Page 225 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

AND THE MASKAT POLITICAL AGENCY FOR THE YEAR 1907-1000. 41

and in tlic end of March it was nocessary to intimate to them that they
were gravely jeopardising their chances of receiving the instalment due in May.
Further discussion will doubtless take place when they come hero in April.
They have given up mentioning most of their old spurious complaints and
when interviewed by the Vice-Consul at Maidan Munaftun iD January tlicir
minds were chiefly occupied with the suspension of the November instalment,
the presence of the Indian guard, and the question of compensation for land
occupied.
The last question has, however, until now remained in statu quo owing to
their own apathy.
The November instalment was finally paid to them in February, as they
saw tit to disown the sentiments expressed and the action taken by their
relatives in Tehran.
A bill for compensation for losses incurred from March to the end of 1907
amounting to Krans 12,784*85 was presented to them, and the amount was
withheld from the February instalment, which they had asked should he paid to
Messrs. Lynch Brothers against their claims. It was intimated to them that this
was done out of consideration for their convenience, hut that if they preferred
to remit cash the part of the instalment held back would he paid on their
account like the rest to Messrs. Lynch Brothers.
52. On the whole progress has been made during the year. The develop­
ment of a dangerous feeling of license and impunity in the behaviour of the
local population towards the Company’s servants appears to have been success­
fully checked. Thieving though still constituting one of the most aggravating
among the difficulties of the Syndicate, has not been perpetrated with the gusto
and maliciousness which were noticeablo a year ago. Most important of all,
tho Khaus’ demeanour has changed from one of bullying and threatening
insolence to one of verbal complaisance and civility, which at least indicates
respect. The principal factors in producing these results have been the
introduction of the Indian guards by the order of the British Government and
the suspension of the instalment, the firm and unvacillating but not un-
conciliatory policy pursued by His Majesty’s Legation, and the restriction
of all communications to and from the Khans to one channel.
33. Messi'8 Lynch Brothers' Affairs.—Before dealing with the develop­
ments of these during the year under report it is necessary to briefly summarize
the course of events which bad led up to the position existing at the beginning
of the year.
In 1904 when the bigger Khans were at Tehran the opportunity was
seized by the Legation of discussing with them the financial position existing
between themselves and Messrs. Lynch Brothers, which owing to default in
payment on their part had become involved and obscure.
The principal matter was that of the account relating to tho construction
of the Ahwaz-Ispahan Road. Messrs. Lynch Brothers claimed the sum of
£8,500 which they had expended on the work against the sum of £5,500,
which was that for which the Khans has bound themselves. The principal
advanced was to he repaid in 25 equal annual instalments, and the Khans on
their part had allowed the payment of these periodic claims to fall into
arrears.
After prolonged discussion the Khans agreed to pay 30,000 Tumnns
instead of the original 27,600 as the equivalent of £6,000, but on the under­
standing that the account and payments were to he placed on a basis of Persian
currency. On the other hand Messrs. Lynch Brothers were informed by His
Majesty’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that the British Government
could not support their claim for the extra £3,000 or for 12 per cent, interest
on arrears due, and they were informed that in future the account should he
kept in Persia currency. A statement of the arrears and the future payments
due from them was handed to the Klia'ns, and they promised to abide by, and
aot on, it.
Some six months later they discharged their arrears; but since then the
payments made by them have been inadequate and after their due dates.