The Cotton Spies

by Simon Glyndwr John

CHAPTER 22

  When Edrich reached Kashgar five weeks after leaving Srinagar he was exhausted by the journey and he had a touch of fever. Robbins took one look at him and ordered him to bed where Edrich spent two blissful days recovering. On the third morning he felt much better and after breakfast he and Robbins began their first meeting concerning their official business.

  ‘I am a bit confused. I thought that I would be going to Tashkent on my own with someone to replace me as consul, Colonel Edrich. That was certainly what I originally recommended to India.’ Robbins then added, ‘so I am not sure that I understand why we need a military side of the mission.’

  ‘On Russian political matters, that is up to you. The military mission’s purpose is to evaluate the possibility that the Germans will use their POWs as an army to invade India. Originally India decided the mission needed two Russian speaking military officers - Washbrook and Hutton- to evaluate that threat. However, when I was in Simla I made the point that Major Hutton lacks experience of the German military, whereas I served on the Western Front. I suggested therefore, based on my experience, that I can better evaluate the German military threat. I decided to use Hutton as my Russian interpreter, not Washbrook, because a captain is not a sufficient rank to act as temporary consul here, whereas a major is.’

  Robbins thought for a moment, ‘I can see that understanding what the Hun is up to is important but I cannot believe that they’ll invade India though.’

  ‘Alexander did it so it is possible, sir.’

  Robbins shook his head. ‘Not from here he didn’t. It is a very long way through some of the toughest country in the world. I just cannot see it. Still you military men must know your business.’

  ‘India is very worried about the general eastern progress of the Germans. Any news of what is happening in Europe and Tashkent?'

  ‘Not really just garbled news from Tashkent which is oriented to the German view. The last news I received from Peking said that we were doing better on all fronts including the war against the submarines. However, that Peking news would be at least three weeks old.’

  Robbins glanced at the papers that Edrich had brought with him. He waved the documents at Edrich, ‘according to these, this mission is targeted only to look at the area as far west as the River Oxus. Do you know who, if anybody is looking beyond that river towards the Caspian?’

  Edrich shook his head. ‘No, nothing was said about it at my briefing. I assume nobody.’

  ‘Well I suppose we can’t go meddling everywhere we just don't have the time, money, or men.’ Robbins put down the papers and picked up a letter which he held aloft, ‘one good piece of news. We will have a new friend if and when we get to Tashkent.’ Robbins handed the letter to Edrich. ‘It is from the American consul, Compton in Tashkent. I suggest you read it when you get time.’

  ‘I did not realise the Americans had a man there. Nothing was said about it in Simla.’

  ‘Compton has only recently arrived there, so Simla would not have known about him at the time you left.’

  ‘What is his role?’

  ‘Good question. I should not doubt it has to do with trade. It was Mr Compton who was our intelligence source for the cotton and who also raised the worry on the German POWs.’

  ‘What about his own government? Would they like him liaising with us?’

  ‘Well they are our allies, and the Americans have no one close to support him – his nearest help being Peking or Moscow. Also Central Asia the Americans know is our sphere of influence so he probably assumes it is down to us to solve any problems.’

  Robbins paused to see if Edrich had any questions. ‘I have told India that I think the local Russian ambassador here, Bolotnikov, will smooth our entrance into Turkestan. The ambassador is from the old regime and he’s not actually sure what these Bolos will do if he returns to Russia. They will probably string him up, which will be a pity because he’s a nice old boy. So it is debateable whether Bolotnikov will accompany us to Tashkent, though he wants to. So any support we may need at our destination will be from my own chaps in Tashkent, which at this stage is all I’ll say about the matter.’

