ملاحظات أُعدت كمرجع خلال جولة كرزون في الخليج الفارسي، وأوراق أخرى عن بلاد فارس والخليج الفارسي [و‎‎١‎١‎٠] (٦٧٨/٢١٩)

Russian telegraphists in Persia
: 0 i
In the beginning of October, 1903, we heard from the
Intelligence Branch that the Russian Government had sanctioned
appointment
in the previous June, the of eight Postal Telegraph
officials for employment in Persia* We asked Sir A. Kardingc
by telegraph if he had heard anything of the natter and he
replied (19th October) that the Russian Legation had long had
a telegraphist attached to it, and that the new men might be
intended for similar duties in Russian Consulates, or perhaps
at places on our line. Sir A. Hardinge has since seen the
Russian Minister, and ascertained that it is proposed to station
the telegraphists at various places where Russian ConsinLates
e^ist, Urumia, Tabriz, Seistan, Meshed and Kerman were e
mentioned, the .Minister expressly saying that he had obtained
leave from the Persian Government to have one at the latter
place. This, the Kushir-ed-Dowleh denies and says the Persian
Government have refused to allow Russian telegraphists at fezd
, and Kerman. The Russian Minister has told the Mushir-ud-Dowleh
j that Sir A. Hardinge acquiesced in the appointment of Russians
5 at those places (which is untrue), and Sir A. Hardinge has reiu-
ted the statement. The Russians are pressing the case, and it
] is understood that their demand in a reply to the employment
by us of two English signallers on the Seistan-Meshed line.
Sir A. Hardinge has explained to the Persians the difference
between the purely Persian Government line to Seintan, md lines
established under convention with Great Britain* The Hunhir-ud-
Dov/leh is trying to put the Russians off with evasive answers,
and to get a promise from the British Minister that our signal
lers shall be withdrawn from Seistan on the completion of the
work of the Seistan Commission* Sir A. hardinge reiused oo give
any such promise, and said he thought we should insist hint as
long as any Russian telegraphist was employed on, tne Seistan
line, whether in Persian or Russian service, equal treatment
should