Page 15 - PERSIAN 9 1931_1940

3
He left a card on His Britannic Majesty’s Consul-General, and the latter
called upon him. The Minister returned the call.
The French Consul entertained him at luncheon.
A rumour followed this visit that a Japanese Steamship Company proposed to
ply in the Gulf, but nothing materialized by the end of the year.

British Interests.
The Indo-European Telegraph Department—On the 1st March 1931 the Indo-
European Telegraph Department ceased to exist. From that date all land lines
were handed over to the representatives of the Persian Government, while the
cable stations at Bushire, Henjam, Jask, and Charbar were handed over to the
Imperial and International Communications Limited. Thus ended a 60 year old
control of the telegraphs in Persia linking up India with Europe. The decision to
give up these lines was due to the introduction of more modem methods of com­
munication between India and England, which had resulted in a great reduction
of traffic, and an ever increasing annual loss to the Indo-European Telegraph De­
partment and the Indo-European Telegraph Company.
The abolition of the Department, which had been rendering the most valuable
services to the Political Officers in Persia and Persian Gulf, is much regretted.
Aqa Humayunfur, on behalf of the Persian Government, took over the Indo^
European Telegraph Department stores at Bushire.

SECTION 3.
Local Government.

Governor of the Gulf Ports, Islands, Dashti and Dashtistan.—His Excellency
Aqa Muzaffar Khan Aalam, Sardar-i-Intisar, held charge till the 9th Feb­
ruary, when he left for Shiraz on appointment as Governor General of Fats in
addition to his duties as Governor of the Gulf Ports. The local work at Bushire
was carried on by Aqa Muhammad Khan Zand, Assistant Governor, Bushire, but
the arrangement was a thoroughly unsatisfactory one, Sardar-i-Intisar himself
admitting that it was much too onerous a charge for one man. Fiually on the
20th July Sardar-i-Intisar was recalled to Tehran. His dismissal is believed to
have been brought about by the Military with whom he had serious differences. He
was popular with the people of the Southern Ports and was certainly an energetic
and hard working official. His relations with the Residency were friendly. He
was succeeded by Aqa Ali Asghar Khan Taliqani, who arrived at Bushire from
Tehran on the 26th July from which date the Governorate of the Gulf Ports
was separated from Fars. Aqa Taliqani has served most of his service in the Finance
Department in Northern Persia, and knows English in addition to French and
Russian. A sensible and quiet official, he has been most friendly and obliging and of
assistance to the Residency whenever that has been possible.
Assistant Governor of the Gulf Polls.—Aqa Muhammad Khan Zand held
the post throughout the year. He has been giving most of his time to the
Municipality, where he has made certain improvements.
Deputy Governor of Borazjan.—Mirza Nasrullah KhanHikmat. A commission
of Inspection from Tehran found him guilty of taking bribes. He pleaded force of
circumstances, explaining that his monthly pay was Tomans 40 only and he received
no allowances either for a clerk or for a farrash, while he was expectfcd to maintain
an establishment befitting a Governor. He was despatched to Shiraz.’
Officer Commanding, Troops.—Yawar Mahmud Khan Perveen throughout the
year. He proceeded on two months’ leave on the 24th August, and during his
absence his Adjutant, Lieutenant Mazaheri, acted for him.
Officer Commanding, the Amniyah. —Lieutenant Ali Asghar Khan till the 26th
September, when Yawar Abu Turab Majd assumed charge. The Yawar is spoken
of as a good man. During the War he served under General Sykes in the Sou uth
Persia Rifles.