  Robbins looked at Edrich who did not reply but nodded his head. ‘Colonel, if we don’t get India’s final permission to go to Tashkent in the next four weeks then I will be handing over Kashgar to you and heading south to India and home. I have already indicated to India that I intend to do that because theoretically I should have finished here two months ago. When I sent my final retiring date to Delhi I also took the opportunity to write to the Viceroy suggesting that according to local conditions that this mission ought to go ahead immediately. When the Emir gave his permission for you to come here I thought as soon as you arrived we’d set off. Oh no, India wants a short delay whilst they decide, yet again, for us to go ahead – though they say the mission is vital. At this rate the war will be over before we do anything. I cannot wait indefinitely for them to make their minds up.’ He pulled a face,’ I know we await Chinese approval but I honestly believe we could have gone into Russia without it. I am retired after all.’

  ‘What about us military?’

  ‘Robbins shook his head, ‘as always military people add a complication. Of course at the moment you are between two stools. I am not waiting much longer for people to make up their minds I need to get home. I am sure you will do a good job here as the consul.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Edrich replied as his heart sank at the prospect of remaining in Kashgar. ‘Let us hope then that you get your wish to go home through Russia, soon.’

  ‘If we get the Chinese go ahead then we need to act quickly. Bolotnikov who remains the representative of the Russian Government has given me an open letter stating our bona fides and that will get us into Russia. But if he gets replaced by some Bolshevik thug before we leave and the new chap scraps those bona fides and will not give us new ones that will end the mission. Even if we have Bolotnikov’s letter it might not get us across the border because the Bolo border guards may not accept it, or recognize his authority. Then again I’m afraid the mission ends right then and there.’

  ‘You wouldn’t try and cross using a different route?’ Edrich suggested.

  ‘No, I intend to retire in a living rather than a dead state. These Bolos are a ruthless crowd being little more than bandits. Many of them I understand are ex-criminals, murderers and the like, let out of jail to help terrorise anybody opposed to Bolshevism. I’m not going to take chances that I do not have to with people like that. I say we turn back if we cannot cross.’ He looked sternly across at Edrich.

  ‘Yes, Sir Walter.’

  ‘Now something else,’ he paused, ‘his Highness Shahzada Iskander you brought with you. I have doubts about taking him with us. Since you arrived all the refugees here have been treating him like their long lost prince and falling all over him in order to get in his good books.’

  ‘How have the Chinese taken to that?’

  ‘Whilst he stays here they are happy enough. I think if and when he crosses the border it will be a different matter.’

  ‘You think the Russians might accuse the Chinese of stirring up trouble because of his status?’

  ‘Yes. I also get the feeling that if we take him, his highness even more than Bolotnikov might end up on a rope. These Bolos are apparently killing anyone with any connection to the nobility. It might also seem to the Russians that our mission is to encourage a pro-autonomous Muslim state with Shahzada as head of state. I doubt the Russians want us meddling in their affairs, even less Britain putting someone like him back in power. What was India thinking?’

  Edrich shrugged and murmured, ‘so we need to see the lie of the land before we get him across the border.’

  ‘Yes, colonel, you travelled up with Shahzada how might he react to a change of plan?’

  ‘I suppose how we broach the subject that will be the key to his reaction. I suggest that what we say to him is that we are worried about what we will find in Tashken
t and that we will send for him if we think it safe to do so. We cannot risk any chance of someone like him being murdered – undoubtedly Britain would get the blame for it. When I spoke to Shahzada on the way up he told me he was very nervous about going back. He has not been home for twenty odd years and he knows what the Russians have done to the tribes both recently and in the past, otherwise he wouldn’t still be in exile. I’m sure Shahzada will be happy to await our decision. Anyone else we could use?’

  ‘Not as a direct replacement, as it would be as dangerous for them as for Shahzada. The only person I will be taking is my secretary, Bishen Shah, because he speaks excellent Russian, and, the local Sart languages - Kirghiz, Uzbek, and even Mongol. Now Bishen has been in Tashkent on a number of occasions and knows the town’s geography and he has family there; needless to say that family could be useful to us.’ Robbins spoke the last two sentences emphatically. ‘Now to change the subject, if the mission does not go ahead then you take over from me and so what do you know about what you have to do here?’

