Abstract: The volume consists of reports on minor military operations in 'South Persia' contained in a despatch from the Inspector General, South Persia Rifles (Percy Molesworth Sykes) to the Chief of the General Staff, Army Headquarters, Simla. The reports recount operations against Labu Muhammadis, Chehar Radis and other 'robber tribes' of 'Northern Fars' and against the 'Saulat-ud-Daulah', Il Khani of the Qashqais', and 'Nasr-I-Divan Kalantar of Kazarun'. Many of the reports included were by the Deputy Inspector General, South Persia Rifles (Colonel Ernest Frederick Orton).There follow individual reports from commanding officers detailing the units involved, topography of the land on which the military operations took place, the villages and tribes attacked, description of military operation, tables of operational logistics and casualties sustained on both sides.The volume contains 17 maps and plans of the towns and villages attacked in the operations, giving such information as relief, settlement, hydrology, lines of communication and progress of battle:'Plan of villages - CHAH-HAQ and MIAN DASHT, CHAHAR-RAHI PUNITIVE EXPEDITION. APRIL, 1918' (folio 4)'ACTION OF DEH SHAIKH. 25th May 1918.' (folio 15)'Fight at DEH SHAIKH Map (17. C. B. 2.4.6) 25th May 1918.' (folio 17)'ACTION OF DEH SHAIKH. 25th May 1918. Decisive attack from Gardaneh Sagavi Kutal, 3 p.m.' (folio 18)'PLAN OF NEIGHBOURHOOD SHIRAZ' (folio 23)'AFIFABAD POST As when occupied by detachment on 9-6-18.' (folio 24)'Action of BULVARDI, near SHIRAZ. June 27th 1918.' (folio 30)'Action at CHINARINAZ (10th May 1918)' (folio 39)'ACTION NEAR HERAT-I-KHURREH' (11th May 1918) GUDAR-I-PIRZAD.' (folio 41)'PLAN SHEWING HILLS SOUTH OF ZIARAT VILLAGE.' (folio 43)'ACTION OF ZIARAT, SARCHAHAN VALLEY; 13-5-1918. From Khunsar River (folio 44)'ACTION OF KUH-I-KHAN. Against Charrahis 16-5-1918. From hill 1200 feet above , and N. of valley; looking South.' (folio 47)'ACTION OF CHINAR RAHDAR. 7th July 1918. Situation at 5-30 a. m., 7th July 1918.' (folio 61)'SKETCH MAP OF ABADEH.' (folio 74)'Sketch Map to Illustrate OPERATIONS TOWARDS FIRUZABAD (July 1918.)' (folio 82)'PERSIA. INDIA AND ADJACENT COUNTRIES. SHEET NO. 17' (folio 84)'ACTION NEAR FIRUZABAD. [23rd-24th July 1918].' (folio 85)Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 87; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Pagination: the volume also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: Confidential report on the tribes of the Fars region of Persia [Iran], produced by Captain A J Christian of the General Staff, Shiraz, 1918. The report was printed at the Government Monotype Press, Simla [Shimla], 1919.The report covers a number of tribal groupings: the Khamseh, Qashgai [Qashqai], Mamassani, Lashani, Mishmast, Boir Ahmadi, and Dushmanziari [Doshman Zīārī]. Aspects covered include: origins and history of tribes; organisation; assessments of their general character; habitat; strength and fighting strength (expressed as numbers of men); arms and ammunition; language; revenue; subtribes. The bulk of the report is given over the Qashgai tribe, with detailed descriptions of its subtribes, and seven appendices (labelled A to G) as follows:appendix A – a genealogical table of the Qashgai Ilkhanis;B – notes on some of the Qashgai Khans;C – weights, measures, coinage used by the Qashgai;D – archaeological remains associated with the Qashgai;E – mineralogical deposits in areas associated with the Qashgai;F – agriculture of the Qashgai;G – the Amaleh.The report finishes with a list of smaller tribes, giving details of their leader, number of families, and habitat. The volume contains a single map of the Fars district, with areas occupied by some of the tribes indicated (folio 90).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 91; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: This file contains material relating to the South Persia Rifles, southern Persia [Iran], the Bakhtiari [Bakhtiyari] Tribe and the oil fields developed by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC). It includes:A table showing the disposition of troops in southern Persia in December 1917The capture of an incriminating letter addressed to Mukhbir Us Sulteneh [Mahdi Quli Khan Hidayat Mukhbir al-Saltanah]The outbreak of clashes between the nomadic tribes of southern Persia and the South Persia RiflesThe call by Soulat [Isma’il Khan Sawlat al-Dawlah Qashqa’i], Ilkhani of the Kashgai [Qashqa'i] Tribe, for a jehad [jihad] against foreign forces in Persia [The Ilkhani being the Paramount Chief of the tribe]The loss of the post at Khaneh Zinian [Khan-i Zaniyan] to the Kashgais led by SoulatThe logistics required for extending the right flank of the Allied forces in Mesopotamia [Iraq] to the Caspian SeaThe reinforcement of the forces under Sir Percy