Page 141 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

POLITICAL RESIDENCY FOR 11)00-1'J07. 37

local Chaharmahal trade at least may be secured, which is at present in part run
at a great profit by the Deh Kurd muleteers, and is in part in the hands of Ispahan
dealers.
GG. The relations of the firm with the Bakhtiari Khans have not been further
complicated by direct communication with them. The question of the upkeep of
the road was discussed with the Khans only by the Legation and the Vice-Consul.
Claims for loss of merchandise by robbery on the road were settled as in the
past without difficulty on direct reference by Messrs. Lynch Brothers.
67. The interests of the Tigris and Euphratis Steam Navigation Company
were attacked by the Muin ut Tujjar placing a rival steamer on the Lower Karun.
This steamer has been plying since.
In the early stages and probably owing to the underhand influence of Haji
Kais it took away much cargo from the “ Malamir.” But this state of affairs has j
not lasted and its competition is scarcely felt.
The Company has after some hesitation renewed their private agreement with
Haji Rais which was expiring, by which in return for an annual payment of 400
Tumans he binds himself to protect the interests of the firm on the river.
68. The Concession Oil Syndicate, Limited.—By the month of May the Ramuz
river had fallen sufficiently to admit of the material which had been accumulated
on the right bank being taken over to the boring site on the left bank at Mamatain
and Shardin.
In the course of the summer months the workshops and drilling plant were
erected, and drilling commenced. At the end of March this drill hole had attained
the depth of 600 feet, but no oil had so far been obtained. Drilling was also start­
ed in the end of the calendar year at Shardin, and by the end of March a depth of
400 feet had been reached, but also without success in the obtaining of the oil.
Work preliminary to boring at another place, Musjid-i-Sulaiman (or Maidan-
i-Munuftun) has also been in progress since October. A cart road is being made
through the series of hills behind which the place lies. Most of the plant has in
anticipation been shipped up the Gargar and some of it has been carted out to the
foot of the hills.
Great difficulty has been experienced in their work by the Syndicate owing to
the robberies and insecurity due to the failure of the Bakhtiari Khans to keep to
their agreements, and to their studied indifference to the interests of the Company.
The resulting negotiations with the Khans have been mentioned in another place.
Considering the difficulties and the nature of the country an amazing amount of
work has been done in the past year.
69. Indian trade was represented for a few months in Ahwaz by a man Fazil,
a Bombay trader, who with his brother has a business in Muharamerah. He
returned to Muhammerah in December.
70. In February a Mr. Sievewright Catto, travelling on behalf of the firm of
McAndrew, Forbes, came to Arabistan to inspect the liquorice grounds of the Diz
river. With the aid of introductions to the Chiefs of the Anafija Arabs Shaikh
Alwan and Fellah, he was enabled to see all he required in a few days.
... ^ no? appear to regard this liquorice supply of importance except as pro-
viding an additional source on emergency.