File 3516/1914 Pt 3 'German War: Persian neutrality; German money for Persia' [‎242r] (490/708)

of Bombay on condition that they 1)6 witHrawn only on the joint order of
the Secretary to Government in the Political Department and of the firm of
Abdur Rabman Shirazi & Son. The deposit was made in the one case on
the 1st June and in the other on the 21st June 1915,
4 On the showing of the Bombay representative of Haji Abdur Rahman
Ittihadi’s total overdraft on them is no more than something between
Rs. 40,000 and 50,000; and granted the accuracy of this account, and the
claim of Shirazi to be re-imbursed this overdraft, he has no claim to the balance
of the sums deposited, more especially as he has now ceased trading with
Ittihadi.
5. The Governor in Council would propose accordingly that on expiry of
the first deposit, the amount of Ittihadi’s overdraft on Haji Ab dur Rahman
Shirazi & Son together with the interest accrued on it should be handed over
to the firm’s agent in Bombay.
6. The balance of the first deposit together with the second deposit
should be held by Government pending the appearance of a rightful claimant to
whom the money can be paid without endangering the public interest.
7. In view of the above proposal it does not seem to be necessary to dis
cuss the denial of the principal of the firm of Haji Abdur Rahman Shirazi
& Son of any knowledge of the nature of Ittihadi’s transactions.
8. From the events that have transpired, it would appear that some
other channel will be sought whereby money may be transmitted either direct
to Ittihadi or through some third party in Persia. Tnis inference receives
Confirmation from the fact that in tueir letter, dated the 8th June 1915, Haji
Abdur Rahman Shirazi & Son, Bombay, stated that they had received advice
from Ittihadi of an expected remittance of Rs. 1,75,009. Of this sum only
Rs. 1,00,000 has been received, this being the one lakh One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees referred to in paragraph
3 above. The balance of Rs. 75,000 has not come to Bombay.
9. It would, therefore, appear desirable to institute enquiries in Persia
with the view of discovering whether Ittihadi is receiving from other sources
funds for supply to the German Legation at Tehran.
10. Finally, I am to add that, while commercial cables from and to
Abdur Rahman Shirazi & Son are carefully scrutinized in Bombay and
explanations are asked of any doubtful transactions, every effort is made to
avoid unnecessary interference with legitimate business.
Telegram P., No. 345 C., dated (and received) the 27th July 1915.
From— Major A. P. Trevor, C.I.E., Officer on Special Duty, Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran.
Residency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, established in the provinces and regions considered part of, or under the influence of, British India. , Bushire,
To—The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment, Simla.
Please refer to Foreign and Political Department’s telegram, 729 S.
I do not yet know what, if any, action has been taken by Foreign Office
on my telegram 270 C 4 , or whether Messrs. Ziegler show any signs of dispens
ing with their German assistants. If the attention of the firm is again drawn
to matter and they do not comply with our wishes within a reasonable time,
pressure in the manner indicated by the Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. might have
some effect, but only correspondence from their Shiraz and Bushire offices filter
through this way.
Repeated to Marling and Cox.
Telegram P., No. 82, dated the 27th (received 28th) July 1915.
From—His Britannic Majesty’s Minister, Tehran,
To The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment,- Simla.
Please see Foreign and Political Department telegram to Bushiiei
No. 729 S<, dated 26th July.