etela - ed -
Dowleh told me today that Vossuq
Dowleh's view is that, it would be
a good plan to enlist these people in the S.P.R. At the same
time he thinks that it should be
borne in mind that if Mashallah
Khan wished at any
time to make further trouble for the P.G. this arrangement would give him a
"point d'appui" in
Fars and His Highness
hopes that Mashallah Khan would not
be permitted to take advantage
of it. Mashallah Khan appears
to be unwilling to come to Tehran
(1) because he mistrusts the P.G. (2) because he
is afraid his property at Kashan
will be raided in his absences.
As to (1)the P.G. ask us to assure Mashallah Khan that they have no
intention of harming him but
it is desirable that he should
come to Tehran where
various matters can be
better settled by personal intercourse. As to (2)
the P.G proposes to send a detachment of
Gendarmerie to Kashan where his
property will be safe under their
protection.
The P .G.
further thinks that Mashallah khan ought to be
absent himself for a year or two to let
matter lapse into oblivion.
Then he
can come back
with a clean sheet. II/4
See also 'Pol Sit' 70 ( in
this box)
see reply to (
70) dated 12 April BL.
* * *
April 6, 1919
80. It is reported
from Kashan that Mashallah Khan has gone to Kahar-Shahi, His stronghold, taking
with him 50 sowars, provisions and some masons. His intentions are not known.
* * *
April 13, I9I9
86. It is reported from
Ardistan that the Sowars of Sardar-i Sowlat
having received no pay since they returned from Qum, have dispersed.
* * *
The election at Kashan have been postponed, under orders from
Tehran, for one month. Mashallah Khan whose departure from the town was due to
apprehension excited by a summon to Tehran, has now returned to Kashan.
* * *
88. Governor General and
Persian officials:
I have had considerable troubles lately over some camels and
bales of goods stolen by Jafar Quli from a caravan of Messrs Sofer & Co. At
first it was reported that the Bakhtiari Sowars had recovered the camels and
loads and that they were with them, and then that Mashallah Khan's men had
recovered them when Jafar Quli was fleeing from Ardistan towards Turin, and I
have been writing and sending continually to Mashallah Khan, urging him to
compel his Sowars to return the goods and camels. I am now credibly informed that the Bakhtiaris Sowars recovered the camels and their loads,
during Jafar Quli's flight towards the Yazd province and Sardar-i-Jang, not
knowing that the carvan had belonged to merchants under British protection,
had, at the instance of Prince Humayun Mirza ( Amir Arfa) given the camels to the Prince as
compensation for a robbery committed on some of his men by Jafar Quli.
Sadid-Ul- Molk, as Deputy Governor, appropriated the loads
and I am trying to recover both the loads and the camels. I have advised Messrs
Sofer & Co, to send the owner of the camels to identify them. Sadid-Ul
Dowleh has just been dismissed, but do not know whether it is in connection
with this case.
[The British were trying to
blame any wrong doing in the central part of the country in Nayebies!? and one
notices that any Persian merchants or individual who were under British
protection! had to be protected in every possible manner! ]
* * *
April 20, 1919
91. Governor has
now issued orders that the election at Kashan to be proceeded with, under the
supervision of Massallah Khan.
Mashallah Khan has made up his mind to
go to Tehran.
95. ... A severe sandstorm, lasting practically throughout the week, is reported from Kashan. Crops have been
damaged, many trees up-rooted , and walls and buildings destroyed. A severe
sandstorm on April 15, is reported from Ardistan. fruit trees have suffered and
much damage was done to the crops. The damage done is estimated at about 10,000
Tomans.
* * *
April 1919.
Decypher.
No. 87. Haig Ispahan.
Soper Shiraz telegraphs
that they are willing to enlist any of Mashal lah's men who are medically fit
and adequately guaranteed. I am not
sure what Persian Government propose to do about Mashallah Khan or how far negotiations
have progressed but if his force is to be broken up this seems to be a good way
of disposing of it. Is there any
objection to my
broaching subject to Mashallah Khan ?
Shall I
ask Etela ed Dowleh? E.G.S.2/4
Please
do. B.L 2/4
I spoke to
him and as his request wrote a letter giving him conformation
E.G.G.April
4.
* * *
May 4, 1919
103. There has
recently been some trouble in Kashan. Mashallah Khan suspected one Haji Kazem
Khan, a former Mujahed, of being a terrorist told off to kill him and demanded
that proceedings should be taken against him. Mashallah Khan was much disturbed
and announced that he would not go to Tehran. Haji Kazem Khan was sent off to
Tehran and Mashallah KHan became more reasonable. The latest information is that he has sent Mohaghegh-Ul Dowleh
Badi to Tehran and that he is delaying his own departure until he has received
reports from him.
* * *
Rajab All who was believed to have disappeared, is again
active with a small gang of fourteen followers and has attacked some villagers
of Soh who were going to Kashan for the harvest, killing one and wounding two.
* * *
Jafar Ghuli and Riza Juzjani are still in Qardijan,
"besieged" by the Bakhtiari. The robbers are fortunately beginning to
quarrel among themselves. One subordinate leader has deserted, with 33
followers, and has come into Isfahan, bringing important information. Two
others who were on the point of deserting are kept by Riza under his own eye,
and their followers have been separated and distributed among the rest of the
force. There has been some fighting between different parties among the robbers
and Sadar-i Jang is hopeful of further dissentions.His information is that Riza
and Jafar Quli intended to escape from Qardijan and make their way to a stronger position, but gave up the idea
owing to the probability of half their followers, of whom they know 400,
leaving them if they got opportunity
* * *
l09. Roads:
Rajab
All with 30 or 35 men robbed two post wagons near Tarq on May 9. Only goods
belonging to British subjects or protected persons were taken. The robbers
evidently had full information of the contents of the wagons and the time at
which they were to be expected to arrive, for they abused the driver for being
late and rewarded the post office official travelling on the wagons with a
quantity of opium. It is certain that Mashallah Khan's road guards were in
league with the robbers, and there is
some reason to believe that Mashallah himself is implicated.
