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'Selection from Correspondence Relative to the Traffic in Arms in the Persian Gulf, 1897-98. Part II' [‎37v] (20/52)

The record is made up of 1 file (26 folios). It was created in 26 Oct 1898. It was written in English and French. The original is part of the British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity. .

Transcription

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smuggle arms. Among others Fracis Times is said to have done this. Latterly
the traffic has been moi'e open, due, I am told, to the importers having, as
they thought, purchased immunity by paying higher duties than on other
goods and by bribing local officials. Mr. Darwar of Fracis Times’ firm
admitted this when he visited me on 9th December as reported in telegram
No. 263, and further evidence will, I think, be easily obtainable. My
predecessor was undoubtedly aware of increase in importation arms but took
no steps against British firms, as it was anticipated doing so would injure
British trade without really checking importation, unless Persian Govern
ment enforced prohibition equally against all nationalities. No intimation
of contemplated action of Persian Government was given. I was myself
unaware of it till asked by Persian official to co-operate with him. I have
prepared full report, which may I think he awaited; but in meantime I
wish to urge that, as the reckless distribution of arms which has gone on of
late in countries bordering Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. has rendered settled Government
difficult, and is perilous to legitimate British trade, the traffic should be
discountenanced in every possible way.
No. 4.
(Enclosure in Foreign Office Letter of 26th April 1898.)
Foreign Office to Waltons, Johnson, & Co.
Foreign Office,
Gentlemen, 21st April 1898.
With reference to my letter of the 17th ultimo, relating to the seizure
of arms in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , and to the request made personally by a
member of your firm for precise information as to the orders issued by the
Persian Government in 1881, to prohibit the importation of arms, I am
directed by the Marquess of Salisbury to transmit to you a copy of a letter
addressed by the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs to Her Majesty’s
Minister at Tehran on the 3rd July of that year, notifying the issue of the
orders in question.
I am, &c.,
Messrs. Waltons, Johnson, Bubb, T. H. Sandeeson.
and What ton.
Enclosure in No. 4.
Persian Minister to Her Majesty’s Minister, Tehran.
(Translation.) Persian Ministry for Foreign Affairs,
Sir, 3rd July 1881.
Since the right of purchasing arms and munitions of war abroad and
introducing the same into Persia belongs to the Persian Government, who
exercise it through their own specially appointed officials, and if this absolute
right were not exclusively confined to the Government, and everybody who
thought fit to do so were allowed to purchase such articles and introduce
them into the country, this great governmental privilege would become
obsolete and considerable evils would result to the State.
Therefore His Majesty the Shah has issued orders that no one shall import
arms of any description whatsoever into this country from abroad, and any
person in whose possession arms of foreign make are found will be liable to
have them .confiscated by Government.
By His Majesty’s orders the above is communicated to your Excellency
in order that you may bring it to the knowledge of British merchants and
subjects, so that being informed of it they may be careful to avoid trading
in these prohibited goods, and so that no injury may result to them from
ignorance of the present regulations.
Seal of Mirza Baled Khan,
Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Translated by Walter Baring.

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Content

This file contains a selection of correspondence and enclosures compiled by the India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Political and Secret Department relating to arms traffic in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. from 1897-98.

Correspondents include: the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. and Consul at Maskat [Muscat], the Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , the Foreign Office, the Viceroy of India, the Board of Customs, the Consul-General for Fars, the Chargé d'Affaires in Tehran, the India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. , the Government of India, the Secretary of State for India, and various British merchant companies.

The following topics are discussed:

  • the seizure of arms on board SS Baluchistan ;
  • an assessment of the current situation regarding arms traffic and steps recently taken for its suppression;
  • British and Persian firms engaged in the arms trade;
  • the confiscation of arms at Bushire;
  • Persian prohibition, and British interests in coming to agreement with the Persian Government and assisting in enforcing Persian regulations;
  • methods of trade;
  • policy for the future;
  • the registration of arms and ammunition;
  • the case of Fracis Times & Co. v. The Sea Insurance Company (Limited)

It contains three letters in French.

Extent and format
1 file (26 folios)
Arrangement

This file consists of a single document with re-printed correspondence arranged chronologically.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at f 28, and terminates at f 53, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio.

Pagination: the file also contains an original printed pagination sequence.

Written in
English and French in Latin script
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'Selection from Correspondence Relative to the Traffic in Arms in the Persian Gulf, 1897-98. Part II' [‎37v] (20/52), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/18/C87/2, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100036172705.0x000015> [accessed 29 March 2024]

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