Page 442 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920_Neat

18 PERSIAN GTJLF ADMINISTRATION REPORT

Twenty-six slaves took refuge at tlio Vice-Consulate during the year.
Thirtcon of thorn were manumitted and
tho romaindor were either returned to
their masters or absconded whilo their eases were under consideration.
Brigadier-General Sir Percy Sykes arrived on tho 16th March to raiso and
organise a force of Military Polico (after­
South Tcni* Blflf*.
wards called South Persia Rifles) to take
tho ^laco of the gendarmerie in Southern Persia. Ho was accorded an enthu­
siastic welcome by all classes.
Recruiting was brisk for the first month or two. Three hundrod men
enlisted, hut as they were found to he very poor specimens it was decided to
raise the standard of medical examination and to go further afiold for recruits.
At first the results wore disappointing and fow recruits -were forthcoming;
but towards tho end of the year, with the assistance of the Rcsidoncy at Bushire,
a fair number of Tangistani recruits were obtained.
Sir Percy 8ykes left Bandar Abbas with a column of troops on tho 17th
May for Kerman where they arrived without event on tho 11th June.
Colonel Ducat with tho British and Russian colonies arrived on the 10th
January from Kerman. Colonel Ducat
ITucelbncoui.
proceeded to Mascat to take up big
appointment as Political Agent, the other members of the British Colony
proceeded to India and the Russian Consul and his Cossacks remained in
Bandar Abbas.
His Excellency the Naval Commander-in-Chief arrived in H.M.S
“Euryalus** on the 17th May and left
YWi of Hi« ST»je«f/« Sbii*.
the same day.
W. R. HOW SON,
His Majesty's Consul, Bandar Abbas.