File 3276/1912 Pt 2 ‘Persia - Zil-es-Sultan’ [‎277v] (238/278)

matters with iionsieur bazonow: l is l.lajesty 's ■
7 d!Q" V'm ;
Government hah decidea to reconmeah J^o the Persian
Government the remission of taxes as the best
solution of the above-mentioned claim, air A.
hicolson took the opportunity to emphasize clear
ly and without room for any doubt, the great
desirability that l is Imperial Highness should
not confiscate the estatesof Bakhtiari Khans whom
he might consider himself Justified in regarding
with suspicion, nor deal harshly with people whom
he might dislike as pro enemy. The main object of
the Zil's return was to secure the restoration of
law and order: and this purpose would not be served
by vindictive measures. It was essential that
neighbouring chiefs should live peacefully with
each other.
The Zil stated that he harboured no evil feel
ings against the Bakhtiari, with whom he had only on
one occasion (and then on instructions from above)
dealt severely: he added that he had no intention
whatever to repeat this severity and would live
peaceably with them: but it would be necessary for
His f.;ajesty*s Government to give a word of warning
to the Khans also, as recently their behaviour at
Isfahan had been overbearing.
His Imperial Highness also stated most solemnly
in reply to a remark by Bir A. Mcolson - that he
entertained no designs whatever against his grand
nephew, the present bhah: and that he was- prepared
to take any oath that he would always remain a loyal
subject