Page 330 - Gulf Precis (VII)_Neat

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707. Writing on the 7th November 1902, to Mis Britannic Majesty’s Charg6
d'Affaircs, Tehran, Colonel Kemball referred to Foreign Office despatch No. 65,
dated 5th July 1902, and pointed out that the Customs authorities continued to
charge an export dutv of 10 per cent, ad valorem, not only upon livestock and
cereals, the export of which had been prohibited, but also upon rice, ghee and
potatoes, even though these articles may have already paid an import duty of 5
per cent, and one of 20 per cent, ad valorem upon livestock sent on board Bri­
tish ships.
708. In reply His Majesty’s Minister in his No. 6, dated the 20th March
1903, forwarded a copy of a despatch which he had addressed to the Foreign
Office on the question, in which it was mentioned that Monsieur Naus now
stated that the levy was noc export duty but “ payment for exemption.” His
Excellency finally directed that in accordance with M. Naus’ wishes a formal re­
presentation should be made to the Chief of Customs, Bushire. A reference
was forthwith made to the local Customs and they were asked to refund the duty
hithertovpaid in excess of 5 per cent., but in spite of the fact that the suggestion
to address the local Customs emanated from M. Naus, the Director-General
referred the Residency back to bis Chief and said he could do nothing without
his instructions.
709. From April 1903 onwards further fruitless correspondence ensued and
the local Customs would give no other answer than that they had referred the
matter to M. Naus, and in spite of repeated reminders, they merely intimated
that M. Naus had not yet issued orders.
710. This unsatisfactory state of affairs continued until the 30th June 1904
when His Majesty’s Minister was again addressed in this office No. 90, and asked
to press the Central Customs authorities for a definite settlement. A further
reminder was sent on the 28th February 1905.
711. On the 19th April the Director-General communicated the decision
of the Central Administration, Tehran, which states that the “ taxe de dispense ”
on the exportation of cattle and cereals was fixed at a uniform rate of 10 per
cent.,, and that the Bushire Customs were therefore right in demanding this rate of
duty. - No mention whatever was made regarding the refund of duty levied in
excess of 5 per cent, upon other article thain livestock and cereals for which we
have continually pressed.
This last communication is dated Tehran, 28th March 1905, and is not
signed by Monsieur Naus but by Monsieur Lavers.
712-13. Major Cox again asked the British Minister on 8th July 1905 to
press for the refund of the excess duty
Secret E., October 1905, No. 168.
paid.
(cvli) Purchase by the Persian Government of five steam launches f^r Customs
Service in the Persian Gulf, 1903-05.
7ilf. The Persian Government in September 1903 expressed a desire to have
•three small steam cutters at about £3,000
Secret B., August 1904. Nos. 94-101.
each for Customs Service in the Persian
Gulf. They had offers from Europe, but preferred to purchase them in Bombay.
In November 1903, the Persian Minister of Customs informed Mr. Grant Duff
that a grant had been sanctioned to provide five steamers in successive delivery.
.715. The Government of India ascertained from the Director of the Royal
Indian Marine that the steam launches required could be constructed in the
Bombay Dockyard at an estimated cost of a little in excess of ^3,000 (Foreign
Department letter to Sir A. Hardinge, dated 20th January 1904).
716. The Persian Government accepted the tender of the Royal Indian
Marine for the construction of the steam
Secret E., February 190J, Nos. 1539*1549.
launches for about £3,000 each. They
were willing to pay the price'mentioned by the Government of India, but M.
Naus requested that, if possible, the extra 25 per cent, charged by the Royal
Indian Marine on orders executed for Foreign Government should in this case