Page 128 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

24 ADMINISTRATION report OF THE PERSIAN GULF

CHAPTER II.—POLITICAL REPORT OP HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY’S
VICE-CONSULATE, ARABISTAN, AHWAZ, FOR THE YEAR 1906-1907.

Arabistan.
VICE-CONSULATE AFFAIRS.
1. Throughout the year under review charge was held by Captain D. L. R
Lorimer, LA.
Of the year 134 days were spent in broken periods at head-quarters, the
remaining being occupied by the following tours:—
22nd April 1906 to 6th May 1906.—To Shushter and Dizful and back. The
return journey between Shushter and Wais was effected by raft down the Shatait
and Karun.
3rd June 1906 to 6th November 1906.—To Ispahan and back through the
Bakhtiari country. On the outward journey, Mamatain, the site selected by the
Oil Syndicate for their first boring, was visited, and halts were made with the
Khans at Ardsl and Chighakhor. A prolonged halt was made at Julia (Ispahan)
pending the development of negotiations with the Bakhtiari Khans in Tehran.
On the return journey visits were paid to the various Khans at Shaiamzar, Gish-
nagun and Junaghun.
11 th January 1907 to 31s/ January 1907.—To Mamatain and back. The
visit was in connection with the Khans’ breach of contract as regards the supply
of Guards for the Oil Works.
Sth February 1907 to 13th February 1907.—To Shushter and back in connec­
tion with the hiring of Vice-Consular quarters there.
2Sth February 1907 to 21th March 1907.—To Ramuz and Mamatain visiting
the Khans in connection with affairs of the Oil Syndicate.
The collection and revision of information for the Persian Gulf Gazetteer has,
as in the preceding year, occasioned a considerable amount of work, and requests
by the Indian Intelligence Branch for information have also demanded and received
attention.
2. The budding of a house for the Vice-Consulate.—During the absence of the
Vice-Consul at Ispahan in summer a statement of terms on which the Govern­
ment of India was willing to treat with Shekh Khaz’al for the acquiry of a site
and the building of a Vice-Consulate was received.
On 21st November, the earliest possible opportunity, an interview was ob­
tained with Shakh Khaz’al, but it was found quite impossible to reconcile his terms
with those proposed by Government. Reference was accordingly at once made
to the Government of India, but up to the time of writing no reply has been re­
ceived, and the situation is now likely to remain unaltered until next cold weather.
3. The Vice-Consulale medical arrangement.—A supply of medicine* and instru­
ments for the Vice-Consulate was received in May. At the same time Captain
Crwssle, who had been appointed Consular Surgeon for Ahwaz and Kerman-
shah, arrived from India. As be was unable to make a prolonged stay it was not
possb'e for him to organizethe Dispensary arrangements, and in the absence o
sanction to engage special quarters, the Hospital Assistant continued to real e m
the Vice-Consulate. Temporary quarters were eventually secured for him in e
town in October, and in January sanction for the necessary rent having been given
suitable permanent quarters were engaged for the joint occupancy of e
pit&i Assistant. Dispensary, and Head Clerk, of which the Hospital portion
at once occupied. The Hospital Assistant has remained at head-quarters
Eiuce his appointment to Ahwaz.
4. Captain Crossle accompanied the Vice-Consul through the Bakfatian oo»w-
try to Ispahan in June and July, and attended throughout the tour to sue