'Administration Reports 1925-1930' [‎150r] (304/418)

35
It was stated in the last year's report that Great Britain's policy of holding
aloof was beginning to bear frnit. However, the disturbances in Fars gave a
fresh lease of life to the belief that we are ever ready to interfere in Persia to
obtain political advantage. On more than one occasion well educated Persians
tried to enlist H. M.'s Consul's assistance and obviously did not believe the reply
that it was a domestic matter in regard to which on action was possible.
There are nominally four papers published at Kerman but only one of them
appears with even a semblance of regularity. These papers subsist not so much
by sales or genuine subscriptions but by
donations from the leading personages of
Kerman who find it advisable to pay an insurance premium against newspapet
'criticisms. H. M.'s Consulate subscribes to all the papers. Nothing objection
able from the point of view of British interests has appeared in any of them.
The " Istiqamat the leading paper, published a very aympathetic obituary
article on Mr. Davies' death.
12. Health and Central Welfare. —Measles in an epidemic form was preva^
lent in February and March and caused a number of deaths chiefly among 4
children.
In August a notification was issued regarding the establishment of quarantine
posts on the roads to Duzdab and Bandar Abtas. Travellers from India not
holding inocculation certificates against cholera were supposed to be inocculated
at these stations. Apparently no action was taken beyond the issue of the
notice.
The post of u Eals-i-Sahiyeh " changed hands on several occasions, but
without any effect on sanitation or public health for which there are no funds
available.
The general health has been fair in spite of the extreme poverty of the
masses and their under-nourishment. Kerman with its arid climate and sandy
soil is a healthy town.
13. Russian Interests.- —The Russian political and Consular interests at
Kerman are in the charge of the Consul-General at Ispahan. He paid a visit
to Kerman and Bandar Abbas in April. He stayed four days at Kerman where
he called on all the principal local officials.
A branch of the Vnieshtorg is maintained at Kerman under the charge of a
Russian Trade Representative. M. Belooshapkin held the post up to May when
he was relieved by a Tartar Mons. Bysiantsky who has shown himself more
energetic and with a greater interest in political affairs.
Belore the war Russia's import of goods represented about 20 per cent, of
Kerman's requirements and came in almost entirely from the North. Russia
has now by her sea imports through Bandar Abbas captured about 40 per cent,
of the trade almost entirely at the expense of Hindu merchants whose share has
sunk from 75 per cent, to 45 per cent.
The Soviet goods in the way of textiles, sugar and matches are sold at prices
at which other traders can scarcely compete. It would seem that the Hindus
must either close down or become distributors of Russian goods. There are
signs that some of them are contemplating this departure.
The Russians have extended their organization to Bam where Russian goods
including oil and petrol are now stocked.
In the Kerman province the Russians hold 17| per cent, of the trade in Kero
sene and 22 per cent, of that in petrol, the balance being done by the Anglo-
Persian Oil CompanyThe higher figure for petrol is due to the Russian pro
duct's admitted superiority.
14. Military—The number of troops in the Kerman command may be put
roughly at 1,550 including about 700 conscription recruits. Normally they are
centred at Kerman with small detachments at—•
Bandar Abbas
Bam
Jiruft
Sir jan and
Baft.