Molesworth Sykes via Bandar Abbas and Bushire [Bushehr]The placement of Sykes under the command of General Charles Monro, Commander-in-Chief, IndiaThe departure of the German agent Wilhelm Wassmuss towards Khaneh ZinianThe general expression of ‘nationalist resentment’ at the presence of British forces in Central PersiaThe offer of the Persian Admiral, Mirza Ahmad Khan Tangistani Daryabegi, to collaborate against SoulatThe declaration by Habib Allah Khan Qavam al-Mulk Shirazi of his support for the Governor of Fars, Abd al-Husayn Mirza Farmanfarma, and his readiness to defend Shiraz against SoulatThe clashes between the Kalantar of Kazerun, Nasir Divan Kazeruni, and British forces outside ShirazAn offer of assistance from the Kalantar of the Kashkuli Tribe, Muhammad ‘Ali Khan KashkuliThe lack of co-operation between the British Minister at Tehran, Charles Marling, and Sir Percy SykesThe placement of all British troops in southern Persia under the command of an officer with the rank of Brigadier-GeneralA joint letter from the khans of Borasjun [Borazjan], Tangistan and Chakutah [Chahkootah] to the Political Resident at Bushire to enquire about the objectives of the recently-arrived British regimentsThe possibility of installing Mirza Hasan Khan Vusugh (Vusugh al-Dawlah) as Prime Minister, following the Italian victory at the Second Battle of Piave River, and the suspension of German operations against FranceThe recommendation of Brigadier-General George Younghusband to surround oilfields with ‘barbed wire fence with electric light standards and ring of sentries like prisoners of war camp’The willingness of the Ilkhani of the Bakhtiyari to ‘maintain order’ in the oilfields of southern PersiaThe siege of Indian Army troops at Abadeh by the Kashgai and the desertion of all South Persia RiflesThe mobilisation of Mirza Kuchak Khan's Jangali Movement to seize control of RashtA quarrel between the German agent, Wassmuss and the Ilkhani of the Kashgai, SoulatThe defection of the Kashgai chiefs ‘Ali Khan Qashqa’i Salar-i Hishmat and Ahmad Khan Qashqa’i Sardar-i IhtishamThe order from Khusraw Khan Bakhtiyari Sardar-i Zafar to Yusuf Khan Bakhtiyari Amir Mujahid to relieve the siege of Abadeh, and prevent Murtaza Quli Khan Samsam from joining the KashgaisThe pursuit by Sardar-i Ihtisham, Muhammad ‘Ali Khan Kashkuli, and Qavam al-Mulk Shirazi of Soulat and his band of followers and the retreat of Nasir Divan Kazeruni to KazerunA request from Soulat to Ayoz Kika [Haj Iyaz Khan Shakiri Qashqa’i] for reinforcementsThe arrest of Baha Us Sultan [Baha’ al-Sultan Shirazi], a leading democrat [i.e. of the Hizb-i Democrat-i Fars]The deployment of Sultan Kazem Khan [Sultan Kazim Khan Shamlu’s] Darrahshuri tribal forces to AbadehThe preference of Vusugh al-Dawlah for Swedish officers to lead the national police in PersiaA rumour about the presence of the German agent Oskar von Niedermeyer in Bakhtiyari CountryThe encirclement, by Soulat, of Sardar-i Ihtisham and the South Persia Rifles at FiruzabadThe relief of Sardar-i Ihtisham and the South Persia Rifles by Colonel Ernest Frederick OrtonThe death of Muhammad ‘Ali Khan Kashkuli at Shiraz on 20 October 1918The handover of the South Persia Rifles by Sir Percy Sykes to Colonel Orton and the former's arrival at DelhiThe refusal by Wassmuss to surrender to British forces, and his rejection of an offer of repatriationThe readiness of the Persian Government to co-operate in the arrest and deportation of WassmussA proposal by Colonel Orton of the South Persia Rifles for the organisation of a national Persian Army.Physical description: The foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 405; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 2-389.
Abstract: This volume consists of a report on the tribes of Fars by G F Magee, Intelligence Corps, with an explanatory note on the purpose of the work and its contents by H G Jakins, HM Consul Shiraz. It was presented to HM Embassy by the Government of India in January 1950, and contains an inserted addenda and corrigenda to update and correct the report (f 1a).The following tribes are discussed:Qashqai - including Darrehshuri, Sheshboluki, Farsimadan, Amaleh, Kashkuli, Kashkuli Kuchek, Qaracheh;Kordshuli;Khamseh - including Arab, Baseri, Ainalu, Baharlu, Nafar, and notes on the small tribes attached to Khamseh Lashani;Mamassani;Doshmanziari.It covers: history, geography, communications, organisation, economy, relations with neighbouring tribes, relations with the Persian government, the people, strength, personalities, and territory; and includes genealogical trees, succession trees, an analysis of sub-tribes and sub-sections, and route reports for the territories.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 109; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.
