File 1356/1912 Pt 2 'Turco-Persian Frontier:- negotiations at Constantinople. (Mohammerah Boundary)' [‎325r] (658/680)

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The horseman having passed me, returned, and, coming up with me, forced me to
dismount with considerable abuse, though they knew who I was, and at the same time
they seized the headgear of my servant. I was then walked to the fort, where the
^individual m command was very rude, and threatened to send me back to Khanikin
under escort. He offered no explanation of why he had fired, but stated that they had
every right to stop me for cantering—-a thing he could easily have done by sending out
a man to meet me, as I was within sight for a mile before they fired. I was unable to
recover part of my servant’s headgear. This incident, combined with the fact that the
same man, under oiders from the local governor at Khanikin, has been threatening to
confiscate any cart, together with its luggage, that shall pass the fort without a written
order, is rnost senously detrimental to the interests of both the British and the Anglo-
Persian Oil Company.
Company s employes and carts have passed here for years without any interruption
whatevei, and the present action is one for which 1 trust you mav be able to obtain
full satisfaction, as well for the company as for myself.
I beg you to accept my apologies for troubling you at this length, and have the
honour to be, &c.,
E. B. SOANE.
Enclosure 3 in No. 1 .
( 1 .)
Copy of Telegram received from Resident, Bagdad, 2nd July, 1912.
YOTR letter of 26th June. If possible, please come Bagdad with the servant
who accompanied you.— Lortmer.
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( 2 .)
Copy of Reply to above, sent July 2, 1912.
Your telegram 30th. Sorry impossible leave here just now.— Soane.
Enclosure 4 in No. 1.
Consul-General Lorimer to Mr. Soane.
Dear Soane, July 4, 1912.
I HAVE received your telegram of the 2nd July in reply to mine of the 30th June.
You do not say what detains you at Chia Surkh, and I find it difficult to imagine. In
the absence of other explanations it will be supposed that the incident was less serious
than indicated by your first report, and an unfortunate impression will be created and
will damage the case.
Yours faithfully,
J. G. LORIMER.
P.S.—It seems to me your duty, after starting this big case, to follow it up
personally and without delay.