Page 158 - Historical Summaries (Persian Gulf) 1907-1953

30
r«» March 1000 a Mcmoramlum was commu­
nicated to the Persian Government by Her
Majesty’s Charge d’AITuircs.
In this paper it was stated that the British Mr. Spring-Rico,
Consul-General at Bushiro line! recently called M?irch 27, 1900.
Lord Salisbury’s attention to tho state of affairs
at Mohammerah. In order to avoid «li(Uoiiltios
in the future his Lordship thought it best that
there should he a clear understanding of his
views as to tho ports of Mohammerah, Bushire,
and Bunder Abbas, and other ports of the Gulf.
The control of these ports by a foreign Power
might lead to a stato of things which Her
Majesty’s Government, in tho interests of the
Indian limp ire, would be bound to resist. 'Ibis
had been recognized by tho Persian Government,
who, on tho 23rd October, 1897, gave a written
promise that the customs of Southern Persia
should never be placed under foreign control
and supervision. Her Majesty’s Government
must hold tho Persian Government to the strict
observance of this engagement.
As the Persian Government wero aware, far
the larger part of tho trade of the above-
mentioned ports was British. This trade imposed
certain duties upon Her Majesty’s Government,
and they could not pass without notice any
measure likely to effect its position and prospects.
It was from this point of view that the Marquess
of Salisbury desired to inform the Persian
Government that, in view of British interests in
the trade of Mohammerah and in the navigation
of the Karun, Her Majesty’s Government must
insist upon their right to be consulted beforo
any change wero made in the administration of
the- customs or in the position of the Sheikh.
In claiming such a right of consultation, the
Persian Governraout could have no doubt as to
the anxiety of the British Government for the
preservation of order, the maintenance of tho
Persian sovereignty, and the improvement of
Persian resources. In all these the interests of
Her Majesty’s Government were second only to
those of Persia herself.
The reply of the Persian Government was
verbal:—

Not only in Mohammerah, but in every part Mr. Spring-Kico,
of Persia where British interests were coueerned, AprU s', 1900.
tho Persian Government, before taking any steps
of importance, would consult tho British Govorn-