PZ 3790/33 'Iraq: arrest of Captain Macleod, Harbour Master at Abadan Reach, by Persian Naval Authorities in the entrance of the Shatt-el-Arab.' [‎141r] (57/133)

3
from the Workshop Jetty at Abadan to No* 7 berth to allow
of the berthing of the sloop ’'Karkas”, which was then
undocking. A harbour master was despatched to carry out the
movement, but before he arrived the "Siraorgh” had cast off
and was endeavouring to shift her berth without using her
engines, in spite of a high shamal (north wind) and strong
ebb. By the time the harbour master arrived she was in a
precarious position and only his prompt action prevented her
from grounding and sustaining great damage. On another
occasion the firm attitude of the harbour master prevented two
of the Persian sloops from shifting ammunition in close
proximity to the Abadan refunery and well within the harbour
limits.
6. The records of the Port Directorate show that on
no less than thirteen occasions since April 1st last the move
ments of Persian war vessels have been actually carried out
by the harbour master at Abadan Reach, notwithstanding that,
for what are called /’political’ 1 reasons, their services are
never requested t>y the Persians and in spite of the fact that
in the case of war vessels their services are given free of
charge.
7. I am satisfied that it is only the anxiety of the
Port authorities to guard against the danger of serious
accident in the Shatt and the Hooka Channel that prompts their
solicitude in regard to these Persian sloops. In these
circumstances, the arrest of Captain MacLeod is a matter
calling for strong protest and the support of His Majesty’s
ChargS d’Affaires at Tehran for such steps as may he taken by
his ’Iraqi colleague to secure the harbour master's immediate
and unconditional release.
P. I have tn. honour to .nclo.e horortth t.o ...or.na.
by th. Port Director .« Beer. C.ecrlhlh, «• »»«.
leading