Page 68 - Gulf Precis (VII)_Neat

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tho world. But the one great obstacle was the Shah’s dread of Russia's wrath
to corao. It appeared that tho Shah had given a pledge to the Czar that ho
would never docido to give concessions or permissions to construct railways,
roads and waterways to associations of foreign nations before consulting His
Majosty tho Emperor. It was argued by tho British legation that what was
sought was not a concession to any company of a foreign nation, nor an ex­
clusive monopoly to any particular foreign nation, but opening a water high­
way already in existence to the commerce of the world.
138. Another difficulty was tho fear of the Persian Government that Foreign
Governments would erect forts on the river side, or make use of tho river for
military purposes. As to tills, it was pointed that it was in tho hands of the
Persian Government to make strict regulations against erection of forts, im­
portation of arms, or any other use of tho navigation for warlike or military
purposes.
139. Ultimately tho Shah consented to comply with tho British Govern­
ment's request on the following condi­
ibid No. 77.
tions :—
(1) the present Qf two steamers;
(2) the assuranQe by Her Majesty’s Government of some sort of pro­
tection against Russia in case the opening of the Karun should
be resented by that Power.
With both these requests Her Majesty's Government promised compliance.
Further the Shah’s Government was authorized to show to the Russian Govern­
ment the note of the British Ambassador dated 18th September 1888, in justi­
fication of the aotion taken.
140. The following notes, for an arrangement, as derived from conversa­
tions with Amin-ea-Sultan and condensed
Ibid No. 78.
by His Excellency in Persian for sub­
mission to the Shah, dated the 1st October 1888, show what were the term9 of
the preliminary understanding :—
Notes for an arrangement, as derived from conversations with the Amin-es- Sultan and condensed
by His Excellency in Persian for submission to the Shah, dated 1st October 1688.
The Shah undertakes by tho 1st December next to publish a proclamation opening for
twenty-five years the navigation of tbo Karun as far as Ahwaz to all foreign mercantile vessels
whether sailing vessels or otherwise. A toll of---- -—-per ton shall be paid by each vessel on
entering the river in addition to import duties as at present exisiiug and to export duties on
leaving.
Tho Persian Government further agree to construct a tramway across the bar at Ahwaz
and they reserve to themselves the right of navigation between that place and Shustor.
The above undertakings and reservation to bo included in tho proclamation which shall be
published and circulated to the Foreign Legatious at Tehran.,
The Persian Government further undertake to preserve order on the road between Dizful
and Kboramabad and within three years to construct a carriage road from Shuster to Knm.
Her Majesty’s Government will present His Majesty the Shah with two steamers suitable
for; the navigation above Ahwaz, and the tolls between Ahwaz and Shu>fccr and1 the tariff for
the conveyance of goods, after being privately settled between the two Governments, shall be
published'by the Persian Government in a subsequent proclamation.
As soon as the first proclamation is published the following assurance given by Her
Majesty’s Government will come into force.
A fixed period of 26 years as tho term for the opening was insisted upon, in
order not to give an occasion to tho Persian Government to withdraw the grant
no sooner than given,, which they would find in case no fixed poriod were
mentioned.
141. A draft proclamation was prepared by tho British Minister at the
request of the Shah to the following
Ibid No*. 82-81.
effeot