Coll 28/39 ‘Persia: Printed Correspondence 1929-1936’ [‎504r] (1018/1174)

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the man that he was much oppressed by his Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. and
that of his neighbours was one of continual destitution
would enquire into the state of the peasants.
that his position and
His Majesty said he
The Shah proceeded straight to the house of Hisam Ud Dowleh
which
g been
T ,. 1 ? e . , dro . ve V hr0U ? h the Khiyabans of tlie “ new ” town-
Murteza Khan in autkipa^on Trffif MatS^^visr' ^ SarhanS
known as “ the town of walls ’'. It is distinguished^ the fait thatThTno
inhabitants, although giving the illusion of fine streets and sumptuous house.
There are some eight wide, straight avenues, brilliantly illuminated at nTht
by eleoncity, bounded on either side by high white-washed walls and with
SlTSfSUr ■* *‘ ,h * ““»'
To I hose in the know that is “ the sum and total ” of the town, with
,| f th , e ’‘O'? 86 ; situated in a garden, which the Shah occupied.
Behind the walls and within the fine entrances are plots of waste land, on which
there arc not and never likely to be, any buildings. The inhabitants continue
to live m the ancient part of the town which His Majesty did not see
Sarhang Murteza Khan informed me that His Majesty was well pleased
with the new town. He also complimented Hisam Ud Dowleh on his
garish, modern dwelling and told Shaukat U1 Mulk to learn from his nephew
and bring his fine old Persian house at Birjand “ up to date
Those w ho anticipated that they would see His Majesty inspect the town
etc., the following day, were astounded to learn that he had already left for
Dnzdep at 6 a. m on the 20th. The only mark of his visit seemed to be that
oistan was n > longer to be Known as such, but henceforth to revert to its
ancient name of Zabul.
On arrival at Hurmak 30 miles from Duzdap, the Shah was met by the
Governor and Officials of that place. Captain Alban, His Majesty’s Vice-
Consul had been asked to be there and was introduced to His Majesty before
any others. M. Graux, the Director of Customs was questioned as to the
customs receipts and Herr Gaenzer as to the progress of the National Bank.
Tae Shah then retired to a small house for lunch and rest.
A mile from the town Persian and Indian traders had set up tents and
the school children, dressed in khaki misfits for the occasion stood in line.
The Shah inspected the Military Guard of honour and passed on to the
schoolchildren. The Master nad scarcely started his poem uf praise, when he
was peremptorily cut short and asked if he were not ashamed to bring his hoys
out in such badly fitting clothes.
The Shah then passed a line of Persian traders and came to the Sikhs—a
mixed crowd of all classes. His Majesty enquired 44 Why do these Baluchis
uot wear cleaner clothes and the Kulah Pehlevi On learning that they
were Sikhs, not Baluchis, he asked if they were all Persian subjects. The
Governor replied that they were not but added hastily that tht j y were “ very
loyal ”.
The Shah then asked about 4 or 5 Parsis who had apparently applied for
permiss on to reside in Persia. He evidently had some previous information
about them. They were produced from the crowd and he congratulated them
on their good sense in returning to the country of their origin.
On the way to the Town the Shah stopped to take the petition of some
wives of Afghan pilgrims who had their money confiscated on arrival at
Duzdap, by the Customs. It is said that the Shah ordered the money to be
returned.
The Shah staved at the hou*e or Arbab Mehdi, the principal Persian
merchant. The Minister for War and others were accmimodated at the house
of M. Graux, Director of Customs.