* * *
May 18, 1919
Mashallah Khan's men have been pursuing Rajab
All's gang and are said to have killed many of them and to have recovered all
the stolen property. But the news is not yet confirmed.
* * *
Decyphor.
No 132. Haig Ispahan. 22nd June 1919.
Urgent
If the Persian Government would like
to get rid of Mashallah Khan now I think is their
opportunity. There are 700 S.P.R. here with 4 guns and 4 machine guns quite
keen on the job of this sort and it would
be an excellent thing if the Government could be persuaded to issue orders. I am sure Colonel
Orton would agree. The gendarmerie of Qum could cut Mashallah off from North and he
has not more than 300 men at present.
Mashallah Khan
has rendered some services in the past in keeping the road but I fancy he is a
considerable thorn in the flesh of the PG and that the latter would he quite
willing to "bring him to book. Shall I ask Etela ed Dowleh? EGG 23/6
He asked me for a
safe conduct about two months ago which I gave him with Vossughs' consent ( to
come to Teheran) . Last time I saw Vossugh it was agreed that I should withdraw
it and say it would be considered lapsed if he did not turn up in ten days.
Nawab Saheh, Please draft
saying as you have not seen fit to avail yourself of it, it is now withdrawn.
ML. (Tel to Isfahan No.
107 June 24)
* * *
Decypher ,
June,
I9I9.
No.840/99/8 From Orton Shiraz.
I understand from Fraser that Haig favors operation by Soper columns
against Mashallah Khan of Kashan who has recently refused invitation of Persian
Government to go to Teheran.
I believe Mashallah
Khan to be ordinary type of semi-official freebooter with following exceeding 500. Fraser' s column remains meanwhile at
Ispahan and I consider Soper troops at Ispahan could operate against M.K.
without much difficulty.
But general political situation and attitude of Persian Government are not
clear to me and the issues invented
appear to demand consideration. While the Persian Govt complacently accepts
Soper military efforts at British expense I see but little indication of
reciprocal efforts by Persian Government to help Soper. Soper is not officially and openly
recognized! A notorious example of contrary attitude of Persian Government is
its refusal to arrange for Naser Divans Farrashbashi to be handed over
to us. I submit in return for Soper
help already given Persian Govt might well arrange for the Farrashbashi to be
handed over. Hotson concurs generally with regard to any projected operations
towards Kashan. I await definite proposals and also instructions from India.
Addressed Teheran repeated Simla, Ispahan, and Bushire.
* * *
Decypher No 6
Haig . Isfahan
June 29, 1919
147. Mashallah Khan has sent his son
and brother to Tehran and is said to be leaving himself for Tehran in a few
days time. Most of the Gendarmes have left Qum for Sultanabad, which is in
future to be the headquarters of the detachment formerly station at Qum.
Mashallah Khan has posted a notice on the gates of Kashan and threatening to
punish severely anybody found engaged in Bolshevik propaganda. On the
governor's asking him whether he had reason to suspect the presence of any
Bolshevik agents in the town, he replied that he had only heard rumors that they were likely to visit the town.
* * *
July 6, 1919
153. Mashallah Khan is hesitating whether to
start for Tehran or not. I heared that
he has received a reassuring telegraph from his brother, but that Mohaqqeq-Ul
-Dowleh, who is in Tehran, has telegraphed advising him not to start until he
receives a letter from him. The departure of the gendarmes from Tehran for
Isfahan has much alarmed him. I believe
that he will not obey the summons to Tehran. that he will follow the last
course, as he has made all preparations for flight.
* * *
July 13, 1919
159. The gendarmes have arrived at Qum and are standing fast
there for the present. They number 650 and have 7 guns. Ali Khan-i Mashgooni,
with 12 Sowars, has deserted Mashallah Khan and joined the gendarmes in Qum.
Mashallah is much alarmed and cannot make up his mind whether to obey the
summon to Tehran, oppose the gendarmes, or flee, but it is probable that he
will follow the last course, as he has made all preparations for flight.
* * *
The gendarmes from Kashan have collected sixty rifles from Mehabad and have also
disarmed three of the Mamurs of the Bakhtiari Deputy governor of Ardistan, who
were oppressing the people.
* * *
< CONFIDENTIAL. Section
2.
[1234101 No. 1.
P. Cox to Earl Curzon.—(Received September 1.)
(No. 130.)
My Lord,
Tehran, August 11, 1919.
I HAVE the honour to forward the enclosed Tehran Intelligence Summary,
No. 26 I for period ending the 31st July, 1919.
I have, &c.
P. Z. COX.
Enclosure in No. 1. Tehran Intelligence
Summary, No. 26, for Period ending July 31, 1919.
Political Situation.
HIS Imperial Majesty the Shah proposes to visit
Europe this autumn. Arrangements are now being made for the journey ; but the
date of his departure from Tehran and the details of the "tour have not
yet been definitely settled.
The recent arrival of His Imperial Highness the
Valiahd from Tabriz is accepted as an indication that he will represent the
Shah during the absence of His Imperial Majesty.
In connection with the British peace
celebrations, His Britannic Majesty's Minister entertained the heads of the
British community at dinner on the 23rd July, and held an evening reception
which was attended by members of the Imperial family, by the Persian and Allied
Ministers, and by a great number of Persian officials and notables and Allied
residents. The weather was favorable for the display of fireworks and
illuminations prepared for the occasion.
Prince Salar-el-Lashkar, who has been
Governor-General at Kermanshah, with success, for some time past, has been-
recalled to Tehran for other work.
The pay of many Government administrations is
two or three mouths in arrears. Provincial revenues are not coming in, and the
advances obtained from the British Government are absorbed in military
expenditure.
