File 1093/1915 Pt 2 ‘Persian Gulf:- Proposed revival of British Consulate at Basra. Portuguese interests in Iraq’ [‎81r] (13/334)

of the registers of Portuguese subjects was undertaken
by my Consular Secretary at the same time.
3 f Now however that all British passport work
in 1 Iraq has been taken over by the British Consuls in
Baghdad and Basrah the question assumes greater
prominence. British Indians now obtain their*passports
from the British Consulates in Baghdad and Basrah instead
of from the ’Iraq Passport Bureaux and Goanese are
accustomed to expect treatment similar to that accorded
to British Indians. Consequently applications from
Goanese for issue and renewal of passports are being r.ade
to those Consulates. With the general institution of
British consular registration of residents, Goanese are
likely to revive their claims to British protection.
It appears therefore that the time has come to re^plarise
the position, and I should be glad to be informed
whether British Consular Officers in ’Iran are definitely
entrusted with the protection of Portuguese interests.
If so, I would be grateful for a definition of the extent
of the protection to be afforded, and, in particular, for
guidance as to the action to be tahen when applications
for Portuguese passports are received by British
Consular Officers in 'Iraq.
4. As I understand that this protection of
Portuguese interests by British Consular Officers has bean
undertaken in the past at consular posts in the Persian
Gulf, I have caused copies of this despatch to be sent to
the 'Government of India in the Foreign and Political Depart
ment and the Honourable 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. in the
Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , Bushire, in case they desire to make any
observations on the subject.
I have, etc.
(Signed) GILBERT CLAYTON.
AG. HIGH COIL I SSI ONER JOR 'IRAQ.