'Administration Reports of the Persian Gulf, 1945 [-1946]' [‎103r] (218/414)

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III.-- FOREIGN INTERESTS
Representation.The Iraqi Vice-Consul still is the
only other foreign civil representative in the area.
This appointment was held by Mr. Khalil Ibrahim from
the beginning of the year till the 21st October, and
thereafter by Mr. P.D, Azoo, the Head Clerk, who
officiated till the end of the year.
Trade.-- About the only imported goods to be seen on
the market throughout the year were those of American
manufacture: beauty preparations, sun goggles, etc.
were always available, and immediately on the cessation
of hostilities with Japan, fresh supplies of these
together with large consignments of glassware, oil lamps
and second-hand winter clothing arrived from the U.S.A.
The arrival of the clothing was timely, and kept prices
down to a reasonable level.
Russian crockery and sugar appeared in some shops
at the end of the year. Significance however attaches
to the frequent visits to Khorramshahr of the Russian
Consul at Ahwaz, who on these occasions showed great
interest in the newly-built jetties at Sentab, and who
went to no little trouble to obtain figures of imports
from Britain, India and the u .S.A.
At the very end of the year, a branch of the
American-Iraqi Shipping Company, whose main office is at
Basrah, was established at Khorramshahr for the purpose
of shipping away all surplus U.S. Army supplies. It is
understood, however, that it will remain permanently as
a trade rival to British shipping agencies.
IV.— LOCAL. GOVERMENT
Ustandar (Governor-General).-- The appointment was held
by Aghai Misbah Fatemi throughout the year.
Farmandar (Governor).-- Khorramshahr and Abadan continued
to be separate governorates, under civil and military
authority respectively.
Aghai Hassan Mateen remained Governor of Khorramshahr
throughout the year, except for the period from 3Cth June
to 27th November when he was absent on leave, and during
which time Aghai Mahmud Darwish, Mayor of Khorramshahr,
officiated.
Sarhang (Colonel) Mohamed Sadiq Daulatshahi who
has been Military Governor of Abadan since late in 1943,
retained the appointment throughout the year. He was the
object of anonymous complaints and of Press attacks on
the score of corruption, from which he was acquitted by
a Court of Inquiry"set up in January. Owing^to continued
libellous attacks, he on more than one occasion threatened
to resign, but was persuaded to remain, while attempts were
made to silence his detractors. Throughout the period of
his charge he has proved to be helpful and cooperative.
Since the end of the War, the question has been
discussed as to whether the Military Governorate should
be abolished, or not; it was decided to allow it to
continue at least until the Allied forces evacuate the
country.
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