Page 690 - PERSIAN 8 1931_1940_Neat

24

The alignment of the new major road from Kerman to Khorasan via Shahdad
on which work was suspended about two years ago, was once again considered on
the spot by a committee of local officials, including the G. 0. C. It is reported that
rials 3,000,000 have so far been spoilt on this road.
Wireless.—The Kerman station operates for a few hours twice a week for
military communications only. It also contacts with military portable sets in
out-stations.
Aviation.—No aeroplane landed at Kerman during 1940. The landing ground,
which is in the hands of the military department, was in the process of its annual
clean-up at the end of the year.
VIII.—LOCAL POLITICS.
In the matter of the European war public opinion in this province is to a large
extent controlled by the side which predominates on the air. Until a news bulletin
in Persian was broadcast from Delhi in August, Berlin broadcasts had it all their
own way. Consequently pro-German sentiment was general and even those who
did not support these sentiments feared a German victory. With German successes
in Europe followed by the collapse of France, Berlin found ready hearers for its
point of view. When the Berlin prophecy that Hitler would be in London by
15th August failed to materialise and the British Empire showed no signs of crack­
ing, the first real doubts of an ultimate German victory began to find expression.
The Delhi bulletin became available, therefore, at an appropriate time. Public
opinion rapidly began to change until by the end of the year the number of those
who thought a German victory possible was considerably reduced. The stubborn
resistance of the Greeks to Italian aggression, the British successes in the Western
Desert and Libya combined with the introduction of a broadcast in Persian direct
from London contributed largely to this change of mind. There arc now few Ira­
nian owners of receiving sets who do not listen-in daily to the Delhi or London
broadcast or both ; they probably listen-in to Berlin also, but little credence is now
placed upon news from the latter source.
As regards domestic politics there is a feeling that the British are indirectly
responsible for the sufferings of the people under the present regime, since the British
were primary instrumental in its establishment. They cannot rid themselves of the
idea that it was to suit British policy that a penniless man was put on the throne who
now bleeds the country white to amass a private fortune. There arc unfortunately
many indications which lend colour to the latter part of this theory. Nevertheless
it would not be true to say that the majority of the people arc anti-British ; they
are not. But they do feel that the British are partly responsible for their present
economic condition.
The check to Germany and Italy in the Near East has greatly reduced tension
in this country and by the end of the year much less was thought of possible Russian
aggression against Iran. Rumours of marching and counter-marching on the Iran-
Russian frontiers ceased to be news.
B.—BANDAR ABBAS.

I.—II. M.’s CONSULATE.
Personnel.—II. M.’s Consul, Kerman, held additional charge throughout the
year.
Tours.—H. M.’s Consul returned to Bandar Abbas on 4th January from a
short visit to Biishire and left for Kerman on 30th January.
I I is Majesty's Birthday.—Owing to the war the usual tea-party was not
held.
Consular Statistics.
British subjects registered 40
Passports issued A
Passports renewed .. 3
Visas granted 1
Documents legalised.. 3
Fees levied .. £0-0-0