Page 24 - Gulf Precis (VII)_Neat

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20.. Another stop taken by Zil-es-Sultanoh, which created unoasiness, was his
reappointment of Jafir Khan as Governor
Secret K., July 1886, Noi. 258*167.
of Fellahioh, so soon after ho had been
oastod. At the samo timo Sheikh Mahomed (Sheikh Mizal’s brother) escaped
or was allowed to escape from Dizful and fled to the Kaab territory. Somo of
the tribos welcomed him, and refused to give him up, when a demand was
made for his surrender. Sheikh Mizal was then compelled to accept the Govern­
ment of Fellahioh on behalf of Sheikh Hamah. A few days afterwards the Per­
sian authorities seemed to have given up Sheikh Ramah and reappointed Sheikh
Jafir in his place. This was a mystifying game, but probably played with a
purpose, to afford a pretoxt for Persian interference in the affairs of the
Arabistan Chiefs.
(viii) Disturbances in Arabistan and fears of Sheikh Mizal of
Persian intrigues against his position. 1888.
27. In 1888, Sheikh Mizal, Chief of Moliaramerah, was alarmed by the nows
lie reocived from Teheran that Amin-es-
External A., Juno 1888, Noe. 829*133.
Sultan, who was at the timo directing
Persian policy, was taking measures with a view to expel him (Sheikh Mizal)
and appoint a Persian Governor for Mohammerah. Kizam-es-Sultaneh was for
this purposo to march towards Mohammerah, while his brother, Governor of
Bushire, was to pay a visit in the Persepolis to Mohammerah. It was intended.,
it appears, to lure Sheikh Mizal to the ship and carry him off.
28. In his alarms Sheikh Mizal visited Mr. Robertson at Basrah to consult
him. Sheikh Mizal said that lie had since bis accession fulfilled every obli­
gation towards Persia, paid his tribute punctually, and maintained security and
order in his districts. He attributed the action now being taken agair.Bt them
to the restless and ambitious policy to subdue the Bakhtiaiis and Arabistan chiers
of Arain-es-Sultan, which had recently proved troublesome in the Persian Gulf,
and added that if persisted in against Chiefs with such force at their disposal as
himself and Imam Kuli Khan (Bakhtiari Chief), it would result in a strug­
gle for independence, which they did not desire, but did not fear.
29. Mr. Robertson reporting on this subject observed:—
° Were the Persians to acquire direct authority over the Aiabs of Arabi-tan, and substitute
Persian Governors tor the hereditary Cniefs ot' Mohammerah, our influence and p<actical power
in these parts would be inconveniently affected. Sheikh Mizal Khan, like his father Haji
Jabir Khan, has always placed his information and authority at the dispos il of this Agency, and
he would at onoe, if called upon, hold liiinsptf and his tribe at the orders of the British Govern­
ment. While he is the ( hief, the position and resources of Mohamineiah are potentially under
British cntrol for the extension of commerce or other purposes, and it is possibly a knowledge
of this that has at the present juncture occasioned the desire of the Persian Government to
depose him."
30. Tn the spring of 18S8 the Bakhtiari country was in very disturbed
state, and the disorders spread partially to
Golf Administration Report for 1888*89.
Arabistan. The Bakhtiari Chief, Haji
Imam Kali Khan, having been deposed from the .post of 11-Khani, refused to
• recognize his brother, Roza Kuli Khan, who was appointed Il-Khani by the
Persian authorities, and prepared (o oppose the Persian forces. The Nizam-es-
Bnltaneh marched from Ispahan with a force, accompanied by Haji Reza Kuli,
Il-Khani, and Isfandiyar Khan, son of the late well-known Il-Khani, Haji V
Husain Kuli (Isfandiyar Khan had beea appointed Il-Begi of the Bakbtiaris)
and attacked and defeated Imam Kuli Khan, who was eventually forced fo
surrender. Decorations were bestowed on the Nizam-es-Sultaneh and Reza
Kuli Khan, and Isfandiyar Khan was honoured with the title of “ Sainsarn-es-
Sultaneh.” These events led to the restoration of tranquillity in the Bakhtiari
country and Arabistan.
31. Hizam-e3-8ultaneh then left Ahwaz for Eellahieh in September 1868,
acoorqpanied by a force of 500 infantry
External A., October 18S8. No*. 20J-211.
and some Bakhtiari horse. Before his
arrival at Ghuraiba, twelve miles from Eellahieh, dissensions had arisen among
the Kaab Sheikhs, and they had expelled Sheikh Abdullah, the Chief'(some
months previously elected ia place of Jafar-bin-Mahoraed). Kizam-es-Sultaneh