Page 173 - PERSIAN 9 1931_1940

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They were also instrumental finally in forcing Messrs. Ziegler & Company, the
oldest and last surviving British merchant firm in Persia to close down. It is
a matter of much regret that the experience of this reputable firm which has for
so long enjoyed the respect and confidence of its clients throughout the country
and whose knowledge of local conditions is such a valuable asset should be los't
at a time when the development of markets is of primary importance.
The notification late in the year of the Government’s intention to allow the
imports, in certain conditions, of goods previously classed as prohibited will, it is
hoped, stimulate the revival of trade and re-establish confidence but, in the
absence of the fullest details of the concession and knowledge of the motive, local
merchants were suspicious and reluctant to take advantage of the facilities
offered.
Opium.—The failure of the opium monopoly to find markets for iits accumu­
lating stocks led to the cancellation, in October 1932, of the concession. Since
that time in spite of the efforts made by other merchants only two comparatively
small shipments have been made by them and other two sales have been effected
by the cz-monopoly interests for the legitimate trade.
Apart from the shipment of 830 cases of opium for which licence had been
granted by the importing countries, three vessels, about which the greatest
secrecy was preserved, loaded approximately, 3,787 cases for unknown destina­
tion during the year. While it is difficult to prove that all the opium shipped in
this way is for illicit trade, mostly in the Far East, there is little doubt that it is
so and, that it is exported with the approval of the Persian Government is evident
from the precautions which are taken officially to prevent leakage of the details
of shipment. As the selling price is usually about £120 per case and the Persian
export duty ranges up to £83 per case the Government’s reluctance to submit to
any control in the interests of humanity at large can be expressed in. terms of
cash.
The total export of opium through Bushirc from March 1932 to March 1934
has been 5,967 cases composed of the following shipments :—
For legitimate Illicit.
consumption.
I
July 1932 .. 100 cases
October 1932 .. 1,100 „
November 1932 .. 150 „ • f • •
March 1933 .. 1,000 cases.
May 1933 379 cases .. 2,187 „
June 1933 51 „
August 1933 • • t ? 200 „ •: • r
October 1933 t • f • 200 „ .. 600 cases
Legitimate 2,180 cases.
Illicit 3,787 cases.

Total 5,967 cases.

In comparison with the total of 5,203 cases exported during the year 1931-32
there has been a serious decrease in the export, due principally to the excessive
export tax which proved a severe handicap in competition with Anatolian opium
and to the large stocks which, it is understood, were held in the Far East. The
troubles in China may also have had an adverse effect on the demand from that
country.
Foreign Competition :—
(a) Japanese.—In the absence of Customs statistics it is not possible to
give any accurate indication of the growth of Japanese competition but the
poverty of the people compels them to purchase only the cheapest goods and
as these are undoubtedly of Japanese manufacture it is not surprising to find
the market full of them. The quality is admittedly inferior and dyes and
durability cannot cojnparo with similar lines from other sources but prices are
attractive.
Lcl 29FD