In Gilan a serious Jungali rising was attempted
early in July in the district of Enzeli . A detachment of Cosacks was
despatched to the locality and attacked and routed the insuregents.
The peace has not been broken on the Afghan
borders, although there were disquieting signs of activity across the frontier,
and some private raiding into Seistan in Chakansur region had to be countered.
No unusual incidents have been reported from the
central and southern provinces. The attitude of Mashallah Khan, the ex-brigand
of Kashan, has been unsatisfactory for some time past, and coercive measures
were contemplated, but he has now notified his intention to comply with the
orders sent to him to appear in Tehran.
The Bakhtiari chiefs, in a recent conference at Ispahan, re-elected
Sardar Zafar as Ilkhani and Sardar Asbja as llbegi for the current year.
The South Persia Rifles columns employed in the Ispahan operations are
now returning to their stations in Shiraz and Kerman.
A detachment of South Persia-Rifles has been stationed on the Bushire
road with headquarters at Bushire..
[793 a- -2]
* * *
short news collected by the
British Counsel in Espahan
[This Document is the
Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
ARCHIVES.
Persia and Central Asia. [September 10.]
Desyper. July
1919
61- Instructions are being sent
to Ali Muhamad Khan son of Sardar-i-Zafar, who has returned to Nain and to Zeygham-ul Saltaneh, brother
of Sardar-i - Sowlat, who is in Ardistan, to act vigorously against him.
Sardar-i - sowlat's Sowars,
numbering about 120, returned to Ardistan from Qum on March 7.
24
Telegram
P., No. 1013-S., dated the l0th July 1919.
From—The
Foreign Sccrctary to the Govommcnt of India in the Foreign and Political Department, Simla,
To—His
Britanic. Majesty's Charge d'Affairees and Special Commissioner Tehran
(repeated
Consul, Shiraz, Orton, Ispahan and General Officer
Commanding, Bushire)
Government of India approve of
Fraser's column standing by for action against Mashallah Khan at Kashan if
needed.
This refers to your telegram, 84 of
4th july.
Addressed Teheran repeated Ispahan shiraz and
Orton and G/.O.C. Bushire
25
Telegram
P., No. 1015-S., dated the 11th July 1919.
From—The
Foreign Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Simla, To—The Deputy Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Shiraz
No
objection. This refers to your C.-3,
9th July.
No.140/I/G.15July1919 From:OrtonShiraz. Intervention
of Fazlolah Khan's Gendamerie has eliminated factor of surprise and given
Mashallah Khan time to remove valuables and make arrangements for flight into desert. There is reason to fear Fazlolah Khan's gendarmerie may loot
Kashan and if S.P.R. troops were there
they would not escape odium even if British officers succeeded in restraining
S.P.R. If S.P.R. column operates towards Kashan I would like to
stipulate S.P.R. would not pursue Mashallah into desert unless Fraser saw
reasonable chance of quick success namely of bringing Mashallah to action not
further than one (day) march from Kashan. Please telegaph if Mashallah
succeeded in escaping ? I would prefer that Fazlolah Khan's gendarmerie should
deal with Kashan affairs and S.P.R. troops discontinue operations. Addressed to Chief General Staff. Repeated Tehran and Fraser .Ispahan in
reply to his No.C 100 of 13th.
{ The British are sure , if the Gendarme's men
enter the city of Kashan they may loot the city, therefore the S.P.R. troops
are relucant to join the Gendarmes against Naibies}
Decypher.
10th July 1919
No.147
Urgent.
From Haig Ispahan.
Haigs replied to minister
as follows:-
No 147
With reference to your N0. 119 the following is likely to
happen if the officer commanding the Gendarmes issue un ultimatum, before all
roads are blocked.
If Mashallah does not
comply he will flee from Kashan to
one of his strongholds Siah Kuh - or
Jandak,both supplied with water and situated in middle of waterless desert most
difficult to traverse. The south Persia
Rifles will then be expected to go and dig him out:
Fraser is of
opinion that this operation offers so few chances of success that he is not
prepared to undertake , for he believes S.P.R. cannot well afford at present
stage of their existence to fall in any important undertaking. For S.P.R. to
co-operate with effect would have to leave here in two coloumns one marching by
Natans and Khaliabad and the other by Soh and Quhrud. The former column in
order to arrive at Kashan fresh would be at least a week on road while
gendarmes at Qum are only four days
fairly easy march from Kashan .
It would be better therefore That gendarmes
should stand fast at Qum until preparations are complete here and until they
receive detailed instruction which cannot be issued until military authority is
complete. They should be ordered to
follow 1909 F.8. instructions with
regard to point to which they are to advance. direction in which they are to be prepared to cut
off Mashallah and generally as to part
they are to play.
Fraser
says he cannot move until he receives Orton's orders. These are Fraser's views
in which I fully concur. there is time to stop the gendarmes at Kum Military
Attacheh
I could
not get either P.M or who had gone to Tochal, or Etila Dowleh who had gone to town - but I showed
this to Colonel Gleerup and he promised to wire Fazlullah to stand fast at
Kum.
As regards Mashallali Khan, I have explained the
position to the Prime Minister. The Gendarmerie have been halted at Kum and instructed, in confidence, to get
into communication with Fraser and concert joint plans. Should Mashallah take
to flight, the Gendarmerie can occupy Kashan and his property confiscated. Eraser's mission might then be considered at
an end.
With regard to future
dispositions now that with our
assistance Central Government has got a firm footing in Ispahan, the Persian
Government are anxious that a portion of the South Persia Rifles should remain
thcre for the present, at all events until the Bakhtiari Khans have had their
meeting, and the Bakhtiari policy for the near future has been determined.
Whether the force of two squadrons, two platoons, and two guns proposed by
Orton for this purpose will suffice, I find it
difficult to say off hand and
on this point I would like to hear the views of Fraser and Haig.
take measures to attack Mashalla Khan.
