File 3852/1912 Pt 2 'Persia. Conditions in South Persia. German Documents' [‎279v] (190/280)

the election of a tool of their own: he therefore put off elec
tions so that opening of the Mejlis might be as near coronation
as possible: Tehran elections are now completed. Democratic
element is entirely eliminated. Provincial elections will follow
at once but Tabriz is almost certain to refuse to send deputies
Position at Tabriz is most unsatisfactory owing to attitude
of defiance and the independence of Shuja supported by Russ^**
Persian Govt’s financial difficulties are very great. Mor-
nard is doing good work. It is hard to find money for the’gen
darmerie whose budget now amounts to about £ 600,000 j per
annum. ^
Trans-Persian railway scheme is causing difficulties, and
negotiations in London and Petersburg do not seem to* * lead
to an agreement. Russia desires line to run from Kerman to
Charhar but H. M. G. are opposed to terminus being east of
Bender Abbas.
P. G. can obtain £ 100,000 from a British syndicate for
the Kerman mining concession 377 augmentation 3021 of
private 8430 J ) by Russia acting on behalf of Societe d’Etudes.
Gendarmerie have sent force of 1200 men to Burajird
Nizam-es-Saltaneh is to go there as Governor of Arabistan
and Luristan.
Yezd is promised to Bakhtiaris in April.
Naib Hussein is getting anxious at Kashan owing to gra
dual closing in around him and is appealing to P. G. to be
allowed to proceed to Kerbela.
Gendarmerie have sent officer to Isfahan to prepare for
extension there.
Ears’ situation continues to give anxiety. B. C. 2 ) does
not hesitate to show his authority when necessary. G. G. 3 )
has not proved success and a more pliable person is being
sought. Present minister of Finance may be found most suitable
person and his absence from the capital will strengthen Ain-
ed-Dowleh of whom he is an opponent. Recent affairs at Ka-
zerun and the regrettable loss of a Swedish officer will not I
J j Briti^i 'Cc!' Shiraz could not quite decipher this passage.
*) Governor General.