§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the chiefs of Persian Baluchistan are still raiding Persia, in spite of the advent of the new Governor-General; and whether they now pay taxes to or have any political connection with Persia?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)According to reports from His Majesty's representative on the spot, received since the date of the hon. Member's last question on the subject, which was 15th March, the new Governor-General of Kerman, immediately on his arrival at his post, began to make preparations for an expedition to Baluchistan to restore order and subdue the rebellious chief, Bahram Khan. The expedition, consisting of 1,500 men, left Kerman on 18th February for Barn, where is was to be joined by another 1,500 men. On the 12th April news was received at Tehran that this force had taken Bampur fort, and intended to proceed against Fahraj. It may therefore be anticipated that the political supremacy of Persia will be re-established in Persian 1812 Baluchistan, but I have no specific information as to how far taxes are being paid in that district to the Persian Government. Four robberies of caravans and one of the post were reported as having taken place in Kerman in January, but according to the latest information received the new Governor-General is maintaining order in the province.