Abstract: The item contains correspondence and other papers regarding agreements made by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC) for the establishment of new oilfields at Dasht-i-Qil, an area inland from Genawah [Bandar Ganaveh, Iran]. The correspondence covers:An oil drilling agreement between APOC and local leaders of the Kashkuli, a tribe of the Kashgai [Qashqai] people, copies of which are included on folios 245-251, 255-262 and 283-288Objections from Soulat-ud Dauleh [Esma’il Khan Sowlat al-Dowla Qashqai, also written as Saulat-ud-Daulah in the correspondence], also referred to as Sardar Ashair [Sardar Asha’er], who believed he should have been involved in the agreement as the representative of his son Muhammad Nasir Khan, Ilkhani [leader] of the KashgaiA subsequent agreement between APOC and the Ilkhani confirming the agreement with the Kashkuli, copies of which are included on folios 193-195 and 206-207Hostilities between Soulat-ud Dauleh and his brother Ali Khan Salar Hishmat, and discussions over the possible impact on the agreementsObjections from the Government of Persia [Iran] that the agreement was made without their involvementArrangements for surveys of the area.The primary correspondents are: the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Persia; the Foreign Office; the India Office; the Government of India; the Surveyor General of India; the British Consul, Ahwaz; the British Consul, Shiraz; the Foreign Minister of Persia; the Governor-General of Fars Province; the Governor-General of Arabistan Province; APOC Ltd; and Messrs Strick Scott & Co Ltd, managing agents for APOC.Physical description: 1 item (127 folios)
Abstract: The map is a General Staff India publication marked for official use only, and accompanies
MILITARY REPORT on PERSIA Vol. IV Part II. The map shows a region of southern and western Persia, indicating the habitats and migration routes of clans of Qashgai [Qashqai] people, cities, towns, roads and hydrology.The map bears a printing statement which reads 'Simla Drawing Office, No. 3418. September. 1922.'.Physical description: Materials: Printed on paperDimensions: 227 x 183mm, on sheet 344 x 217mm
Abstract: Consular diaries describing affairs in Shiraz and the surrounding area of Fars Province, Persia [Iran]. The diaries were submitted on a fortnightly basis (monthly from November 1945) by the British Consul at Shiraz. They cover the period of the Second World War, the Anglo-Soviet occupation of Persia (1941-1946) and the increasing political instability and social unrest that unfolded across the country during 1946. Subjects covered in the diaries include: the actions and movements of local Persian officials, both civil and military; internal security, chiefly focusing on raids on the roads into and out of Shiraz by tribal groups; tribes, and in particular the actions and movements of the Qashqai and its leader Naser Khan Qashqai; the economic situation, with particular reference to food prices and food supply; agriculture and irrigation projects; British officials and British military movements; Soviet interests; American [USA] interests; public health; public utilities, including water supplies, medical care, roads; local politics, including elections and a growing focus on the activities of the Tudeh Party of Iran throughout 1946; meteorological observations. The file also includes a report produced by the British Consul entitled ‘Appreciation of local conditions May to November 1944’ (ff 270-277).The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 362; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: The first part of the file (ff 322-420) contains copies of various reports on the internal situation in the district of Fars, most of which were prepared by the British Consul at Shiraz between 1932 and 1939. These reports describe security, public order, economic conditions and agricultural productivity in Fars. Included in these reports is a detailed summary of events in Fars for the year 1936 (ff 352-370), and a report on the economic conditions in Fars in July 1937 (ff 334-346). These reports were written by the British Consul at Shiraz, Arnold Edwards Watkinson.The second part of the file contains papers dated from August 1941 to July 1944 (ff 5-320). These papers concern the situation in Fars in the wake of the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran, and the two Allied powers’ occupation of Iran during the Second World War. These papers concern: the activities of the Qashgai [Qashqai] peoples and their leading representatives, including Muhammad Nasir Khan Qashgai; the Qashgai’s relations and negotiations with the Iranian and British Governments; the general security situation in the Fars district; reports on the whereabouts and activities of German spies believed to be operating in Fars, thought to be seeking influence with the Qashgai; security and defence of the oil refinery at Abadan. The principal correspondents in this part of the file are: the British Consul at Shiraz, Terence Vincent Brenan; HM’s Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at Tehran, Reader William Bullard; the Foreign Office.The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the inside front cover with 1, and terminates at the last folio with 421; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: Papers and reports concerning a rebellion against the Persian Government by the country’s southern tribes (including the Qashqai and Bakhtiari) in the provinces of Isfahan and Fars in August 1946. The papers include: correspondence between the British Ambassador at Tehran, John Haller Le Rougetel, and the Foreign Office in London, reporting on events in Isfahan and Fars; correspondence concerning allegations made by the Persian Government that the British Consul General at Ahwaz [Ahvāz], Alan Charles Trott, was complicit in the rebellion; the British Government’s refutation of the claim; the Persian Government’s demand that the British Government recall Trott; the Persian Government’s eventual acceptance that Trott had no role in the affair; correspondence dated 1947 concerning the proofing and preparation of two reports, entitled