In this
case the Prime Minister
hoped that Fraser would
advance from the other side and
co-operate. Please
comply or comment. End.
Haig replied to Minister as follows;—
Begins. No. 147. With reference to your No. 119. The following is likely to happen if the Officer Commanding the Gendarmes issues an ultimatum, before all roads are blocked.
Begins. No. 147. With reference to your No. 119. The following is likely to happen if the Officer Commanding the Gendarmes issues an ultimatum, before all roads are blocked.
If Mashallat does not comply he
will flee from Kashan to one of His strongholds, Sivah or Jandak, and both
suplied with water and situated in the middle of waterless desert which is most
difficult to traverse. The South
Persia Rifles will then be expected to go and dig him out Fraser is not prepared to undertake this
operation as he considers that it offers so few chances of success, for he
believes that the South Persia Rifles at the present stage of their existence
cannot well afford to fail in any important undertaking. For the South Persia
Rifles to co-operate with success, they would have to leave hero in two
columns, one marching by Natanz and Khalidabad and the other by Suh and Surhud
(Kahrud ) in order the former column should arrive at Kashan fresh it would be
at least a week on the road while the Gendarmes at Qum are only four days march
from Kashan. Therefore I think that it will be bettor that the Gendarme' at Qum
should stand fast until all preparations are complete here, and until they
received detailed instructions which could
not be issued Until the plan is complete.
With regard to the point to which they are to advance, the direction in
which they are to be prepared to cut off Mashalla and generally as to the part
they are to play, they should follow Fraser's instruction' Fraser says that
they cannot move until he receives Orton's orders, these are Fraser's views I
Fully concur in them. Ends.
It appears to me that the
Persian Government would like the South Persia Rifles to play second fiddle to
the Gendarmes. Unless I am allowed to decide how it is to be, carried on,
subject to advise and suggestions, and unless the Gendarmes are ordered to act
under my instructions, I am not willing to undertake this operation. Please
inform me if you agree with my views. This is mostly news to me and the present
procedure in arranging military operations over my head makes my position
difficult. I realize the special
difficulties at Tehran and have no thought of being obstructive I agree with
Fraser, Mashalla Khan may be induced to surrender by combined operations. As an
alternative he would retire into the desert where in summer operations are risky. Second always would be stalemate and
then the situation would perhaps be best
met by the Gendarmerie under FazlulIah Khan, occupying and holding Kashan. In
this event a part of the Kerman column, two squadrons, two guns, two platoons,
could billet temporarily under Lucas to (in ?) Ispahan while the Shiraz column
and the remainder of the Kerman column could return to their headquarters. The
Consul at Kerman is pressing for the early return of some of Lucas'
column.
In
Pars trouble is brewing especially amongst the Qashqis tribes, disfavour of Ali
Khan is giving trouble, Qashkai
intrigues are afoot, to
thediscredit of Ehtesham and the Ispahan- Shiraz Road is becoming less safe.
Hence I am averse to committing South
Persia Rifles at Ispahan to any form of desert operations around
Kashan which might become protracted. Under this same number I am repeating my
descriptive remarks to Tehran.
* * *
33
Received
with Army Department endorsement No. 9101,
dated the 14th July 1919.) Telegram P., No. 8C1—12-G., dated the 10th (received
11th) July 1919.
From—Colonel Orton, Shiraz,
To: The
Chief of the General Staff, Simla (repeated Tehran),
It has been arranged, after conference
with General Officer Commanding, to locate Headquarters and wing of 1st Infantry, South Persia at Kazerun at
which place there are better facilities for accommodation and administration. Arrangements are now in hand with regard to
recruiting and training for this wing. The trained South Persia Rifles
detachment now at Kazerun will proceed to Borasjan as escort to the new Deputy
Governor forhis forthcoming tour
towards Ahram aud Khurelegj (Kharmuj?)
34
(Received with Army Department memorandum No.
9571, dated the 15th July 1919.) Telegram P., No. 840—122-G., dated the 12th
(received 13th) July 1911). From—Colonel Olton, Shiraz,
To—The
Chief of the General Staff, Army Headquarters, Simla.Telegram
Following is a
wire from Fraser at Ispahan :—begins. Some days ago Minister telegraphed Haig
that a force of Gendarmes about 1,000 strong
was sent to Ispahan from Tehran to
garrison the place. At my request Haig said
that. these Gendarmes should not reach Ispahan Until the South Persia Rifles
had left. Minister did not agree with our reasons why both forces should not be here together and said
that the Gendarmes had already moved but should be detained on the road if necessary. Haig at my request asked that
the Gendarmes should be detained at Qum where
they could also usefully co-operate against Mashalla Khan.
On July 9th, the Minister wired Haig a
paraphrased extract : Begins. No. 119. The Prime Minister asked me to inform
you that Fazlollah Khan, the Officer Commanding the Gendarmes, detailed to go
to Ispahan, is being ordered to advance towards Kashan and when within a suitable distance to send
Mashalla Khan an ultimatum calling upon
him to proceed to Tehran at once, in which case His life and property will
be spared, and,
failing immediate compliance he
is to take measures to attack Mashallah Khan. In this case the Prime Minister
hoped that Farser would advance from the other side and co-operate. Please
comply or comment.
Telegram P- No. 7788, dated the 12th (received 13th)
July 1919.
From—The
Political Resident in the Persian Gulf, Baghdad,
To—The
Foreign Secretory to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Simla (repeated to Tehran).
Bakhtiari
situation. Briefly reasons are as
follows :—
Hostile element in Bakhtiari itself has been
completely won over Termination of war.
situation in Fars has been restored
and brigands of Ispahan wiped out.
At a recent conference in Ispahan,
Bakhtiari Khans composed of their differences with each other and their general
attitude towards us is eminently satisfactory.
