'Persia. No 1 (1909). Correspondence respecting the affairs of Persia, December 1906 to November 1908' [‎36v] (56/236)

The reports which have been received on the subject of the deposition of Semsam-
es-Sultaneh from the post of Ilkhani The paramount chief of certain tribes in south west Iran. , all tend to show tnat the change was brought
about mainly at the instigation of the Nizam-es-Sultaneh, who is hostile to that
branch of the Bakhtiari Khans. With the approaching departure of Nizam-es-
Sultaneh from Ispahan for his new post at Shiraz, where he will have no connection
with the tribe, comes the news of the reappointment ot Semsam-es-Sultaneh as Ilkhani The paramount chief of certain tribes in south west Iran. .
The change was made before the arrival at Tehran of Amin-es-Sultan, who probably
used his influence in favour of Semsam-es-Sultaneh. At the end of May fighting
occurred between the supporters of the two factions, and the men of Semsam-es-
Sultaneh were out in every direction attacking caravans.
Sultanabad.
Haji Agha Mohsin, who has committed so many atrocities in the district
is still at large, and the Tehran Assembly has been unable to bring about his
arrest,
Southern Persia.
Shiraz.
During the whole month under review the town of Shiraz has been in a disturbed
condition owing to the hostility of different factions. The Kavam-ul-Mulk, who
appeared to be the centre of disturbance, as usual, refused to leave the town in
obedience to the urgent demand of the people, backed by the Tehran Assembly and
the Shah’s orders. The result was demonstration and counter-demonstration, the
taking of sanctuary at different mosques, and much talk. Fortunately the British
Consulate was not dragged into the quarrel as on a former occasion. The Kavam-ul-
Mulk is now reported to have left.
The roads are in the usual condition of insecurity, and constant robberies of caravans
and posts are reported.
(Signed) G. P. CHURCHILL.
Gulahek, June 18, 1907.
Commercial Supplement to Monthly Summary.
The commercial outlook in Persia is by no means encouraging. The political
conditions are so uncertain that trade must be carried on with a margin of risk
entirely disproportionate to the possible profits.
At the present juncture, owing to political disturbances, the tightness of the money
market, and the want of safety on the high roads, trade is carried on under the most
unfavourable circumstances. The Customs Department, which was so severely attacked
by the National Assembly, and seemed at one time likely to revert entirely into Persian
hands, with the inevitable chaotic result, is, however, still under Belgian administration,
and complaints have not increased of late.
No. 30.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir C. Spring-Rice.
Sir ’ T TXAwr • , Foreign Office^ July 17, 1907.
^ ttA Y pj iecei\ed your despatch of the 18th ultimo relative to the occupation
of His Majesty’s Consulate at Kermanshah by refugees, and the firing on them from
outside by their political opponents.
I approve the action taken by you in the matter, as reported in your despatch.
I am, Ac.
(Signed) E. GREY.