Page 761 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920

FERSIAN GULF POLITICAL RESIDENCY, 1020. 27
4. Kermon-Yexd.—This route has, ns ususal, hccn continuously harassed
by robbers from Pars. In October a band of robbers returning with cattle
stolen in a raid in the vicinity of the road were intercepted near Niriz by the
Qarasuran of that place. In the skirmish that ensued the head of the
Qarasuran was killed and the robbers escaped with their booty. In November
another hand who had robbed 40 camels were persued by the Deputy Governor
of Rafsinjnn with 10 Bakbtiari sowars but after suffering a loss of one man
wounded and live horses and ono mule killed he was forced to abandon the
porsuit. In the samo month a party of 15 South Persia Hi lies cavalry under
a British Non-Commissioned Officer was sent from Sirjan to intercept a band
of 12 mounted and 20 foot robbers. In the fight that ensued the South Persia
Biflcs had two sowars wounded and ono horse killed and wore forced to break
off the engagement. In another skirmish that took place a few weeks later
the result was more satisfactory, three robbers being killed and four captured
without any loss to the South Persia Rifles.
The abolition of Rahdari on this road has 'already been mentioned under
Qarasuran and trade has been greatly benefitted by this step.
The other routes call for no special remarks.
Posval Service.
The irregularity and delay of mails duo to the disorganization of the
steamer service consequent on the operations in Mesopotamia, caused great
inconvenience and loss to the mercantile community and with a view to
•establishing a more regular and rapid service His Majesty’s Consul urged the
opening of a postal servico between railhead at Duzdab and Kerman. The
proposal was approved and the new service inaugurated in September. It has
worked most satisfactorily and the time taken from Duzdab to Kerman (a
distance of 885 miles) has been from six to seven days and letters from, London
reach Kerman in about one month as compared with five to six weeks by
the old Bandar Abbas route.
South Persia Rifles.
The strength of the force on 31st December was as follows:—

M18 OKI. t A*
Banian. Indian. Psbbian. NKOOS
FXUEONNEX..

£ £
P E a
S s a e S
CJ £ I 5 « o £
Hi Hi =3 ta 2 s a
o o 6 Px o o CJ £
Brigade Headquarters • 5 4 7 3- 119 10 3
H eadquarter Troop 4

1st Cavalry Kerman . 2 3 1 1 21 403
» »» Bam . •.. 3 69
„ ' » Sirjan 2 52
2nd Machine Gun Squadron 1 1 4 113
2nd Battery 2 2 5 220
2nd Engineers 5 155
6th Infantry • 2 6 21 €02
2nd Pack Mule Corps 1 1 268*