  ‘I assume that you collect statistics on things like caravans coming in and out of the town, the number of animals in each caravan its source and destination, the type of goods that are passing through? This is what I did in Shushtar. However, I suggest we wait for Washbrook because if the mission goes ahead I wouldn’t want you to have to explain your role twice, first to me, then to him.’ Edrich hoped he sounded sincere.

  Robbins smiled, ‘I am sure you don’t, colonel.’

  Edrich decided a change of subject was called for. ‘I have seen more Europeans here than I expected, are they refugees?’

  ‘Yes, but that said we have to determine whether they are genuine or not. I have to assume these Bolos are trying to smuggle agents out of Russia. Most of the refugees seem authentic, one merely has to look at the state they are in and the fear they carry with them which almost gives off a smell. Anyway even if they are genuine we then have to persuade the Chinese officials to allow them to travel out through India. Most of these European Russians don’t want to stay in China but they are not always successful in obtaining Chinese travel permits. Those waiting for, or denied, permits are forced to live on their wits and whatever they managed to bring out of Russia. Some of course return to Russia and I have a pretty shrewd idea what happens to them.’

  ‘I think I can as well,’ mumbled Edrich as much to himself as Robbins. ‘What about our Indian nationals who have been living across the border?’

  ‘They’ve been coming across the border demanding to return to India. I’m sure some of them are nationalists and trouble-makers but identifying them is so difficult because of the sheer numbers that have been coming across. In the past when Indians came out in dribs and drabs it was easy to check their stories now I am sure despite our best efforts some nationalist agents are getting through. Had any experience of spotting troublemakers, colonel?’

  ‘Oh, yes, Sir Walter in Persia and of course policing was part of my duties when I served as a political officer on the Khyber Pass. Yes, I’ve done my share of weeding with some success.’

  ‘You can never get rid of weeds completely, Colonel Edrich. You only think you do. They always have a nasty habit of reappearing time after time.’

  ‘Still, Sir Walter, we have to keep on weeding to keep our gardens looking as nice as possible for as long as possible.’

  ‘Does Washbrook weed?’

  ‘He has worked like me up on the various Indian borders including the Khyber so he’ll have the right experience for spotting Indian troublemakers. Also by being able to speak Russian he might be able to spot any refugee who might be a German agent masquerading as a Russian.’

  ‘You know, colonel I have been out here since 1890 and the Russians used to be a big problem – the “Great Game”. We and the Chinese were worried about a Russian invasion and on a personal note the Russian Ambassador, not then Bolotnikov, did not speak to me for two years in the late 1890s. In a place where there only four Europeans, as there were then, that non speaking issue seemed a long time. But since 1905 when Britain signed the Entente Cordial with France that changed because the French allies namely the Russians, ipso de facto became ours in 1907. Now Russia is out of the war I think we’ll return to the “Great Game”.’

  ‘I remember those days, sir, so no doubt will Washbrook. I was on the Tibet invasion in 1905 where we were definitely trying to stop Russia getting in there first. Bad business really, too many Tibetans unnecessarily killed, still it served its purpose at the time.’

  Robbins pulled a face, ‘well the Japanese gave the Russians a bloody nose in their war of ’04 which is why they changed their tune in 1907 and became our allies after years of bluster.’ He paused, ‘enough about history. You and your junior officers will attend, with me, all Kashgar’s social functions. These are given by the Chinese officials, the Russian Ambassador and the Swedish Missionaries. These functions are what pass for entertainment in Kashgar and something to which you or Major Washbrook will become accustomed too. You will see exactly the same people at every function – that makes them a scintillating experience.’

  ‘I can’t wait, Sir Walter,’ Edrich put as much boredom into his voice as he could.

