File 1311/1905 ‘Persian Gulf: - Post Offices. (Parcel Post Convention)’ [‎126v] (261/434)

of an Indian official to Tehran would haye to be 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 your 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 be taken to
arrange for an informal discussion of the postal questions involved
between Mons. Naus and the representatives of the Indian Post
Office. This would enable us to ascertain what Mons. Nans’
views really are, and would clear the way for the drawing up
a Convention on lines which could be laid down by Governing
after receiving the report of our postal delegates. If this st gges-
tion should be accepted, then it could no doubt be arranged that
the status quo should he maintained until the new Convention
or agreement is entered into.
on the other hand, you 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 Depart
ment in all necessary points. In view of the large political
element that enters into the present question, it might even be
held that the Government of India would he more suitably
represented by a political than a postal official. In that case, it
might he useful to obtain a preliminary assurance from Mons.
Naus in writing to the effect that the proposed negotiation would
he 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 curtail^
ment or abrogation of privileges which they at present enjoy. I
(6) If,
I have the honour to be,
Sm,
Your most obedient servant,
S. M. PHASER,
Offg. Secretary to the Government of India*
fnderSeer
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Secretary o
Committee
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