Coll 28/67 ‘Persia. Annual Reports, 1932–’ [‎103v] (206/644)

10
66. Alter considerable delay, the Minister for Foreign Affairs replied that
Gelladarry had not been introduced to the local authorities at Charbar and that
he had interfered in matters beyond the scope of his duty. A report from Major
Lincoln enabled His Majesty’s Minister to refute these arguments vigorously.
67. Meanwhile, the head clerk reported from Charbar that the Khoja
community were being victimised by the police and that they were not allowed to
visit him. Force and threats were being used to induce them to sign documents
renouncing all intention to revert to British nationality. It was then suggested
to the Ministry lor Foreign Affairs that a joint commission, of which Major
Lincoln should be one and the local Governor another member, should examine
these applicants. This suggestion was turned down, but the Ministry stated that
an official of the census department would be sent to look into the matter. The
Legation would be informed of his departure for Charbar, and any unofficial
assistance or information which His Majesty’s consul at Kerman could give him
would be welcomed.
68. Two months later, in November, Major Lincoln reported from Kerman
that such an official had, in fact, proceeded to Charbar. The Ministry for Foreign
Affairs at first denied that the visit of this official had anything to do with this
matter, but later admitted that he was, in fact, specially instructed to go into the
question of the British community.
69. Since reports were, moreover, being received that the persons concerned
were being subjected to improper pressure at the hands of the police, Major
Lincoln was at once instructed to proceed to Charbar, and the Ministry for
Foreign Affairs were informed of his impending arrival. In spite of this warning
he was delayed for three hours on landing, and the local Governor stated that he
had received no intimation of the visit. Major Lincoln found that practically all
the Khojas had been forced to take out sijills, but he was unable to communicate
with them, as the building in which he was staying was watched by secret police.
70. After telegraphic consultation with Major Lincoln, it was decided to
address a note to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in which it was proposed that
the men in question should be summoned before the Governor in the presence
of Major Lincoln, and that any who expressed the desire to renounce Persian
nationality and emigrate should be allowed to do so. A request was further made
that Major Lincoln should, meanwhile, be allowed to see the persons involved to
explain the position to them, and the Ministry were asked to see that no obstacles
were placed in the way of anyone desirous of visiting him.
71. Major Lincoln was instructed to explain to the Khojas that no
difficulties arose over those persons who decided to take out sijills'rather than
emigrate, since they would be given British documents in the event of their
wishing to travel outside Persia; that those who desired to retain their British
nationality and yet remain in Persia were choosing a risky course, and that His
MajestySfGovernment could not assume responsibility for the consequences; and
that the Legation would do its best to ensure that those who chose to emigrate
were not further intimidated. &
72. No reply had been received to this note by the end of the year.
73. Meanwhile, Major Lincoln remained at Charbar, since it was felt
his presence served as a brake on the actions of the local authorities.
that
(g) Flag Incident at Bushire.
74. Early in December news was received from 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. tha
a Persian naval officer had caused the red ensign flown by the Mesopotamia
I ersm Corporation launch, Garmsir, to be loWered. This officer, Lieutenan
^tP^ ya Ty ada ’ y h ° n aS m uniform ’ was a passenger on board the British Indi;
tondpr y aVlgatl ° n P- 0 ^? an J steamship Varna when she arrived at Bushire Thi
side in ^usual waft^tM^ re ? stered at Calcutta, came along
A f i th A Y to take off P a ssengers, and Lieutenant Darayazada whos*
attitude was threatening and abusive, and who was believed to'be under th,
influence of drink went far as to strike a clerk of thf Brit sh indi'
Stearn Navigation Company. In face of this, the crew lowered the C Th
incident took place at the outer anchorage, some 31 miles from shore and there
fore outside territorial waters according to the views of His Maiestv’s Govern
ment, though within them according to Persian law. Majesty s Govern