Page 75 - PERSIAN 2 1879_1883

RESIDENCY AND MC8KAT POLITICAL AGENCY FOR 1879-80. 63
"Whether or no it is necessary to have a separate Commercial Treaty,
Some modifications and additions to more complete and effective than at
existing arrangements desirable present, it appears that as concerns our
trade in the south of Persia, some modifications of and additions to the
present arrangements would be advantageous and are called for, to enable
our traders to compete successfully in all respects with the Persian
traders at the sea-ports.
The present stipulation is 5 per cent, ad valorem on all British ex­
Customs duty. ports and imports to and from all
# parts of Persia. This amount is un­
favourable to British traders, in cases of goods for sale at the ports of
entry, or for goods purchased for exportation at the sea-port.
Refund or redaction of 2 per cent, In such cases therefore a refund
duty on goods sold at port of entry or or reduction of 2 per cent on such
purchased at port of exportation. g0O(]s W0UJ J j* desirable.

British owned goods on which the full 5 per cent, duty is
Ow ners of boast*, Ac., carrying British paid to he exempted from all further
goods to be exempted from taxation. octroi or transit dues, as at present,
and further no taxes or fees to be exacted from owners of beasts of burden
or other conveyances carrying British
• i-e., transit pass.
owned goods under proper jowaz.*
At present the Persian authorities claim the right to 5 per cent.
Abolishment or reduction of duty on on British goods transhipped in harbour,
transhipped goods. whilst Persian goods arc transhipped at
much lower rates. Duty on goods so transhipped should be abolished
or reduced.
At present British merchants are virtually precluded from re-export-
D raw-back of 7/Stha on goods re- ing goods on which 5 per cent, duty
exported. has been paid. The custom of allowing
seven-eighths (7/Sths) drawback in such cases should be adopted.
Immediate assistance and protection to British vessels shipwrecked
Assistance to vessels in distress, or in distress on the Persian coast
Exemption of cargo from duty. should be compulsory on local authorities
under heavy penalties. No duty shonld be levied on cargoes of such
vessels, if landed and re-shipped. No charges should be demanded except for
labour, salvage, and hire of warehouse. All such charges to be fixed
afterwards by British and Persian authorities in consultation.
When interdict suddenly imposed on export of specie, proceeds of
Prohibition export of tpecie cxccp. goods of British merchants already sold
tiotu. should be excepted; also cash realized
by sale of goods imported prior to prohibition.
When prohibition is imposed on exportation of produce, one month's
One month*, notice of Intended pro-
bibition of export of produce to bo chased by British traders prior to issue
given, Ac. of notice should be allowed to pass out,
on condition of the holders immediately notifying the Quantity on hand,
the Persian authorities retaining option of purchasing the same*