Page 72 - Russo-Persian Postal Relations

11. 1914 - 1s I The "Democrats" A Rebellious movement Germany's drive for
WWI. Central Powers India, the Crown
gaining foothoild Jewel in the Empire
German underground activities under the nose of the British!
The Persian puppet Government was very week and changed constantly under the political threats of Russia and GB.
A nationalistic and anti-government political movement "the Democrats" was growing steadily gaining recognition
from left to right and supported by Germany. By August 1915 their controlled area was quite large: Kermanchah,
Isfahan and Shiraz and more was to come. As German agents and forces crossing Persia for Afghanistan would
potentially have very serious cosequences as Turkey was promoting a JIHAD! i e a Muslim uprising, the Bristish was
soon to occupy the Bushire port.
During the preparations for a Jihad and the crossing of Persia into Afghanistan an Agent/partner in Kermanchah, Persia
sent a letter to Germany via Baghdad. Censored by Turkish authorities

Letter sent
7 August 1915
from
Kermanchah
addressed to a
German
General
at Halbe in
Germany
via Baghdad
and the
Ottoman postal
service to
Konstantinople.
Received at
Hal be
5 September.
Rate 4 lcr lch
Registration fee
12 chahi

It was censored twice by the Turkish authorities. First with a squared no 22 censor mark at the front probably in
Baghdad and in Konstantinople with the red circled military censor seal at the back.
Historical note: a declaration of"Jihad", a wholy war by the Ottoman Empire against Western imperialism i e the Allies, and a Turco-
Persian alliance, was the overall objective to get the British to divert war efforts in Europe towards India. To reach Afghanistan and to
attack Bushire port were the main objectives. To have Persian "friends were indespensible.