Page 69 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

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RESIDENCY FOR THE YEAR 1006-1908.
though both diseases have occurred fairly oloso. Fever has been prevalent as
usuaf and sullerers from guinea-worm at Bunder Abbas were more than
usually numerous during May and June 1905.
There have been constant difficulties over quarantine matters between
the British Quarantine Medical Officer and the Director of Customs, brought
about by the latter’s persistent attempts to interfere in such matters as of a
right, though they lay entirely without his province. Happily it was possible
to arrange mutters at Bushire with the Director-General of Customs whioh
definitely removed all possible excuse f<>r the Director’s interference since
when the quarantine arrangements have run smoothly. The Quarantine
Medical Officer throughout the year has been Assistant Surgeon W. H. K.
Bromley, LS.M.D.
A charitable dispensary was sadly required at Bunder Abbas owing to the
large numbers there are of the very poor. One was opened under the charge
of the Quarantine Medical Officer in March 1906 and does an immense
amount of good in relieving suffering, apart from the political influence uhich
such institutions always bring in their train in Persia.
Customs Administration.—Since the issue of the Rcglement Douanier in
September 1901, many points which at first caused friction or difficulties have
now been smoot hed away by some authoritative ruling or the tacit understand-
in? which acknowledges that certain articles of this document are impossible
of "execution ; consequently the Belgian officials and their subordinates now
do not seriously inconvenience or surprise traders with new and startling
innovations issued without notice, and though the present administration of
Customs is no more popular now than it was at first, it has assumed a more
workable character.
Some old cases which were pending between this Consulate and the
Customs were successfully brought to a conclusion.
I regret to report that the pernicious Eamal-Bashi system still obtains
and the present incumbent ol the post continues to exercise the same I
unwholesome influence over the Director, which has been the subject of reports
before. Be is the Director’s right hand, employed on any work under him,
however shadowy its connection with the legitimate duties of even a Customs
Department may be, whilst the Bamal-Basil’s proper sphere is supposed to
be confined really to the unloading, loading and delivery of merchandise at
the Customs-House and pier.
Anns Traffic.—The vigilance of the Customs authorities has effectually
suppressed the arras traffic in the neighbourhood of Bunder Abbas and Lingah.
The import of arms and ammunition, however, continues freely aloug the
Mekran Coast and on that between Bushire and Lingah. Some captures have
been made by the Customs authorities, but their total amount must represent
only a very small proportion of the numbers successfully introduced into the
country.
From all the information which I Lave received it would appear that
these imports are not destined for the North-West Frontier of India as is
generally supposed. An excellent market and a much nearer one exists in
the Kerman province, in the districts round Seistan, in Laristan and also in
Persian Baluchistan. Some undoubtedly do reach the frontiers of India and
that only by way of Herat, a route which, considering the risks run, must
make the arms which do eventually arrive at the Indian frontier of very
considerable value.
The state of unrest at present prevalent throughout Persia makes the
possession of arms by every villager a precautionary measure if not a necessity,
and which one can hardly blame him for taking in view of the constant
oppression and exactions to which he is subjected by every so-called oflfieiaL
however petty he may be. *
Slave Trade.—No direct slave-dealing appears to take plaoe actually in
Bander Abbas or its immediate vicinity, though slaves frequently take
refuge at the Consulate on the plea that their masters wish to transfer them
(at a price) to some one else. 1 have heard, however, from native sources,
that in Persian Baluchistan owing to hard times and short commons, it has
become not unusual for parents and relatives to sell their younger children