The Cotton Spies

CHAPTER 30

  Robbins was reading a newspaper when Edrich entered his office but he looked up immediately and thrust the newspaper onto his desk.

  ‘Interesting information in this Tashkent newspaper that someone brought over yesterday. These Bolsheviks have nationalised cotton. The Turkestan Government is acquiring all stocks on behalf of the Central Government in Moscow.’ Robbins picked up and waved the newspaper at Edrich with a look of utter disdain.

  ‘Then the sooner we get permission to go to Tashkent the better, particularly if we can buy the cotton instead of the Hun,’ responded Edrich.

  ‘Yes and I have some news on that score from the governor here. Peking apparently has told him that we may be able to bring the cotton to Kashgar provided we pay all transport fees.’

  ‘They could be pretty heavy, couldn’t they?’

  ‘No, not pretty - very heavy - so it might be easier to buy and then burn the stuff. The crucial thing being that it doesn’t matter what happens to the cotton as long as the Germans don’t get it. It states in here,’ he waggled the newspaper, ‘that the German army could be in Tashkent in two to three months.’

  ‘It does?’ said Edrich incredulously. ‘They are not across the Caspian yet are they? I can’t believe that they could get to Tashkent so fast for logistical reasons if for nothing else.’

  ‘Neither do I, however, it seems that these Bolos are neither supporting, nor opposing the Germans.’ Robbins tapped the newspaper hard with his forefinger, ‘this is just German propaganda to keep the natives quiet.’ He turned the paper noisily and pointed to another paragraph, ‘they even claim that the Kaiser entered Paris in April when we know he didn’t.’ He threw the paper on the desk. ‘The problem is we know most of the stuff they print is untrue but some no doubt is true. Our problem is identifying which is which.’

  General Harris was standing by his window looking out at the parade activities before him. When Routledge entered he turned round with a smile as broad as the ocean.

  ‘Come in, Routledge and sit down.’ The general drew up his chair and beamed again at Routledge, ‘the good news we have been waiting for has arrived. London and Peking’s approval has been received by the Viceroy who can now finally give final permission for our chaps to go to Tashkent. Not only that but it appears in a letter from Robbins to the Viceroy that the Russian ambassador in Kashgar has also approved the mission’s bona fides. So it seems nothing can stop Robbins and either Washbrook or Edrich leaving immediately.’

  ‘Great news sir, I’m sure our chaps up in Kashgar are raring to go. The orders are already written all we need is your signature. I have been carrying the orders around with me for days.’ Routledge placed the orders on the general’s desk and the latter quickly scanned them before signing. That done Routledge said, ‘Edrich has been in Kashgar for over a week according to my calculations the others a few days. These orders will get there in the middle of next week. By then the Mission members will have had time to: rest from their journey from Srinagar; sort out supplies and clarified a plan of action for when they confront the Bolos in Tashkent.’

  ‘Anything else we need to discuss?’ The general asked pushing the signed papers across the desk.

  ‘Yes, what is happening at the other end of Turkestan concerning the recent overthrow of the Bolos in Krasnovodsk and Ashkhabad. General Barber is recommending that Captain Fernee returns to Ashkhabad where apparently the new government is basing itself. Fernee’s task is to identify the people with whom we are dealing. General Barber further suggests that Fernee then carry on to Baku and report the situation there to us. I think general we should say yes to both suggestions, otherwise we will remain in the dark.’

  The general sat back in his chair and motioned for Routledge to sit. ‘Agreed, I spoke to the Viceroy about these matters last evening. It seems to the politicians here in India that these Bolsheviks are actively supporting the Germans. The Viceroy told me that we need to get Barber to support whichever party is against these Bolsheviks, and that means we will support the current non-Bolshevik Ashkhabad government not just with money,’ he paused for effect, ‘but possibly with troops. The Viceroy was firm in his support of a mission to Ashkhabad and Baku. The major aim is to do as you said namely to clarify the position in both places prior to taking action. Therefore colonel when you have sent those orders to our chaps in Kashgar, I want you to draft orders for Barber. When you have written them, we’ll discuss them, make any changes necessary and get them off today.’

  ‘I will do that immediately, sir.’ Routledge swept the Kashgar papers up and left the office.