If, as is
probable, plans, which are now being made for future treatment of Bakhtiari,
mature, Khans will themselves raise and equip a permanent force of sowars and
will ask for services of British officers.
This
is with reference to your telegram of June 7th.
* * *
Decypher
No. 151 D. 14th
R. 15th July 1919
From Haig Ispahan.
My telegram No. 147.
Mashallah seems to be seriously alarmed and evidently has good information of
movements of Gendarmerie. I do not think he will put up much of a fight in
neighborhood of Kashan. He is much more
likely to flee to Siyah Kuh or Jandak whether he could hardly be pursued at
this time of year. In this case I think his property in and around Kashan
should be seized and a force of Gendarmes sufficient to prevent his return
left in
Kashan.
Mil Att
. EGG 15/7
You might
communicate purport to Gleerup - or I will, We shall see him this afternoon.
BL
15/7
* * *
Decypher, No153.
D-15 July
1919
From Haig
Ispahan,
My
immediately preceding telegram .
As
it is almost certain that Mashallah will flee from Kashan and S.P.R. judging
from Orton's telegrams are not prepared to undertake the protraction of
operations which trill be necessary if he is to be captured or killed it will
be necessary to guard against his return into Kashan and disturbing the road.
For this purpose a detachment of gendarmes should be left in Kashan. If this is
done Mashallah's sowars will probably desert him by degrees
{
The British are looking for different means to dispurse Naybies men as much as
they can, so the S.P.R. may be able to deafit them!}
* * *
46
(Received
with Army Department memorandum No. P672, dated the 17th July 1919.) Telegram
P., No. 840—133-G., dated the 15th (received 19th) July 1919. From—Colonel
Orton, Shiraz, To—The Chief of the General Staff, Simla.
The following is a telegram from
Fraser at Ispahan, dated 13th July : -
Begins. That
Mashallah Khan has made all preparations for flight is the latest news from
Kashan. It is unlikely that he will accept offer of safe conduct by Fazlullah
Khan, and will probably not wait to fight at Kashan, but will move eastwards,
probably towards Siyahkuh or Yanaak. He will , probably get into country where
it would not be advisable for this column to follow him, and I think the
chances of now bringing operations to a successful conclusion are small.
A wire from Minister, Tehran, to Haig, states that Gendarmes have been ordered
to stand fast at Kum until the return of the Prime Minister, who is at present
away from Tehran. On his return the matter will be discussed. In the event of
Mashallah Khan escaping from Kashan, I think it should be understood that South
Persia Rifles will not follow him, unless there is a reasonable chance of
catching him within a period to be laid down by you." Fraser's telegram
ends.
The factor of surprise has been
eliminated by the intervention of Fazlullah'a Gendarmes, and given Mashallah
Khan time to remove valuables and make preparations for flight into the
desert.
There are
reasonable grounds for fear that Fazlullah's Gendarmes may loot Kashan, and if
South Persia Rides troops were there, they would not escape odium, even if they
could be restrained by British officers. In the event of South Persia Rifles
column operating towards Kashan, I would like to stipulate the South
Persia Rifles would not enter Kashan if Gendarmerie were there, and also that
Mashallah Khan would not be pursued into the desert by South Persia Rifles,
unless Fraser saw reasonable chance of quick success, viz, of bringing Mashallah Khan to action not more than one day's march from Kashan.
In the event of Mashallah Khan
succeeding in escaping, I would prefer that South Persia Rifles troops
should discontinue operations and leave Kashan affairs in the hands of
Fazlullah's Gendarmes.
My own remarks have been repeated,
under the same number, to Ispahan and Tehran.
{ The
commonding officer of the S.R.P clearly has pointed out that his men are not in
any position to handel well experienced and trained men of Naybies in the
desert areas! }
Decypher. D.
19th July 1919
No.154. Urgent.
From Haig Ispahan.
Your
tolegram No. 126.
Mashallah left Ravand on night of July
17th for Farahabad
on
the way to Siyah Kuh. He said he was going to avoid gendarmorie and go to
Tehran but is probably going to Siyah Kuh.
He
is beyond reach of S.P.R. nor , and Fraser thinks gendarmerie might advance
from Qum. If they see a chance of cutting off Mashallah,of which there is
little probable chance they will do so but otherwise they should occupy
Kashan. Mashallah has removed all his
movable property from Kashan and only about 100 of his sowars are hanging about
there but he will return unless the place is occupied. Fazlullah Khan should
take a Ghulam with a telephone from Qum and could send in information
daily, I concur.
egg 20/7
Kindly see Colonol Gleerup or write
urgently. Say that combined operations
against Mashallah Khan is definitely abandoned and S.P.R. have been informed
that they can now leave Ispahan province and return to their headquarters? and
Col H. has been informed that gendarmerie will replace them at Ispahan. Give
him purport of above telegram re advance by Fazlullah and occupation of Kashan
and matter of telephone communication.
N.L 20/7 .
47
(Received
with Army Department memorandum No. 9S04, dated the 21st July 1919.) Telegram
P, No. 695-M. dated the 16th [received 17th] July 1919. From - Sir percy cox,
Tehran.
To - The
chief of the General Staff, Simla. (repeted Orton and Haig)
As regards Mashllah Khan, I have
explained the position to the Prime Minister.The Gendarms have been halted at
Kum and instructed, in confidence, to get into communication with Fraser and
concert joint plans. should Mashallah Khan take to the flight, the Gendarmerie
can occupy Kashan and his property confiscated. Frasers mission might then be
considered at an end.
With regard to future dispositions now
that with our assistance central Government has a firm footing in Ispahan,
the Persian government are anxious that
a portion of the south Persia
Rifles shoud remain there for the present, at all events until the Bakhtiari
Khans have had their meetings, and the Bakhtiari policy for the near future has
been determined. Whether the force of two squadrons, two platoons and two Guns
proposed br Orton will suffice. I find it difficult to say off hand on this
point I would like to hear the views of Fraser and Haig.
