Page 772 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920_Neat

38 ADMINISTRATION REPORT OF THE
It was said that Waqar-ul-Mulk was instrumental in arranging the
marriage from Teheran.
In January tho presentation of the river steamer H. P. 7 by Major-
General Sir G. E. MncMunn, K.C.B., K.C.S.I., D.S.O., tho General Officer
Commanding-in-Chief Mesopotamia on behalf of His Majesty’s Government
to His Excellency Sheikli Sir Khazal Khan, G.C.I.13., K.C.8.I., Sheikh
of Mohammerah took place at Mohammerah.
A flotilla left Basrah in procession and this formation was maintained on
entrance to tho Karun River whoro it was decided that tho presentation should
bo made.
On anchoring all tho ships were dressed and a salute fired from the
Sheikh’s battery, and tho Sheikh’s band played tho National Anthem.
Tho General Officer Commanding-in-Chief pro°eeded on board H. P. 7
where all the other principal officers and guests tfere assembled. When all
was in readiness His Excellency the Sheikh proceeded on board accompanied
by his sons and local officials, and was met by tho General Officer Commanding
and conducted to the upper deck of the steamer where a guard-of-honour was
furnished by a detachment of Indian infantry.
After the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief had delivered his speech,
the British flag was hauled down and the Persian flag hoisted on the forward
staff of the steamer and a salute of 12 guns was fired by H.M.S. u Britomart.”
The Sheikh’s reply was then read out.
The steamer weighed anchor and tho flotilla proceeded down river and up
the Shatt-el-Arab to the Sheikh’s palace, where the General Officer Command­
ing, officers and guests disembarked and went into the Durbar Hall, where
refreshments were served. During conversation His Excellency the Sheikh
repeatedly expressed his loyalty, devotion and appreciation. Shortly after­
wards, the General Officer Commanding-iu-Chief took leave and embarked
under a salute of 15 guns fired by the Persian Gun boat “ Persepolis.”
Sheikh Abdul Majid Khan, Assistant Deputy Governor of Mohammerah,
and the fourth son of His Excellency the Sheikh was married to the daughter
Df Agha Jaffir, a Persian leading merchant and notable resident of Basrah,
father-in-law of Haji Moshir-ut-Tujjar, son of Haji Rais-ut-Tujjar, C.I.J3.
The usual feasts and entertainments were held and the European residents of
Mohammer.ih were invited to a dinner at the palace. Some of the military
officers of Basrah were also invited to a dinner at the palace in honour of the
occasion.
It was noticeable that the Karguzar was not invited to any of the cere­
monies and festivities.
The death of Prince Moayid-ud-Dowleh, Governor-General of Arabistan,
oc'curred on the 4-tli September. The Prince appointed the Political Officer at
Dizful as his executor. The deceased deprived one of his sons from benefits.
In June the Civil Department in Iraq, the British Chambers of Commerce,
General Head Quarters, the Imperial Bank of Persia, Messrs. Strick, Scott
and Company, Lin«ited, Messrs. The Anglo-Persian Oil Comjany, Limited,
and Messrs. The Mesopotamia-Persia Corporation, Limited, were informed
that His Excellency the Sheikh of Mohammerah had notified that he would
not hold himself financially or otherwise responsible for any transactions
financial and other entered into by liis sons, or by persons purporting to be
acting on his behalf unless authorisation from His Excellency Sheikli of
Mohammerah was produced in each separate case.
This notification was the outcome of a letter addressed to the Civil
Commissioner in Mesopotamia by His Excellency the Sheikh of Mohammerah.
Local Police.—There has been a steady decrease in the numbers of the
force and this now totals about 90.
There were a few cases of intrigues by some of the officers directed against
the-Local-Commissioner, which resulted in dismissal.
rhero were also soveral desertions and resignations owing to the men not
be'Do their salaries regularly.