File 3280/1913 'Persia: Bushire-Shiraz road; Swedish gendarmerie; conditions on the Bushire-Shiraz road; tours of Shiraz consul' [‎91r] (186/332)

158
It appears to me, therefore, that arguments advanced by Cox against
gendarmerie occupying road as far as Bushire cannot be regarded as convincing.
But, apart from details, I venture to urge that change of gendarmerie plans at
eleventh hour would produce disastrous effect, and would be most serious blow
to their prestige and future prospects. I have always understood from begin
ning that it was intended that gendarmerie should occupy whole road from
Shiraz to Bushire, and I think everyone else here was under same impression.
To renounce or defer that intention now after months steady preparation would,
I submit, be grave error. Nor can I understand why it is supposed that system
of subsidies alone will solve long vexed road question. No faith can be placed
in assurances of Khans, and it is surely preposterous that Persian Government
should be expected to subsidise their own subjects permanently to refrain from
unlawful acts when they have regular force equipped for very purpose of
stopping out such evils and ready and anxious to perform their duties.
I have discussed matter with Stas and Uggla and we are all strongly of
this opinion.
As to position of Bushire Besidency vis-a-vis Khans I cannot see that
this position will be in any way prejudiced by execution of proposed gendar
merie programme. Por years past Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. has complained of outrageous
attitude of these people and project which will, it may be hoped, put an end to
their scandalous behaviour on the road once and for all, is surely to be welcomed.
Enclosure No. 3.
Telegram It., No. 382, dated (and received) the 3rd November 1913.
From—His Britannic Majesty's Minister, Tehran,
To—The Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire.
Poliowing sent to Foreign Office, No. 379, 3rd November, repeated
Bushire, Shiraz.
(Not printed.—See Serial No. 134.)
Enclosure No. 4.
Telegram R., No. 383, dated (and received) the 3rd November 1913.
From—-His Britannic Majesty's Minister, Tehran,
To—The Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire (repeated Consul, Shiraz,
No. 249).
Your telegrams* 406 and 407. I much regret that, after careful con
sideration of arguments for and against put
• Serial Nos. isi and 132, forward by you and Acting Consul, Shiraz,
I cannot agree that it would be better to postpone occupation of road down to
Bushire. I am very sorry you should feel you ought to have been consulted
sooner. I had no idea that there was any question of not taking over whole of
road until Treasurer-General raised point about a fortnight ago, presumably on
telegramf from Zwinne showing that
f Enclosure No. 2 to Serial No. 139. fchere wou ld be a possible Saving of 4,000
tomans 10,000 Persian dinars, or a gold coin of that value. if the movement was postponed. Judging from previous corres
pondence that had depicted state of country between Bushire and last Kotal as
unsatisfactory, I imagined you would be in favour of entire road being taken
over. I at once consulted Colonel, who telegraphed to Uggla. Latter replied
strongly urging the entire occupation, and I concurred. It seems to me that
possible disadvantages that may result from taking over entire road do not
compare with probable bad impression that would be created by a change ot
plans at last moment.