Page 266 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

82 'ADMINISTRATION REPORT OF THE PERSIAN GULF POLITICAL RESIDENCY
Proserpine'8 party to disembark, and then rush thorn with the hope of
capturing some and holding them ns a ransom in exchange for the 1,500 rifles
captured tho previous day by His Majesty’s ship, fortunately their plans wero
spoilt by another party of Afghans, who wore marching from inland to tho
hoaoh, and who wero tho first to open fire directly they saw tho ship’s party
commonoe landing.
Captain IT. W. James must be creditod with yot another success. A dhow
crossing to Bunji from the Batina Coast was sighted and searched by
H. M. S. Proserpine on tho 30th April, but found to be quite empty.
It was aftorwards reported by a special kassid, who obtained the information
from the nacoda of the dhow, that their cargo, which consisted of 150 boxes
(40,000 rounds) of ammunition was thrown overboard before they were
overhauled.
The number of rifles importod during the season by Baluchis also shows a
very big increase. The Afghans and Balu­
Import by Bixlaohis.
chis operate at different seasons, and
both industries appear to bo distinct from one another, although it is quite pro­
bable that nearly all the rifles eventually get into the hands of Afghans. It
will be noticed that Baluchis oease importing during the winter months from
December to April, during which season the Afghans aro engaged in the traffic.
They commence importing again early in May, slackening during tho monsoon
months on account of the difficulty in getting boats to cross and reopen their
operations again in October.
It is probable that the 100 camels laden with arms, which were reported
by the Political Officer, Chagai, to have reached Afghan territory in April 1908
were part of the consignments imported by Baluchis during the season, and
were probably purchased from Sardar Syed Khan of Gaih or Mirza Khan of
Binth.
On the 22nd March 1908, there was a,rumour current at Jask that there
were 2,000 Afghans in the vicinity and that they intended to attack the
telegraph station if any of their arms were captured by His Majesty’s ships.
Mr. Mew arrived at Jask from Maskat the day after and at once instituted
careful enquires as to the number of Afghans in the immediate vicinity and
their location. It was found there were some 500 to 600 Afghans scattered
over the Jask and Biyaban districts within a radius of 40 miles of Jask. Of
these 250 were camped in tho hills above Arduri to the eastward of Jask, wait­
ing for an expected landing of arms at Gabreg, but their plans wero evidently
changed, because at tho end of March they moved over to the westward of Jask,
and joined the remaining Afghans who were encamped near Kub Mubarak.
The Upper Gabreg patrol wa9 thereupon transferred to Kuh Mubarak,
and arrangemenis made with certain trustworthy men of old Jask, and of
villages further west, to bring in information of the movements of the smug­
glers. As the threat against the telegraph station was found to emanate from
the Afghans themselves, the situation was considered to be critical, and. every­
thing was done to get early information of their movements and intentions.
H. M. S. Proserpine'8 capture of 1,600 rifles off Bunji on the 18th
April naturally tended to increase the insecurity of the telegraph station,
and it was deemed advisable by His Excellency the Naval Commander-
In-Chief, who arrived at Jask on tbo 19th April, to land a party of Marines
from the flagship for the protection of the station against attaok. The same
evening Major Noel Smith with one officer and 38 marines landed from the
flagship, and were quartered for the night on tho roof of the station buildings.
On the morning of the 20th April Sub-Lieutenant Wright, It. N., 'with a
maxim gun and crew of six bluojackets, were landed.
At the request of His Excellency the Commanderrin-Chief, Mir Mustapha.
Khan, Chief of old Jask, was culled in and it was put to him that for the better
protection of the telegraph station, the marines on shore should occupy the
Persian fort, wliioh is situated just outside the telegraph compound limits.
Mir Mustapha Khan readily consented anil volunteered assistance with as many
armed men as he could spare. The next day Mir Mustapha Khan sent in- lv
men from old Jask, who made themselves useful in showing the patrols round
at night.