ملف رقم ٩٤٨ لسنة ١٩٠٩ "بلاد فارس: الوضع في الجنوب؛ حالة الطرق. الهجوم على السيد بيل. برنامج حرس الطرق". [و‎‎٣‎٣‎٢] (٧٤٤/٦٦٨)

iThis Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty’s Government,]
dated the 18th August.
The question of the appointment of road guards for the security of trade, which
the Secretary of State regards as encompassed with difficulties, the principal one being
that of expense, has again been considered by the board in conjunction with the
merchants principally concerned. The enclosed letter, signed by the principal houses
in the Persia trade, states their views on this particular point and suggests a method
of meeting it which is approved by the board.
The directors think it probable that if the means suggested, viz., a toll or charge
for the use of the roads, proportionate to the distance travelled—with the specific
object of meeting the expense of guarding—were adopted, it would remove the
main objection of the Persian authorities, and might indeed be welcomed by them
as indicating a means for restoring, as soon as possible, ordinary peaceful and
commercial avocations.
I am to express the hope that this proposal commends itself to the Secretary of
State and that he will be able to give it his support.
WE are greatly obliged by your sending us the copy of the reply to the petition
on the state of affairs in mid and southern Persia, and are gratified to learn that this
matter is having the serious attention of His Majesty s Government. We note that
the chief difficulty in the way of establishing a system of road guards to protect the
trade routes is the raising of funds for the payment of these men s wages.
We are well aware, from conversations with His Majesty’s consuls m Persia, that
it has been very definitely laid down that in no manner whatever or undei any name
at all are the octroi duties formerly in force in Persia to be re-established. However,
we do not think there can be any objection to the establishment of a system o to s
at various stations along the caravan routes on the principle that the goods s ou
pay tolls according to the distance travelled; thus, goods destined for Shiraz or
instance, would pay less than goods destined for Tehran. We ieel convince ia
an arrangement of this sort would present no insuperable difficulties, anc ^ we now
as a result of many conversations with native Persian merchants m various parts
of Persia that they would gladly pay these tolls if they weie guaian ee t e sa e
PERSIA.
[September 15.]
Section 5.
[34580]
to Sir Edward Grey for the letter received at the Chamber from the Eoreign Office,
Sir,
Manchester Chamber of Commerce to Foreign Office.—(Received September 15.)
Manchester, September 14, 1909.
I AM desired by the board of this Chamber to ask you to convey their thanks
I am, &c.
WALTER SPEAKMAN, Secretary.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Dear Sir
Joint Letter communicated to Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
Manchester, August 31, 1909.
U LXQAJ \J XU XXXCXJ W J '
to the proper quarters you will greatly oblige, yours faithtuily,
PH. ZIEGLER and Co.
LYON, LORD, and Co.
H. C. DIXON and Co.
LIVINGSTONE, ZEY^TOON, and Co. (Limited)
CHAS. I. SASSOON and Co.