'Selection from Correspondence Relative to the Traffic in Arms in the Persian Gulf, 1897-98. Part II' [‎32v] (10/52)

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Enclosure in above.
Report on the Traffic in Arms and the steps recently taken for
its suppression.
Our annual trade reports show clearly that the importation of arms into
the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. has been steadily on
the increase, and from the extracts of
our returns for the last five years,
noted in the margin,* it will be seen
that the admitted value of arms and
ammunition imported rose from
Rs. 13,120 in 1892-93 to Rs. 23,87,195 in 1896-97.
2. The significance of the great extension of this particular traffic had not
escaped the notice of my predecessor, Colonel Wilson, and I would invite
f No. 64, dated 30th September 1896; attei ^ tl<)n to hls remarks m lettersf
No. 88, dated 12th December 1896. noted on the margin to Hor Majesty’s
Minister at Tehran, and I gather that
Colonel Wilson was fully alive to the danger of allowing the free importa
tion of arms of precision into the countries bordering on the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ,
which contain so many elements of disorder, though he was, at the same
time, desirous to protect British interests. The Persian Government had in
1881 forbidden the importation into Persia, but had not properly enforced
the prohibition, which was evaded by the importers with the connivance of
the local authorities. It was well known that the amount obtained yearly
for the farming of the customs in Bushire and other Persian ports between the
Shat*ul-Arab and the eastern frontier of Persian Baluchistan, was based on
the assumption that a large revenue would be derived from the duty on
arms. This duty was variable, according to the will and caprice of" the
particular Governor who took up the contract, and depended entirely on his
power to squeeze the importers. The latter were fully aware that their
proceedings were illegal, and were prepared to secure the good will of the
local Persian authorities by occasional presents, and by paying a much
higher ud valorem duty than they are, under treaty, called on to pay on
other goods.
3. The position then appears to me to have been as follows :—The traffic
in arms has been illegal since 1881, and both the Government and the
importers were well aware of this ; but the Persian Government reaped a
certain profit from the trade, and were ready to take this and wink at the
evasion of their own regulations till such time as it suited them to re-enforce
them. The importers were aware that they were evading the laws of Persia,
and that every consignment of arms was liable to confiscation; but they
reaped enormous profits, and hoped that by sufficient payments to the local
authorities, they would be able to continue to make sufficient to cover any
future possible loss, should the Government suddenly change its attitude.
A. merchant here, who has been engaged himself in the trade, told me
confidentially that this was their position, and I have every reason to believe
that such was the case.
4. The firms engaged also imported other goods, and exported grain and
other produce of Persia. The guns were not as a rule paid for in money, but
in kind, and there is no doubt that their importation stimulated trade, and
encouraged exports, as the tribes were ready to part with almost anything in
order to get rifles in return. The possession of a rifle and the 200 cartridges
which accompanied it, are considered essential possessions for a grown-up
man, and no one can hope to obtain a wife till he can produce them. The
object for which these arms are purchased is to assist the owners in obtaining
plunder, and in taking part in tribal conflicts. Armed men have no
difficulty in obtaining employment in the followings of important leaders,
such as AH Khan and Hyder Khan, &c., who know that their own influence
depends on the number of followers they can muster, and they have,
undoubtedly with this object, encouraged the sale of arms among their
people.
1892- 93 -
1893- 94
1894- 95 -
1895- 96
1896- 97 -
Rs.
13,120
67,770
- 7,18,050
- 12,26,740
- 23,87,195