Coll 28/94 ‘Iran. Difficulties experienced by British subjects in Iran in remitting money abroad.’ [‎24r] (47/247)

BRITISH LEGATE.,,
TEHRAN.
24th June, 1937.
Circular Despatch
No. 18 (116/30/37)
Sir
As you are aware, Article 16 of the regulations for the
application of the foreign exchange law of the 1st March, 1936,
provided that the banks aultorised to engage in the purchase and
sale of exchange might sell a limited quantity of foreign exchange
for the purchase of books and the payment of subscriptions to
newspapers etc., without the necessity of making applications to
the Exchange Control Commission.
2. Early this year it was learnt, however, that the
Imperial Bank of Iran had been instructed by the Exchange Control
Commission that such sales of exchange might not be made to
foreigners but only to Iranian Subjects. I accordingly enquired
of the Commission whether any change had been made in the regula
tions and was informed in reply that experience had shown that
the facilities accorded by Article 16 of the regulations had
resulted, when taken in conjunction with Article 15 (c), in a
number of foreigners remitting out of Iran more than 50/£ of their
total salaries. It had therefore been decided that exchange
could not be granted to foreigners under Article 16 without con
sideration being taken at the same time of any applications which
they might have put forward under Article 15; and the discretion
given to the banks under Article 16 was accordingly withdrawn.
At ';he same time, however, the Commission have an assurance that
licences would always be issued in respect of sums required for
the purchase of books, papers etc., by His Majesty’s Legation
and Consulates.
/3.
His Majesty’s Consular Officer