Page 132 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

28 ADMINISTRATION REPORT OF THE PERSIAN QULF

23. (a) The crops in Arabistan in 1906 were excellent, and the previously exist­
ing embargo on the export of grain was removed by orders from Tehran in May
since when it has not been reimposed. 31

The Bakhtiaris.
24. Internal Affairs.—At the beginning of the period with which this report
deals the Ilkhaniship and Ilbegiship were held by the Sardar Asad and the Salar
Arfa\
Owing to the friction which had occurred, the Samsam and the Shahab pro­
ceeded to Tehran to endeavour to obtain redress of their grievances, whither they
were followed by the Sardar Asad.
The charge of the tribe was left in the hands of the Salar Arfa\ with whom
later was associated the M’uin Humayun representing the other faction and family.
It i6 stated that the Sardar Asad had previously made a show of obtaining the
appointment of Ilkhani for the Samsam, but the latter would not accept it as com­
ing from the patronage of his junior and enemy. This had resulted in the Sar­
dar’s appointment which thus was made to appear inevitable. Now by the lavish
expenditure of money at Tehran the Sardar was discredited and the Samsam and
the Shahab reinstated. This took place some time in May and June, and the
three big chiefs returned to their country via Ispahan in the beginning of August.
The. net result of their bickering and jealousies had been a large pecuniary
loss to the Khans. They estimate this, including property destroyed in their
quarrels, at about 400,000 Tumans, and it is not improbable that hall of this sum
may have been thrown away.
It is scarcely necessary to say that a deep-rooted bitterness erists between
the rival parties.
25. The Sardar and the Salar did not come down to the plains, going instead
to Tehran, whence eventually they proceeded on a trip to Europe—the Sardar
to enjoy himself, and the Salar, somewhat unwillingly, to consult the doctors.
The Sardar proposes visiting Egypt and Japan beiore his return which would
not take place before two years. It is to be Loped that he will adhere this pro­
gramme. In autumn the Sardar was stated to be 20,000 Tumans, and *he Salar
80,000 Tumans, in debt, but their income is large.
20. Even now the remaining Khans do not present united body. Of the
Sardar’s party there are Yusuf Khan at Tehran and the Sardar’s sons. But the
Samsara is abhorrent to the Sl.ahab:s brothers, the Shaja us Sultan, Sarum nm
Mulk and Muin Humayun, the first of whom having been long in the present Shah s
service, has established an interest at court for Ins own family which is likely to
stand it in good stead.
In the early part of 1907 these brothers were tending to combine with Yusuf
Khan against the Samsam and indirectly against the Shahab who was loyal to his
colleague.
In March however during the discussion of outstanding questions with the
Agent of the Shakh at Muhammerah a diversion of opinion arose between the latter
which resulted in very strained relations and threw the Shahab again into the arms
of his brothers.
At the moment therefore the chief feature of the internal affairs of the Khans
is the isolation of the Samsam which may end in his exclusion.
27. It is possible that deeper intrigues arc in progress, and this is suggested by
the report received in March that the Zargham us Sultana had been tx>
Tehran. This man is the son and the representative of Rita Kuli Khan. known
as the 4 ‘Ilbegi,” the uncle of the present generation of Khans, who was in t
eighties’ a man of some importance.
at Paradumba in the Chahar Mahal
This family which has its headquarters
used to give considerable trouble to the ruling chiefs. Biza Kuli Khan died in
1905. .
To strengthen or improve the relations between the families, the Muin umsyun
last October married the sister of the Zargham us Sultana, a widow.
The recent marriage of the Shahab with a woman of the Chaharlang may per
haps be similarly classed as a political alliance.