‘Persia – especially Seistan’ [‎16r] (30/949)

result from tlie inclusion of all bleached, unbleached, dyed and printed cotton
tissues in one category dutiable at krans 12 per 10 mans. ,
In regard to prints it may be noted that British tissues have a very slight
advantage over Russian tissues in respect of duty under the Tariff, as the latter
are, as a rule, somewhat heavier tissues.
The Society de Tombac has the monopoly of export of tombac to Turkish
territory subject to export duty of 27 shahis per bag (say 3 per cent). The
duty payable by other exporters runs from 15 per cent, to 30 per cent, on
value.
This will give a great advantage over other merchants to the Societd de
Tombac if they can re-export from Turkish territory or export direct to other
countries. They of course pay certain royalties to the Persian Government
in respect of their concession, but these royalties must hate been based on the
value of the trade with Turkey only, as they were fixed at a time when exporters
to other countries paid nearly the same duty (5 per cent, ad valorem).
1 have not found reason to alter the opinion already expressed that the
cultivation of opium can support the increase of taxation. As duty is now
paid on weight, the export of adulterated opium, which goes only to China,
will become somewhat less profitable.
The heavy export duty to which grain other than rice is subjected has
been noticed in my Report (under the heading of AY heat).
Much comment is made in regard to the duties charged on certain articles
classed as furniture—No. 22 of the Customs Tariff. It is complained that
superior lamps, candlesticks, &c., which are mentioned in section “a” of
category 2, are charged duty at 20 per cent, under section “ b ” as fancy
articles, as are also a great number of superior articles of glassware and
pottery. British commerce is not largely interested in these articles.
I have not made a close study of the conditions secured for the import
into Russia of Persian merchandise. The duty taken .off certain exports
from Persia, such as dried fruits, skins, cotton and silk tissues, has been
re-imposed on their entry into Russia, The products of the valuable fisheries
on the Persian shores of the Caspian, at present leased to a Russian subject,
are not mentioned in Tariff B.
I have previously drawn attention to the very extended coast and land
frontier which will have to be guarded against contraband traffic.
I have made particular inquiry at all places visited as to the treatment
accorded to merchandise presented for customs examination. It can be
readily understood that many misunderstandings and differences of opinion
must have arisen over the tariff, which was as new to the Customs officials
as to the public. I have not been furnished with, or discovered grounds for
any accusation of unfair or preferential treatment by Customs officers of the
merchandise of individuals or nationalities at any Customs post yet visited.
The courtesy and attention of Customs officers has usually been favourably
commented on by traders.
I have not encountered a great number of traders, either Persian or
ioreign, who really wished for a return to the regime existing previous to
Belgian administration, that is as regards administration, for naturally few
traders have hailed the Tariff with pleasure.
I have, &c.
H. W. MACLEAN.
Teheran,
5 th December 1903 .