* * *
165. July
20, 1919
Mashallah Khan and his father, Naieb
Hussayn, left Kashan with 40 sowars on the afternoon of July 15 for Ravand, two
Parsakhs to the north-West of Kashan and thence went to Farah- Abad. Mashallah
said that his intention was to avoid the gendarmes and to go to Tehran. But
this is generally believed that he intends to go to Syah- Kooh, which is one of
his strongholds and there await less troublous times. But Kashan should be occupied. He left three
brothers and about 10 Sowars in the town. The gendarmes have now been ordered
to continue their march towards Isfahan and were to have left Qum on the
morning of July 21.
The harvesting of wheat at Ardistan
has now been finished. July 27, 1919.
* * *
171. Large numbers of pilgrims are leaving Qum
for Karbala. The gendarmes from Tehran, under the command of Major Fazlullah
Khan arrived at Kashan on July 24 and were welcomed by the people who,
however,are apprehensive lest, when they leave Kashan, Mashallah Khan should
return and called them to account for having welcomed the gendarmes.
Mashallah sent
his secretary to Major FazlullaH Khan to ascertain his intentions towards him,
and Major Fazlullah Khan sent one officer to Mashallah to assure him that no
action would be taken if he may yet listen to reason.
* * *
48
Tolegram
P. No. 89, dated the 20th (received 21 at) July 919.
From—Britannic Majesty's
Charge d'affaires and Special commissioner, Tehran,
To—The
Foreign Secretary to tho Government of India in the Foreign and Political
Department, Simla.
(Addressed
Haig for Fraser; repeated Orton, Shiraz and Foreign, Simla, for Chief of the
General Staff.)
Having regard to your apprehensions that friction would result between,
Fraser's column and Gendarmerie if they met a contingency which would at
present juncture be highly undesirable and in view of fact that operations
against Mashallah arc now abandoned, and Gendarmerie force available for
Ispahan, Persian government do not feel justified in asking
for south Persia Rifles to be
retained any longer in Ispahan province and agree to their return
to their headquarters forthwith.
* * *
August 3, 1919
176....
Mashallah Khan arrived at Qum with
about 200 men on August 2. He is
expected to halt there for two or three days and then go on to Tehran. His
father and his brothers, with about 50 Sowars are at Nyasar.
The
gendarmes are still awaiting at Kashan. the news of Mashallah Khan's departure
from Qum for Tehran, when this is received, they will leave posts between
Shurab and Kashan and leave for Isfahan.
* * *
Decypher N
0.182.
Decypher. D.6 Aug.I919.
No. 162. From Haig. Ispahan.
Telegrams
dated Aug. 5th from Mashallah and
signaller at Qum state that Mashallah left for Tehran that afternoon. He
appears to have from 150 to 300
armed men with him and Persian Government may wish to warn him that such a
force cannot be admitted.
{ The
British are worried, why Mashallah khan is taking 300 armed men into capital!?
}
August 10,
1919
182. On
august 6, a fight occurred at Chahar-taqi, near Kashan,
between Khalil Khan Turzani and 20 who had deserted from Mashallah's gang and
some of Mashallah's men. The latter were put to flight. Some robberies supposed
to be the work of Mashallah's men, are reported from the neighborhood of
Kashan.
On August 8, the Shiraz colum, under the
colonel Frazer, attacked and captured the fort of Faragheh belonging to Ali
Agha and Naib Khan. Ali Agha, who was wounded severely, was captured with 24
other prisoners. Naib Khan escaped, but
it is believed that he was wounded. Other Khans who offered no opposition, were
captured
and are to be bound over to be of good
behaviour.
185. Roads:
Rajab Ali is said to be active again on
the Tehran road, and the Yazd road is
unsafe. Other roads are safe and the governor has discontinued the levy of tolls on
the Bakhtiari and Tehran roads.
* * *
August 24,
1919
The gendarmes are still at Kashan.
The gendarmes are still at Kashan.
August 31, 1919
200. The
gendarmes have Captured Farah - Abad and Qalah, two of: Mashallah's forts and
Naib Husseyn, with about forty men , has fled towards Natanz, pursued by
another body of gendarmes. The gendarmes have arrested many who have been in
league with Mashallah Khan's gang and have collected over a thousand head of
cattle, many rifles and horses and quantities of household goods and stores
belonging to the gang. Mashallah's "road guards" between Kashan and
Khalid- Abad, 22 in number, have
surrended to the gendarmes, and the road from shursb to Kashan is now guarded
by the gendarmes. Ali Alavi, one of the leading men of Mashallah's gang was
hanged in Kashan on August 30.
* * *
PERSIA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[150067] No.
I.
Sir P. Cor. to Earl Curzon. —(Received November 8.)
(No. 149.) Tehran, September September 19, 1919
My Lord,
I Have
the honour to transmit for your Lordship's information copies of the Tehran Intelligence
Summary, No. 27, for the period ending
the 31st August, 1919.
I
have, &c.
P. z. Cox.
Enclosure
in No. 1.
Tehran
Intelligence Summary, No. 27,for period ending August 31, 1919.
Political Situation.
AT the instance of I his Majesty's
Government, His Imperial Majesty the
Shah hastened his departure for Europe in order to pass through the Caucasus
prior to the British evacuation. He arrived in Constantinople on the 19th
August by H.M.S. "Ceres " and sailed in her for Taranto on the 30th.
His Majesty is accompanied by Prince
Nosret-ed-Dowleh, who has succeeded his Excellency Muslmver-ul-Mamelek as Minister for Foreign
Affairs.
An agreement between Great
Britain and Persia providing for the reform of the administration with British
aid was signed on the 9th August, and has been received with general approval
in both countries.