  ‘I love keenness, colonel.’ Robbins got up from his desk and walked over to the window and stared out into the walled garden. He pointed at the cherry trees, which Edrich could see when he leaned forward in his chair. ‘Changing the subject, look at my, soon to be yours, garden. I love cherries and these are nearly ripe. Problem with cherries is not weeds but birds. We have a house in London, Denmark Hill, that I have never seen but Mrs Robbins is happy with it. She says we have two different types of cherry tree there, eating and cooking. I look forward to tasting them though it won’t be till next year now.’ Robbins returned to his chair. ‘To change the subject and get on to more serious things. I understand that you have been painting on your journey. Can I have a look?’

  Edrich went and got his portfolio and as he undid the portfolio’s linen strings he felt nervous. He always felt that way when showing his work to someone for the first time. He opened the portfolio, waved his hands at his art and stammered, ‘all these are pen and wash doodles that I did on the way up. Some of them are unfinished and perhaps one or two I’ll attempt to complete if and when I get the chance. Actually I did finish one last night when I felt better, perhaps that is the only one you should see. I’m a bit embarrassed you seeing the rest.’

  Edrich put out his hands to pick up the portfolio Robbins restrained him by putting his hand on Edrich’s arm. ‘As official business is over I hope you don’t mind if I call you Bill?’

  ‘No, sir.’

  ‘You must call me Walter.’ He held up a painting of Hutton sitting on his motorbike against a backdrop of hills and a group of soldiers. ‘Bill, when you are like me hopeless at art I can only admire people with the gift to do things like this.’

  ‘Actually, Walter, it is not a gift, just hard work. It is very frustrating at times I can tell you. There was a Dutchman, Van Gogh, ever heard of him?’ Robbins shook his head.

  ‘He painted about thirty years ago. He never sold a painting in his lifetime now his paintings are expensive. Anyway, he used to get so frustrated with his work that he cut his ear off.’

  ‘You do that, Bill, and your hat will fall over your face,’ laughed Robbins returning his gaze to the painting. ‘This is good. Who is it? He looks to have a very military bearing.’

  ‘That is Captain Hutton done just before I left Srinagar. If, as I hope, he survives the trip you will meet him.’

  For the next fifteen minutes Robbins went through all the paintings and sketches that Edrich had done on his travel to Kashgar. Edrich hovered like a nervous mother hen explaining all the while why this one was wrong or that one needed work. Robbins merely shook his head at the remarks and smiled. When Robbins had seen the last sketch he closed the portfolio and grabbed Bill by the arm and led him out of the office upstairs throug
h a bedroom onto a veranda. Edrich whistled his bedroom had been on the ground floor looking over the garden.

  ‘Yes, Bill, this is the best view of the Tien-shan Mountains. Now that fellow there,’ Robins pointed at the tallest mountain that dwarfed the others, ‘Mustagh-ata, is reckoned to be about twenty-one thousand feet. I think it’ll beat Denmark Hill by about twenty thousand seven hundred feet. Not that I shall mind because all I have to do is close my eyes when I’m in England and there it will always be.’

  ‘Whilst Denmark Hill on the other hand will be rather easier to climb or, you could always catch an omnibus to go up it,’ Edrich suggested.

  ‘Exactly, Bill. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to having the luxury of going everywhere by omnibus.’

  The pair stood and looked at all the other views that could be seen from the balcony.

  ‘You’ll miss this rest of these views as well, Walter, they are stunning.’

  ‘Well that is why I’ve brought you up here, Bill. Will you do me the pleasure of painting these scenes for me to take home?’

  ‘Of course, though whether I’ll be able to do them justice,’ Edrich shrugged.

  Robbins exhaled loudly, ‘Bill, do not worry about it. You come up here every spare minute you need even if I’m in bed,’ he added with a laugh. ‘Look your chaps will be here soon why don’t you just get on and do – well a couple of scenes would be wonderful - more would be better.’

  Edrich’s heart sank as he turned away and raised his eyebrows at the Tien-shan. Edrich could do without the pressure of having painting commissions. He turned back and looked seriously at Robbins who was looking at him curiously.

  ‘Bill, I’ve just thought of something. How are you at portraits? Don’t be bashful, honesty is the best policy.’

