Page 221 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

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AND THE MASKAT POLITICAL AGENCY FOR THE YEAR 1907-1908. 37
back of the Shahab. Large forces were supposed to be under arms, though
tho number given were probably fictitious, but the reinforcement of tho
Samsam by the Salnr Arfa returned from Europe, and Yusuf Khan from
Tehran, and his own fears, proved too much for the Shahab’s valour and he
ignominously gave in in the 3rd week of June.
The reinstatement of the Samsam and Shnhab in their original positions
of Ilkhani and Ilbegi, and the consequent exclusion from public affairs of the
Sarum, ensued in duo course.
The Shuja-us-Sultan and Shahab’s other brothers were little pleased ; but
the reconciliation though only formal has not. up to the present been broken by
any overt act.
Perhaps it is permissible to imagine that tho Khans have for the
moment learnt wisdom from the course of their bickerings during tho past two
or threo years, which have secured neither party any permanent advantage and
have mulcted both heavily in cash presents made to the Ministers of Govern­
ment in Tehran.
37. The Sardar Asad has romained absent in Europe throughout the
year, but the fcalar Arfa, who had originally accompanied him, returned in
June.
Yusuf Khan and Murtaza Quli Khan had arrange d to proceed to Europe
in autumn, but only the last named eventually found himself free to go.
33. External aj/airs. Relations roith the Sheikh of Muhammerah.—The
relations of the Khans with Sheikh Khazal were on the whole good, showing
a distinct improvement on those of the preceding year. There is desire, or at
least willingness on both sides to icplacc conti ntion by friendship, hut tho
Khans’ want of unanimity among themselves precludes the possibility of a
definite and consistent attitude and policy, and this in conjunction with their
moral delinquencies renders the r61c of the second party to any agreement
difficult and ambiguous.
39. The Kvhgalu.—The year opened with a difference of opinon between
the Samsam and Shahab ns to the policy to be pursued in regard to Ali Naqi
Khan, Chief of the Taibi Kuhgalu, and partisan of the Samsam.
Shortly afterwards occurred the fall of the Samsam, and robberies
within Bakhtiari territory by the followers of Ali Naqi ensued. In the end of
May, Sultan Ali Khan was despatched by tho Sliahab to take over the
Governorship of Behbahan. He had to contend against the influence of the
Samsam and his conduct does not appear to have been marked by much dis­
cretion. He refused to recognise a local man of 6omo importance, tho Eath-i-
Agha, and this individual entered into leaguo with Ali Naqi Khan.
In August, subsequent to the reconciliation of the Khans, he attempted to
seize Ali Naqi Khan by treachery when he had been induced to come in to
him, presumably on a safe conduct.
Ali Naqi Khan and his followers were, however, ready for the emergenoy,
aud a fight took place inside the precincts of the place of meeting, in which a
number of persons of both sides are said to have been killed. Ali Naqi’s
person was secured, but he was released and allowed to go home. This action
greatly annoyed the Samsam and Salar Arfa and came near to creating a
breach among the Khans. Sultan Ali Khan was withdrawn in September.
40. It appoars that tho Khans had again set their minds on making
capital out of the lawlessness of the Kuhgalu. Claims for compensation on
account of the robberies on the road made by the Vice-Consul on behalf of
Messrs. Lynch Brothers were met with peremptory refusal, on the grounds that
tho Persian Government haviug refused them sanction to pursue the Kuhgalu
into their own country they were powerless to prevont their incursions on to
the road, and they demanded that we should obtain this sanotion for them
from the Government.
They also declared their willingness to take over the Governorship of tho
Kuhgalu (Behbuhan) were it freed from • tho overlordship of the Governor-
Geueral of Ears.