Five ringleaders of a small faction of
sell-interested persons, who either for purposes ; of blackmail or enmity were endeavoring to
excite opposition to the agreement, were deported to Kashan on the 6th
September.
Mashallah Khan, the well-known brigand of Kashan, after two months hesitation, obeyed the summons of the Government to appear in Tehran. He arrived, however, with 150 sowars armed to the teeth, and having, after three weeks argument with the Central Government, refused to disarm them except on payment of 100,000 tomans compensation, he was arrested and his sowars forcibly disarmed after a skirmish with the gendarmerie, Mashallah Khan and his adjutant were executed a few days later. His father, Naib Hussein, has since been captured in the neighborhood of Kashan and brought to Tehran.
Mashallah Khan, the well-known brigand of Kashan, after two months hesitation, obeyed the summons of the Government to appear in Tehran. He arrived, however, with 150 sowars armed to the teeth, and having, after three weeks argument with the Central Government, refused to disarm them except on payment of 100,000 tomans compensation, he was arrested and his sowars forcibly disarmed after a skirmish with the gendarmerie, Mashallah Khan and his adjutant were executed a few days later. His father, Naib Hussein, has since been captured in the neighborhood of Kashan and brought to Tehran.
The Ispahan brigand Reza Juzani has
been executed in Ispahan.
Owing to the British evacuation of the
Caucasus, the mails between Persia and Europe are now sent via Bagdad. Travelers, however, still use the Baku route.
The British peace with Afghanistan has
not yet restored quite normal conditions on the Persian borders, and further
raids have occurred in Seistan territory. A serious outbreak of rinderpest, in
the Bushire district has been notified.
[1379 h—2]
* * *
D.6th Sept 1919,
From
Haig Ispahan.
I am informed: gendarmre in
Kashan who began very well are now causing discontent. They are said to
be extorting considerable sums from those accused of having been connected with
Mashallah's gang and to have reported to Tehran less than a tenth of recoveries
made by them. Their discipline is also said to be growing lax. I venture to
suggest the dispatch of a European officer from Tehran to make enquires and
take any action that may be necessary.
{
What the British forcasted before is happening in Kashan! the Gendarms have got
the opportunity to loot the civilian and common people of Kashan. As there is
no Naibies left in Kashan to blame the looting by them! so the Kashanies
realized anybody who is armed with a rifle can be a looter! and it is not
necessary to be called a highway rubber
or profession looters!?}
* * *
September 7, 1919
205
Naib Husseyn who was much
affected by the news of the execution of his son Mashallah,in Tehran. He has
been pursued by the gendarmes from Kashan during the week, and has been giving
much trouble to the inhabitants of the villages through which he has passed.
The gendarmes have succeed in capturing him and two of his sons after some
fighting and he is to be taken into Kashan on September 8.
The gendarmes have hanged ,
during the week, another member of Mashallah's gang. They are said to have
collected from Mashallah's gang and from his various places of refuge very
large quantities of stores.
Fortunately an inspector has
arrived from .Tehran to investigate the matter of goods and cash recovered by
the gendarmes.
.
* * *
13,
September 1919
The gendarmes from Kashan have
collected sixty rifles from Mehabad and
have also disarmed three of the Mamurs of the Bakhtiari deputy governor Of
Ardistan, who were oppressing the people. and: Mojahed-Ul saltaneh who is being
brought under arrest to Isfahan, for an inquiry into his peculation, passed
Kashan on September 13.
{The
following reports by the British consul is an example that in the central part
of Iran during that period most of the appointed governors of provinces and
cities and their Mamurs (official guards) were oppressing and rubbing the
citizens of Iran!}
* * *
September 14, 1919
210. Naib Husseyn
and two of his sons have been captured by gendarmes from Kashan. All three were wounded, one of the sons
severely . It is said that the wounds
were inflicted by one of their own followers. The people of Kashan were delighted
at the news of capture
and assembled in crowds to see the prisoners brought into
Kashan on September 3. The town was illuminated in the evening. One of
Mashallah's followers was hanged at Kashan on September, 7, and another on
September,8. Five political offenders Mostashar-Ul Dowleh, Mohtasham-Ul
Saltaneh, Motazam-Ul Dowleh, Motazam-Ul Molk and Haji Moin-Ul tojjar-i
Bushehri, have arrived at Kashan by motor car from Tehran and are lodged in one
of Mashallah's houses and guarded by gendarmes. The motor car in which they
arrived, took Naieb Hussain and his two sons to Tehran.
* * *
September 21, 1919
216. One of Mashallah's followers was hanged in Kashan on
September 15.
The officer commanding the gendarmes. at Kashan has
prohibited visits to the political prisoners, and in having them closely
watched. The reason for this precaution is that seditious pamphlets were
discovered concealed in parcels of clothes and shoes sent to the Ditainies by
their families. Copmlaints continue to be
received against Ezzatollah Khan governor of Ardistan. His assistance, Hosseyn
Agha Khan, left Ardistan on September 19, apparently for the purpose of
conveying his spoils to Chahar Mahal.
The people of Sedeh are complaining of the rapacity of their
governor.
* * *
The agreement was : (A relationship of protection and partial
control assumed by a superior power over a dependent country or region)
* * *
September 21, 1919
216. One of Mashallah's followers
was hanged in Kashan on September 15.
The officer commanding
the gendarmes at Kashan has prohibited visits to the political prisoners, and
in having them closely watched. The reason for this precaution is that
seditious pamphlets were discovered concealed in parcels of clothes and shoes
sent to the Detaines by their families. Complaints continue to be received
against Ezzatollah Khan governor of Ardistan. His assistance Hosseyn Agha Khan, left Ardistan on September
19, apparently for the purpose of
conveying his spoils to Chahar Mahal.
The people of Sedeh are
complaining of the rapacity of their Governor.