  Bill shrugged. ‘I struggle with them. Eyebrows, noses and mouths give me a lot of trouble.

  ‘Not a lot left after that then is there?

  Bill smiled sheepishly ‘No, not really. Why do you ask? Anyway you’ll see when Hutton gets here as to whether I can get a good likeness.’

  ‘Fair enough but what made me think of it is that when we meet the Bolos in Tashkent it might be useful to do sketches of all the characters we meet for our records.’

  ‘Christ, Walter, I’d have to do them from memory because they won’t sit for me.’ He thought for a moment, ‘if I have to do them that way you’d better add foreheads, chins, cheeks and hairline to my difficulties.’

  ‘Still the ears will be accurate, eh Bill? Maybe I could sit with you and advise you on the accuracy of the sketch. Portraits of people are useful information I know a photograph might be better but would for these chaps sit for us – I doubt it – there again we do not have a camera.’

  Edrich frowned. ‘I am willing to try a drawing.’

  ‘Good man that is the spirit. I have some letters to write which you clearly cannot help me with so why not go and get your painting paraphernalia. I’d like a painting with Mustagh-ata in it, done first.’ Robbins pointed to the Pamir Mountains in the west. ‘Love that view to be done as well. Lady Robbins is going to be absolutely thrilled by your pictures. If you could also do one of the old town, from here, that would be marvellous. I’ll let you decide any other’s you can fit in.’ Robbins looked up at the sky, ‘it is a nice day for painting is it not and I think you still are recovering from your trip so you definitely need further recuperation, colonel.’

  The change back to the formal indicated to Bill that he had no option but he smiled as he answered. ‘Yes, Sir Walter, I’m still a bit wobbly. Painting will certainly help me recuperate,’ he said sarcastically, ‘and also ease the tension of our wait for orders.’

  ‘Quite, my dear fellow,’ Robbins patted Bill on the back as if they were family.

  Bill followed Robbins off the veranda and downstairs where they went their separate ways. A few minutes later Edrich reappeared on the veranda and set up his pencils, ink and brushes on a table, his paper on the small traveller’s easel and then stood contemplating the mountains for several minutes. He returned to the table and dragged a chair into position before he put the easel on his lap. Studying the distant Tien-shan Mountains he began with his pencil to recreate the panorama before him. When he had finished with the pencil line drawing he erased and redrew the some of the line several times then when he was satisfied he drew over the some of the pencil marks with his pen dipped in sepia ink- his favourite. He had been struggling for an hour when Robbins reappeared on the balcony.

  ‘William, our well informed Tao-toi or Chinese Military Governor, General Li Wong, wishes to see us tomorrow morning. His residence is in the new town so it’ll be a ride of six miles or so.’

  ‘Small beer after the last six weeks, what is he like?’ asked Edrich erasing a pencil line.

  ‘In a word, William: a bloodthirsty tyrant; a bully; an extortionist; unpleasant both as a person and as something to look at.’

  Edrich pursed his lips as he stared at Robbins. ‘That must be the longest word in the English Dictionary, Sir Walter.’

  Robbins grinned. ‘True. Unfortunately this horrible man saved the Sinkiang Governor’s life during the Chinese Revolution of six years ago so we have to put up with him as the local chief. At one time we were all pretty sure that Russian was going to invade this province but the outbreak of the war in 1914 prevented that happening. I don’t think the Russians are in any position, or have any intention to invade at the moment. Wong supports our mission not just because he wants to know what is happening in Russia but he is petrified they might invade. If the Russians invaded Wong would have to fight them. Wong knows he is not much of a general so to say he’s apprehensive about that possibility would be an understatement. However I will say this, as a butcher of defenceless people he is absolutely first class. So, we need to keep this horrible man on our side.’ Robbins walked over and peered over an uncomfortable Edrich’s shoulder before speaking, ‘Looks good already,’ he waved a hand at the painting, ‘best let you get on with it. See you at dinner.’