'Air Communication in the Persian Gulf. (Communicated by the Air Ministry)' [‎78r] (3/6)

practicable. Negotiations were opened with the Persian Government, who agreed
that representatives of the Air Ministry and of Imperial Airways, Limited, should fly
along the Gulf in a service aircraft ot the Loyal Air Force to investigate local
conditions. This reconnaissance was carried out in the autumn of 192b, and in
September of that year Air Vice-Marshal Sir Sefton Brancker, the Director of Civil
Aviation, visited Tehran with a view to assisting the British Minister, Sir Percy
Loraine, in arranging an agreement for the service with the Persian Government.
A satisfactory agreement was concluded in less than a week, largely owing to the
cordial relations existing between Riza Khan (then Prime Minister of Persia) and
Sir Percy Loraine. The Persian representatives reaffirmed their desire to conform to
the terms of the International Air Convention. They were very definite in their view
that the ground organisation of the route must be Persian, but indicated that it was
impossible for Persia to contribute towards the cost of it. Notes were exchanged
in which it was agreed (subject to ratification by the Mejlis of the International Air
Convention) to allow Imperial Airways, Limited, to operate a fortnightly service, the
British Government undertaking to provide any sheds, buildings and wireless
equipment necessary. These items were to become Persian property when completed,
with the exception of the wireless equipment, which was to be sold to Persia on a
basis of periodic payments.
It was indicated during these negotiations that the Persians were ready within
their limitations to give effect to their obligations under the Convention to afford
liberty of innocent passage across their territory and to provide facilities therefor.
The ratification by the Mejlis of the Convention, however, was deferred through
1926 in spite of the endeavours of the British Minister, and this fact was used as a
pretext for withholding permission for the operation of the service by Imperial
Airways between Basrah and Karachi.
Meanwhile, work on the organisation of the route began ; measures were taken for
the erection of huts and the installation of petrol tanks; and wireless equipment was
delivered.
In December 1926 the Persian Government gave orders that work on the ground
organisation of the route must cease and that the service could not be permitted.
In January 1927 Air Vice-Marshal Sir Sefton Brancker again visited Tehran,
where Sir Robert Clive had just arrived as British Minister. Conferences were held
and promises were made that the Convention would be ratified at an early date.
Subsequently, however, it became clear that the Persian Government had in fact
at that time no intention of carrying out their agreement. It would appear that their
attitute was due to three reasons :—
(i) The route would be of no great value to Persia herself.
(ii) The Persian Government did not wish the route to be administered by
foreigners and feared the responsibility and cost of administering it
themselves.
(iii) 'The Persian Government were afraid that the regular operation of a British
civil air service would increase British influence in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
The discussion reached a deadlock, which persisted until it became possible to
bring pressure to bear on the Persians to reopen the negotiations under the terms of
the new treaty with Persia concluded in the spring of the present year (1928).
Following on a visit to Tehran by the General Manager of Imperial Airways,
Limited, in June 1928, the Persian Government has agreed to allow the Company as
from January 1929 to operate a limited service along the route, using only Bushire
and Jask as aerodromes and Lengeh as an emergency landing ground.
The Persian Government have said, categorically, that permission will not be
renewed after a period of three years has expired, which in their opinion should
allow the Company time to study the possibilities of operating a Central Persian
route through Tehran, the route which they wish followed.
The Persian Government also insist on retaining the ground organisation for the
three years’ service along the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. in their own hands, including the provision
of petrol installations and the provision and operation of the wireless service.
This offer, which has several very undesirable restrictions attaching to it, is now
receiving the consideration of the Air Ministry and Imperial Airways, Limited.
The Air Route along the Arabian Shore.
It is desired for this air route to establish refuelling grounds at intervals of about
200 miles and emergency landing grounds at intervals of 30-50 miles. It would not