File 3852/1912 Pt 2 'Persia. Conditions in South Persia. German Documents' [‎280v] (192/280)

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of Northern Persia. The minister said that he was in favour of
evacuation of Persian territories by Russian troops, and his
Majesty has also instructed him to faciliate means of this pur
pose and the F. O. x ) has also instructed him to do so. The
viceroy of Caucasia and the ex-prime minister who is the
Minister of Finance joined him in that belief. It would be
better that the 5,000,000 roubles, which is spent on troops in Pcrr&P'
should be spent on the progress and civilization of the country
of Russia.
He asked him about the ex-shah. The minister replied
that he had lately gone to St. Petersburg and asked for assistance
of the Russian Govt, to return to Persia, but he was replied
that he had to leave the idea of returning to Persia entirely.
The minister was sure that the Russian authorities won’t support
him at all.
The minister was asked if he thought Persian Constitution
injurious to economical and political interests of Russia. He
said that the two neighbouring powers had recognized the Persian
constitution, therefore they had no opposition to it. But
they were afraid the country would go into anarchy again.
If the anarchy returns, the Russian authorities intend to modify
the constitution and change the Parliamentary laws.
Regarding the Anglo - Russian Agreement of 1907 the
Russian minister said that the first aim of it was to preserve
integrity of Persia. But as regards its future effects on Persia
it was impossible to say and it was difficult to prophecy. The
Persians had to put aside their personal interest and try for the
country. He was sure that there were persons in Persia who
were so competent that none could be found even in Russia.
If Persians were helpless to administer their own country, of
course natural proceedings would be unexpected.
The correspondent asked him about the Russian Govts’
policy in the neutral zone, which be said they had no definite
policy.
When he was asked about Persian Gendarmerie he replied
that he had no opposition to it. But in the beginning it was said
that the Gendarmerie was meant for roads only, but now the
scheme is quite changed, and it is understood that the Gendar-
1 ) Foreign Office.
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