Page 370 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

70 ADMINISTRATION REPORT OF TIIE PERSIAN GULF POLITICAL RESIDENCY

to definitely locate them, and as it would have been obviously futile for
II. M.’s sliipjs to steam many miles up and down the coast on the chance of
making an insignificant capture, the Baluchis were able to carry out their
operations with very little risk or hindrance. Such losses as they
did incur before landings were effected more or less fortuitous. For
instance 75 rifles and about 7,500 rounds of ammunition consigned to Mir
Barkat bin Abdul Nabi of Bivaban and to people of Jask were thrown
overboard off Kuh Mubarak on the 15th June 1908 on the approach of II. M.’s
Redbreast, and 100 more rifles with 10,000 rounds of ammunition consigned
to Mir Islam Khan of Bint were similarly disposed of off Khunarak on the
1st December 1908 on the approach of the Persevolis. In addition to
tho above the only other verified loss incurred was the capture and confis­
cation by the Persians of a boat on the 7th December 1908 off Bris Bunder
after the landing of 500 rifles. Mr. New reports that the example of
confiscating or burning boats, which arc captured, is having a very good
effect on Nakhodas and owners of boats who now demand liberty to discharge
illicit cargo, if approached by Naval vessels. If the example can be ex­
tended it may have the effect of stopping the import of small consignments
altogether and large importers will also be hampered by being called upon
to pay higher rates by way of insurance against capture.
In the latter part of November 1908 Captain Heath, with 50 men of
the 110th M. L. Infantry, arrived at Jask to strengthen the military detach­
ment there. There has, however, been no cause for anxiety for the security
of the telegraph station. It was thought that Mr. New “while travelling
along the telegraph line between Jask and Gwadur on his annual tour of
inspection might possibly be interfered with and his escort was accordingly
increased by a detachment of 30 Mekran levies. Nothing however occurred
during his tour.
H. WHITBY SMITH,
Director, Persian Gulf Telegraphs,
in Political Charge, Mekran Coast.