'Military report on Tehran and adjacent Provinces of North-West Persia (including the Caspian Littoral)' [‎20v] (45/610)

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A rebellion was also started by the chiefs of Mazandaran
and is described in paragraph 5 below. In fact with the excep
tion of the districts in the immediate vicinity of Tehran almost
the whole of Persia was disordered.
The Persians maintained that the causes of these troubles*
were:—
1. The presence of foreign troops in Persia.
2. The abuse of the privilege of ‘ bast (Per.) A Persian custom allowing an individual to seek asylum at a designated location. ’ in the Legations*
whereby reactionaries secured Russian protection
and kept alive hopes of restoration of the ex-Shah.
3. Lack of money.
1911.
Engagement of
Mr. Shuster by
Persian Gov
ernment as)
financial
adviser. 1
The Russians parleyed about the withdrawal of their troops,
and in return demanded concessions for free import without
duties of motor cars to run from Julfa to Kazvin and an
extension of copper mining rights in Karadagh. The troops
however, were reduced, but not withdrawn.
In 1911 negotiations were continued for engagement of
foreign advisers and eventually Americans we*e engaged for
the finances, and Swedes for police and Gendarmerie. A pro
posal to engage Swedes also to organize a Persian military force
was frustrated by representations made at Stockholm by
Russia, who was jealous for the Persian Cossack division officered
by Russians. Some Prench professors were also engaged.
Russia was from the outset displeased at the Persian invi
tation to Americans to organize the finances, and at their
failing to consult Russian wishes before taking this step.
In May 1911 Mr. Shuster, an American citizen, engaged on
a private contract with Persia and not sent by the American
Government, arrived at Tehran, with a small staff, with the
designation of Treasurer General to organize the financial
administration. He at once adopted an attitude of independ
ence of foreign control and paid no deference to the diplomatic
representatives of Russia and Great Britain, thereby gaining
the c nfidence and support of the Persians, who were very
restive at the control being imposed upon them.
On 13th June the Assembly passed a law. drafted by Mr-
Shuster which gave him very wide 1 financial ptowers. All
revenues were to be collected by him, and his signature was
required for all payments.
1 The full scope of these powers was probably hardly realized at the time.
Their effective exercise would render official peculation impossible, and it is -
likely that the cabinet and official classes would have acquiesced in the surrender
this time honoured'and nrecious privilege without a struggle.