{Tehran Government with the help and advise of British officials
in Iran prepared a plan to get rid of the Naybies who been accused of high way
rubberies and looting etc, etc. But within a few days after the forces of
Gendarmeri setteled down in Kashan and made sure the Naybie clans are no longer
the ruler and controler of Kashan and her outskirt, have shown their real ugly
faces , and started to extorte cosiderable sums from the inhabitants.}
* * *
The gendarmes from Kashan have collected sixty rifles from Mehabad and have also
disarmed three of the Mamurs of the Bakhtiari Deputy governor of Ardistan, who
were oppressing the people.
* * *
September 21, 1919
255
It
is reported from Kashan that Pasha Khan, an inspector who arrived sometimes ago
from Tehran, suspended the governor of
Kashan and the financial agent and broke into some houses during the night. He
also arrested a few women on the pretext that they had property belonging to
the late Naib Husseyn. Strong complaints
were sent to Tehran and Pasha khan was recalled
.* * *
October 5,
1919
Document
No. Dated October 1919 to 4th January
1920
Now that the naibies are whipped out
of the surface of the earth! one notices that nothing has changed and all the
doors revolve around the same old hinges! The people who were claiming that the
Naibies were the go geters and highway rubbers ! but it seems one group of
supposedly rubbers are eliminated, but ten or more gangs have replaced them.
for example we mention: Ezatollah Khan in Ardistan, his mamurs in the villages
collecting tolls. major Fazlollah Khan
the gendarmeri chief in Kashan, the inspectors, the chief of police , governor
of Kashan etc, etc.
What the head of the Gendarmeri
pretend to have collected from the properties of Naibian is limited to rifles and
a herd of sheeps and Goats! but
no mention of other valuables , that the naibies were blamed of stealing from
rich Kashanies and the inspectores sent from Teharan to supervise the amount of
the booties taken by Naibies!?
The new inspector sent from Tehran to
evaluate the property of Mashallah Khan and Nayeb Husseyn, arrests the former
inspector! He places the town police under the supervision of of the
gendarmerie and dismisses many of the police men!. Sardar- i - Jang has at
length recalled Ezzatollah Khan from Ardistan and Zeyqam- Ul - Dowleh, from
Abarqu, and the two districts will now be relieved from the exactions of these
two robbers.
Pasha Khan, an inspector who arrived
from Tehran, suspense's the governor of Kashan and the financial agent ,
because whatever they took from the Naibies did not share it with Major . and
he has broken into some houses during the night, and arrested a few women on the pretext that
they had property belonging to the late Nayb Husseyn. For this, many people's Strong complaints
were sent to Tehran and as a result of these complains Pasha khan is recalled to tehran.
* * *
October 5 ,1919
No. 40
The
financial agent and the commandant of the Gendarmes at Kashan have taken
charge of all
houses, lands and immovable
property of the late Mashallah.
His movable property is to be sold and the proceeds applied to
defraying the cost of the
operations against him, the surplus if any, being devoted to necessary repairs
to streets etc. in Kashan.
* * *
Roads:
Some petty
robberies committed by masked men
on the Quhrud road to
Kashan are attributed
to members of the late
Mashalialis gang. The Yezd road is
still unsafe, but other roads in the
provinoe are safe.
* * *
October 5, 1919
237. The depredation of Ezzatollah Khan continue in Ardistan and having
road tolls are still levied. His Mamurs are still lurking in many villages and
extorting money.
150 gendarmes without arms arrived at
Kashan fromTehran on October 16, and were armed with rifles captured from
Mashallah's gang. 600 gendarmes left Kashan on October 16 for Isfahan. They are
to place posts on the road.
1394 y—1
* * *
Decypher Dated 14th recd
No.
209 15th October 1919.
From Haig. Ispahan.
Your telegram 162.
Telegraph
Clerk denies he has ever attempted to protect Mashalla's family. They have applied to him for protection and
he has invariably referred them to Favor.
He also denies he has any property of the late Mashallah in Telegraph
Office. One Bahram Kaus delivered to
Clerk some cases of ammunition which Mashalla had deposited in his village and
Clerk delivered to them at once to Yavar.
I
hear that Clerk and Yavar are outwardly on very good terms but I fear I am
responsible for a little ill feeling between them. I asked Yavar to settle a claim out of
some money of Mashalla's which was with Bahram Kaus
and Yavar who wanted this money for himself believes
Clerk put me on the track of it.
I
hear Yavar is feathering his nest well in Kashan and that Inspector who was
sent to report on recoveries has been won over by him.
EGO 15/10
I
will explain to Mansur el molk when he reverts to question.
* * *
October 26, 1919.
242. An inspector has arrived at Kashan from Tehran to inquire into the
amount and disposal of the property of the late Naib Husseyn and Mashallah, and
has arrested the former inspector.
The town police of Kashan have been
placed under the orders Of the gendarmerie and many of the policemen have been
dismised.
Sardar- i - Jang has at the length recalled Ezzatollah Khan
from Ardistan and Zeyqam - Ul - Dowieh, from Abarqu, and the two districts will
now be relieved from the exactions of these two robbers.
* * *
November 9,1919
255
255
It is reported from Kashan that Pasha
Khan, an inspector who arrived sometimes ago from Tehran, suspended the governor of Kashan and the
financial agent and broke into some houses during the night. He also arrested a
few women on the pretext that they had property belonging to the late Naib
Husseyn. Strong complaints were sent to
Tehran and Pasha khan was recalled.
* * *
On January 4, 1920 Reports from Kashan states that the chief of
police was also arrested and sent to
Tehran with Ali Khan Mashgooni. It is
understood that Chief of Police has had the intentionn to rob the office of the
local treasury.
Wife of Nayeb Hussain has petitioned
Government for the release of the two sons, Mansour and Amir.
{ When chief of Police intends to rub the treasury! then why did people expect a reble be
honest!?}
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