ملف رقم ٩٤٨ لسنة ١٩٠٩ "بلاد فارس: الوضع في الجنوب؛ حالة الطرق. الهجوم على السيد بيل. برنامج حرس الطرق". [و‎‎٥‎٢] (٧٤٤/١٠٨)

CONFIDENTIAL.
—
Sir G. Barclay to Sir Edward Grey.—[Received January 5, 11*30 a.m.)
/ L \
(No. 7.) R. (Jl Tehran, January 5, 1911, 11*15 a.m.
YOUR telegram No. 4 [of 3rd January].
I suggest following reply :—
His Majesty’s Government Lave learned with satisfaction that Persian Government
is taking special measures to restore order on the southern roads, hut their reports
show that diminution of robberies on main route which has characterised past few
weeks is due not to any arrangements so far made by Soulet for guarding of the road,
but to unusual severity of the weather, and until execution of measures decided upon
by Persian Government has'made more progress, His Majesty’s Government are
unable to judge whether they are likely to form an acceptable substitute for scheme
outlined in my note of 14th October.
Meanwhile, however, His Majesty’s Government recognise in Persian Government’s
decision to take these measures evidence that it is determined to do its utmost to
restore order on the southern trade routes, and are therefore disposed to defer pressing
their scheme on Persian Government pending the results of the further development
of measures in question.
But it must be clearly understood that His Majesty’s Government will reconsider
this expectant attitude in the event of a recrudescence of disorders on Bushire-Ispahan
road, and they reserve right to insist on engagement of British Indian officers at any
moment should His Majesty’s Government perceive that measures taken by Persian
Government are not likely to suffice for prompt re-establishment of security.
As regards 10 per cent, surcharge, His Majesty’s Government cannot for the
present consider granting of this concession, except as part of scheme outlined in my
note of 14th October. (End of R.)
I make no special reserves as to foreign officers. I hardly see how it could be
done in an unobjectionable form. I understand you do not object to their engagement
from the minor Powers. Persian Government has now applied to Sweden, and in any / \
case our joint warning reported in my telegram No. 392 [of 30th September] should
deter them from applying to a Great Power. Their application to Italy showed no „
disregard for our warning (see my despatch No. 199 [of 2nd November], final
paragraph).
On reflection, I think it would be injudicious to urge Persian Government at this
stage to expedite conclusion of loan.
1152—18]