‘Confidential. Persia’ [‎522v] (94/112)

91
*
*
Lansdowne, addressed the Mushir-ed-
Dowleh, saying that His Majesty’s Govern
ment had heard of an agreement having
been concluded between the Persian Gov
ernment and the Sheikh of Mohammerah
respecting the establishment of customs,
and after reminding him of the various
promises made by the Persian Government
about the exclusion of the customs of
Southern Persia from foreign control, and
of the Shah’s pledge not to take any steps
of importance, where British interests were
concerned, before consulting the British
Government, he ended by asking to be
officially informed of the exact conditions
of the agreement in question.
In his reply on 7th October 1902, the
Mushir ed-Dowleh took exception to the
word “ agreement ” being applied to the
relations between the Persian Government,
and one of its officials, like Sheikh Khazal
Khan of Mohammerah. Mr. des Graz’s
question remained unanswered.
On 23rd November 1902, Sir A. Hard-
inge telegraphed to Lord Lansdowne,
saying that unless we could give the
Sheikh real confidence in our strength
and resolution, Russian influence would
very shortly be supreme and active at
Mohammerah. The recent appointment
of a Russian Consul there, he added, there
being absolutely no pretence of Russian
trade, had an unmistakeable significance.
Sir A. Hardinge’s general position was
strongly supported by the Viceroy, who
in telegraphing to the Secretary of State
on 26th November 1902 said: “ Our weak
ness in Persia arises largely from failure
to support those Chiefs and officials who
incline to our side. If there is a Chief
entitled to such support, it is the Sheikh
of Mohammerah, and if there is a part
of Southern Persia where British interests
specially demand protection against foreign
competition or intrigue, it is the mouth
of the Karun.”
Secret E„ December 1902, Nos. 120*130, Encloiure
No. 1, Proceeding No. 123.
Ibid, Proceeding No. 126.
On 26tll November 1902, Lord Lans- Secret E., June 1903, Nos. 337 * 356 , Enclosure
downe telegraphed to Sir A. Hardinge No * h Proceeding No. 341 .
that there were obvious objections to a
personal guarantee that the British Gov
ernment would prevent the Persian Gov
ernment from diminishing the Sheikh’s
authority or otherwise causing him trouble,
and that it was not desirable to place him
in the position of being able to call upon
us to support him both by land and sea in
the event of a threat from Persia with
Russia behind her.
On 26th November 1902, Sir A. Hard- Enclosure No, 9, Proceeding No. 346 .
inge telegraphed to the Marquis of Lans
downe that the Sheikh’s Agent had again