The Tribes of Farsand
Boir Ahamad,both by Lieutenant G F Magee. A draft copy of
The Tribes of Farsconstitutes the contents of the next file in the series: Coll 28/44A ‘Persia; Internal; Fars Affairs; Lt G. F. Magee’s report entitled “The Tribes of Fars”’ (IOR/L/PS/12/3449).The file contains two items written in French: These are statements issued by the Iranian Prime Minister, Ahmad Qavam (ff 139-140).The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 155; these numbers are written in pencil and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: Typescript copy of a secret report entitled
The Tribes of Fars, written by Lieutenant G F Magee of the Intelligence Corps of the British Army, dated November 1945 (ff 9-236). Cover notes and a single item of correspondence, referring to arrangements for the printing of the report by the Government of India Press, precede the report (ff 3-7).The report discusses the following tribes: Qashqai – including Darrehshuri, Sheshboluki, Farsimadan, Amaleh, Kashkuli, Kashkuli Kuchek, Qaracheh; Kordshuli; Khamseh – including Arab, Baseri, Ainalu, Baharlu, Nafar, and notes on the small tribes attached to Khamseh Lashani; Mamassani; Doshmanziari. In its descriptions of tribes, the report details their: history; geography; communications; organisation; economy; relations with neighbouring tribes; relations with the Persian government; strength; personalities; and territory. The reports also includes genealogical trees, succession trees, an analysis of sub-tribes and sub-sections, and route reports for tribal territories.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 239; these numbers are written in pencil and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: The papers in this file relate to the Eastern Persia Cordon.The papers include: the telegram from the British Consul in Sistan on road-making (18 October 1918); The number of British officers in the Sistan and Khorasan Levy Corps (29 October 1918); the possibility of recruiting Hazara men for the Sistan Levy Corps (2 November 1918); the transfer of 100 men from the Sistan Levy Corps to the Khorasan Levy Corps (18 November 1918); the decision to halt and redeploy the six squadrons en route to Meshed [Mashhad] (8 November 1918); the original purpose of the East Persia Cordon and Turkey's 'secession' from the War (8 November 1918); the monthly report on the number of officers and men in the Khorasan Levy Corps (8 December 1918); a telegram from Sir Percy Cox on the Government of India's decision to take control of, and the Government of Persia's claim of ownership over the Sistan-Mashhad Telegraph Line (27 January 1919); the placement of all troops up to Mashhad (except those of General Wilfrid Malleson) under the command of the General Officer Commanding, 4th (Quetta) Division (23 September 1918); the Secretary of State for India's approval for the extension of the railway to Karegi Narwar (21 August 1918); the approval for the formation of an (Indian) Ford Motor Van Company in Sistan (7 June 1918); the plan for the maintenance of the extended British Cordon from Birjand to Mashhad (7 June 1918); the General Officer Commanding, Sistan, Birjand on the disposition of the Sistan Force (2 March 1918); a telegram from Sir Charles Marling on the death of a Russian merchant (20 April 1918); the departure of 1 Squadron Cavalry from Birjand and a clash with certain Baharlu 'raiders', the raids carried out by Isma’il Khan Qashqa’i, Sawlat al-Dawla and his followers in the environs of Lar, because of tensions between Sawlat and Habib Allah Khan Qavam al-Mulk Shirazi (2 March 1918); the departure of the Cossacks from Mashhad, arrival of British troops at Turbat-i Haydari, and confirmation of the existence of telephone communications as far as the latter location (1 March 1918); a telegram by Marling on the sanitary cordon between Kariz and Turbat-i Haydari (25 February 1918); the punitive measures taken against the tribesmen in Fars and the coastal districts of Persia, withdrawal of the regular garrison from Bandar ‘Abbas and its takeover by the South Persia Rifles, construction of the Bandar ‘Abbas-Kerman road, and the strength of the Sistan Levy Corps (14 February 1918); the appointment of Lieutenant-Colonel G A Dale to the temporary rank of Brigadier-General (14 January 1918); the supply of sixty Ford vans from Egypt to Bombay for service in East Persia (21 January 1918); and a 'Note Regarding Eastern Persia' by R H Headley (25 December 1917).Physical description: The foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 38; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present between ff 16-34; these numbers are written in coloured crayon.