File 1311/1905 ‘Persian Gulf: - Post Offices. (Parcel Post Convention)’ [‎117v] (243/434)

■i They fully realize that the postal rights claimed foi the Biitish pos L -ofnces in
the Persian Gulf‘(which question would presumably come within the scope of such a
general Postal Convention as is suggested) are somewhat anomalous when judged by
the rules of the Postal Union. But, at the same t.me, their contention is that, for
historical reasons, these post-offices occupy a privileged position which ought not to he
iudged by, or made to conform to, the rules observed by other nations that this
is also your view is deduced from the terms of your telegram dated the 15th February,
1905
5 i n these circumstances, it is arguable that the Government of India would he
gratuitously abandoning their present advantageous position if their rights were to
lie formulated in a Postal Convention as desired by M. ^Naus, and it would appear to
be more consistent with Indian interests to limit the negotiation to the conclusion of
an arrangement with the Persian Government m regard to parcel mails only. By
adopting "this course not onlv would embarrassing questions be avoided as to the
legitimate character of the‘rights claimed by the British post-offices, hut His
Maiesty’s Legation might be able to carry on negotiations without the assistance of
an Indian official, doubtful points not elucidated by the information received from
Constantinople being referred to the Government of India^ for advice. The
Government of India would he glad to he favoured vith youi opinion on this point.
6 . Should yon, after consideration of these points, hold that the conclusion of a
general nostal arrangement is still desirable, the question of the deputation of an
Indian official to Tehran would have to he considered. The question is one of some
difficulty, since the only officers of the Indian Postal Department who possess the
requisite qualifications for duty of this kind are not available. I am therefore to
request vour views on the following alternative suggestions as to the measures that
might he taken :—
(a.) Matters might stand over at present, and the opportunity of the International
Postal Congress next year might he taken to arrange for an informal discussion of the
postal questions involved between M. Nans and the representatives of the Indian
Post Office. This would enable us to ascertain what M. Naus’s views really are, and
would clear the way for the drawing np of a Convention on lines which could he laid
down by Government after receiving the report of our postal delegates. If this
suggestion should he accepted, then it could no doubt be arranged thai the status quo
should he maintained until the new Convention or Agreement is entered into.
(&.) If, on the other hand, yon should consider it desirable, for political reasons,
to enter into negotiations at once, the difficulty as to the selection of a postal officer
might he overcome by an officer of the Indian Political Department being deputed
to Tehran to negotiate, or assist in the negotiation of, a Convention, after having
received a course of instruction from the Indian Postal Department in all necessary
points. In view of the large political element that enters into the present question,
it might even he held that the Government of India would he more suitably
represented by a political than a postal official. In that case, it might be useful to
obtain a preliminary assurance from M. Nans in writing to the effect that the proposed
negotiation would be conducted on the basis of the continuation of the rights at
present claimed for the British post-offices in Persia.
These alternatives are submitted for your consideration and advice; but the
Government of India do not conceal the reluctance with which they would approach
any negotiations that might conceivably result in the curtailment or abrogation of
privileges which they at present enjoy.
I have, &c.
(Signed) S. M. PHASER,
Officiating Secretary to the Government of India.