File 3852/1912 Pt 2 'Persia. Conditions in South Persia. German Documents' [‎295r] (221/280)

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Seistan trade route has been the cause of a steady increase in
trade, and we think that His Majesty’s consular officers at
Bushire and Shiraz should be authorised at once to approach
the local authorities on the lines suggested by Mr. Chick.
4. We agree also that the provision of more reliable statis
tics of the traffic over the southern roads is important, and,
inth your Lordship’s sanction, we are prepared to meet the
cost, viz., £100 per annum, of the proposals to this end put
forward in Mr. Chick’s memorandum.
5. We have fully considered the other measures that
have from time to time been suggested for the encouragement
of Indian trade on the Shiraz—Ispahan route, as, for instance,
the grant of State aid to traders, the possibility of inducing
the British India Steam Navigation and other steamer com
panies to lower their freight charges on Indian tea to Persia,
and the establishment of a motor service on the road. But
we cannot at present advocate any of these measures.
6. As regards the proposed Persian motor service from
Tehran to Shiraz, to which Sir P. Cox alludes, we trust that,
if the scheme is likely to materialise, His Majesty’s Govern
ment will do what may be possible to discourage it, or at any
rate to press for similar action or concessions in directions in
which our interest lies.
7. It is becoming increasingly evident, especially in view
of the activity that Russia is now showing in regard to the
construction of railway lines from the north, that the only
really effective means of safeguarding and promoting British
trade in Persia is the simultaneous construction of railway
lines into Persia from the south coast.
It is in this direction that we consider our efforts should
be directed, but in the meantime the minor measures we have
now recommended may be adopted with advantage
We have, &c.
Hardinge of Penshurst
O’M Creagh
S. A. Imam
W. H. Clark
R. H. Craddock
W. S. Meyer.