Page 158 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920

18 PERSIAN GULP ADMINISTRATION REPORT
Simultaneously 'with this proposal, however, the Kawam, furious ai
conduct of the Sowlet-od-Dowlen which will be louclud onebc where, ^
put tliat the latter’s proceedings must produce the woist possible effect a nte*
the Arab and other Chiefs \vhcm Kawam had recently reduced to order ^
Cowlet-cd-Dowlch was not cheeked, he could probably succeed in niakino.
Kawam’s task as Governor of i-aristan, etc., impossible, and he talk.]
assigning. ‘ ca
On the 8th November, the Kawam’s departure was reported from $h*
on an expedition into Luristan, etc., from which he had not returned bv
end of tho year. J ^
Last year’s report showed that the Governor-General had reappointed «.
8owlet-ed-Dowleh to the Ilklianishi '*
8owlet-cd-Dowlok V of
the Kashgai at the close of the year, o,
the 13th April, His Majesty’s Consul, Shiraz, wired to His Majesty’s Minister
the result of a long conversation with the .Ilkhani. His Majesty's Coi sul
noticed that his general attitude v as that of profound distrust of the Tcisiai
Government and impressed on him that his two principal duties were—
(1) loyalty to the Persian Government and its representative in Fai^

(2) maintenance of order among the Kashgais.
Sowlet-ed-Dowleh declared that he was able to produce the principal
offendeis in the attacks on our troops but wou’d only surrender them to lib
Majesty’s Consul ns a proof of his gooil-will towards the British Government
His Majesty’s Corsul explained that he had no authority to accept su Iu
condition. Sowlet was manifestly disappointed. How'ever, lie promised to give
full support to the gendarmerie.
In May it was rumoured that a reconciliation had been effected between
the Kawam-wl-Mulk and the Sowlet-cd-Dowleh. This was characterised by Hu
Majesty’s Minister as a truce that will presumably last only as long as it is
in their mutual interests it should continue to do so, or, in oilier words, as Ion;
as the Governor-General by virtue of his own personality or of the open sup­
port of the Central GovcrnrneLt and HisiMajesty’s ligation, is recognised at
the most importaut factor in the province.”
In October, however, His Majesty’s Consul at Shiraz reported telegraphi­
cally to His Majesty’s Minister, the following resumd of Kajhgai affairs
“For some months part discontent of Kashgais against Sowlet has been steadily
increasing. He Lad trouble with tribe in 8prmg which he only oveicame
with difficulty by patching up truce between rival parties and by accepting
Muhammad Ali Khan as dominating personality amongst tribal Kalautars.
Since then he lias steadily persecuted" Kalantars who fought against him on
side of Government during 1912. This persecution has culminated lately in
his arresting families of Ali Pinah Kikha, principal Kaiantar of Dawshuii
clan, and others. This has driven Kalantars to desperation and they or their
representatives have assembled in city to lay case before Governor-General
Deputation of them headed by Sowlet*es-Sultanch visited me yesterday includ­
ing Muhammad Khan, Kashkuli, Ali Pinah Kikha, Darashuri, and number
of otjier men well known and influential in tribe. They demand Soviet*
dismissal and threaten serious tribal difficulties if Ilkhaui is not c anged.
•‘It is essential that some proper understanding should be cjmo to wift
Bowlet. Three principal questions present difficulties.
**First, Disagreement with Kalantars referred to above.
"Second. Question of Muhammad Ali Khan and other rascals at present
enjoying Sowlet’s protection. I will refer to this matter again lower down.
“Third. Sowlet has prohibited export to Shiraz of grain from bin
pertioa in the south, and very serious consequences aro thereby threaten®
Gpvernor-Gcneral lias therefore summoned Sowlet to meet him in conferen
in Shiraz when it may be hoped satisfactory arrangement in all these p°*D j
may be arrived at. oowlot is suspicious and fears to come and Stas on .
are doing our best to induce him to do so, and Stas will give him Pcr.SOj|#
guarantee of safety. If the Sowlct comes in and arranges matters satislacio* /