Page 440 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

CHAPTER III.

ADMINISTRATION REPORT OF THE BANDAR ABBAS AGENCY
FOR THE YEAR 1909.

General.—'The condition of the districts of Bandar Abbas and Minab
has been much disturbed throughout the greater part of the year owing
chiefly to the evil influence of Seyyid Abdul Husein of Lar, who, from the
beginning of the year till his deportation to Shiraz In November, continued to
send out emissaries and letters inciting the people to rebellion.
His efforts, aided by the preaching of Seyyid Assadulla Ispahani, pro­
duced the so-called “Nationalist” revolution which broke out in Bandar
Abbas on March 16th. The movement, so far as the vast majority of the
people were concerned, had little to do with “ Nationalism ” in any real sense
of the term. The people as a whole were partly excited by, partly afraid of,
the Seyyid of Lar, and their excitement was added to by the fulminations of
Seyyid Assadulla. It was taken advantage of by a few influential and un­
scrupulous persons who profited by the misappropriation of a considerable
portion of the Customs receipts.
The movement maintained an orderly character throughout partly
through the influence of Seyyid Assadulla, who appears to have been an intelli­
gent and high-minded man, and partly through that of Misbah-i-Diwan. The
latter became Deputy Governor on the outbreak of the rebellion in addition to
his duties as Deputy Karguzar. He is a man whose every instinct is opposed
to nationalist ideals, but he led and controlled the movement from motives of
policy and private gain.
The revolution came to an end in the middle of May after the Shah’s pro­
clamation had announced the re-grant of the Constitution, and after the re­
turn of His Excellency Darya Begi to the Governorship of the Gulf Ports.
Simultaneously with the close of the revolution Seyyid Abdul Husein
was driven from Lar by Nasr-ed-Dowleh. He however retained all his power
for evil and continued to exercise it to the full with the result that the town
of Bandar Abbas remained in a constant state of panic, the district in a con­
stant state of disturbance and trade practically at a standstill.
In August the Seyyid succeeded in re-entering Lar and re-asserting his
influence there. Shortly afterwards however his tyranny, mischief making
and utter irresponsibility had become so intolerable that his deportation to
Shiraz was decided on by the central Government and was effected in
November.
With his departure the quiet of the country and the safety of the roads
were restored immediately. The country people however continued to some
extent to resist payment of the revenue demand, and up to the end of the cal­
endar year this demand had not been met in full.
Consulate.—Charge of the Consulate was held by Captain W. H. I.
Sbakespear to 13th April 1909, by Captain C. F. Mackenzie from 14th April
to 19th May 1909 and by Captain M. E. Rae from 20th May to the end of the
year.
On December 13th orders were received reducing the status of the Con­
sulate to that of a Vice-Consulate and limiting its jurisdiction to the district
of Bandar Alfoas up to the Khamir boundary, the districts of Shamilat and
Minab, and the islands of Hormuz, Larak, Kishm, and Henjam.
The personal rank of Consul is however to be retained by the incumbent
of the office.
Telegraphs.—The Telegraph office at the Consulate was opened to inter­
national work on September 9th, a convenience which has been much appre­
ciated and utilised in spite of the heavy scale of charges.
M. E. RAE, Captain,
Assistant Resident and His Britannic Majesty's Consul,
Bandar A bbas.