Coll 30/9 'Persian Gulf: Administration Reports 1926-1938' [‎466r] (936/1028)

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The influence of the Mullahs, which has never been very strono* in
Kerman, appears to be diminishing. All except a few of the Akhunds
have adopted the new Pehlevi hat, the campaign on behalf of which met
wit but little opposition. Only one instance of an attempt to work upon
the fanaticism of the masses occurred in 1928 when in the beginning of
February two beyyids of Rafsinjan instigated an attack on the Bahais
there, the pretext being that Bahai women should not be allowed to use the
ordinary women s bath. A military detachment was despatched by cars
to Rafsinjan to overawe the inhabitants and order was restored, in this
connection it may be of interest to mention that Mirza Munir, a Bahai
preacher, has now been in Kerman for the last two months and has gained
a number of converts, mostly among the Zardushties. Both men and
women of this sect now attend their place of worship without any hinder-
ance.
The Press .—The only local paper published with any pretence of
regularity is the “ Istiqamat ”, edited by Rais-ul-Mutakalimin, a Tabrizi,
who professes .to be friendly and has never written anything definitely
anti-British.
In the month of July, in consequence of a newspaper article casting
reflections upon him, the Governor-General obtained permission from
Tehran to censor all local newspapers before publication. A moderate
liberal paper which was begun only three months before closed down as a
protest. !
12 . Health and General Welfare .—The general health has been fair,
though ,small-pox appeared in epidemic form in Kerman during the latter
half of the year resulting in a number of deaths among children. The
standard of living of the masses continues to be diplorably low and extreme
poverty and under-nourishment are noticeable in the town.
Dr. Hassan Khan, Zamani, held the post of Rais-i-Sahiyyeh through
out the year. He has no funds with which to effect any improvement in the
very insanitary condition of the town.
13. Russian Activities. —M. Laktionoff, the permanent Soviet Consul,
returned to Kerman from leave on the 28th March and took over charge
from M. Ananikov, the Vice-Consul. On the 19th April the Russian
Doctor and his wife (who also was a Doctor) on receipt of telegraphic
orders proceeded to Tehran.
On the 13th November three members of the Soviet Trade Organiza
tion arrived in Kerman to replace the Consul and on the 14th M. Laktion-
off handed over the building he had been occupying to them, and left for
Tehran accompanied by his staff. The Vice-Consul had already left for
Shiraz, and the Soviet Consulate in Kerman was thus closed down.
Two members of the Trade Organization after visiting Bam and
Sirian returned to Ispahan in December. The one who remains here has
Aven out that he has powers to work independently of Tehran.
Apart from spreading anti-British rumours, and an attempt to secure
some influence in the so-called Socialist party, which no doubt met with
some success, particularly at the time of elections there has been no hi g
noteworthy in the political activities of the Soviet Consul.
The Russian Consul-General at Ispahan visited Kerman from 19th to
24th December and it is said that he will in future remain m charge of
Russian political interests at Yezd and Kerman.
The commercial activities of the Soviet Consul till his departure
f fsep" a r
shortly intend to appoint a Trade Agent at Bam.
14 Militarv A if airs .—Sarhang Ali Shah Khan Rahimi, the Officer
Commanding, F^otwUo^thejaiik^ rafsedVom a-^Fanj^
h^eorgantzatton onhe Kerm ah to Tehran on 20 days’ leave