Page 158 - The Persian Gulf Historical Summaries (1907-1953) Vol IV_Neat

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In March.1000 a Memorandum was commit-
niented to tho Persian Government by Iter
Majesty’s Charge d’AIVaircs.
In this paper it was staled that the British Mr. Spring-Rico,
Consul-General at Busliirc had recently called No. 17,
March 27, 1900.
Lord Salisbury’s attention to the stale of alTairs
at Mohammerah. In order to avoid diirieulties
in the future his Lordship thought it best that
there should be a clear understanding of his
views as to the ports of Mohammerah, Bush ire,
and Bunder Abbas, and other ports of the Gulf.
The control of theso ports by a foreign Power
might lead to a state of tilings which Her
Majesty’s Government, in tho interests of the
Indian Umpire, would be bound to resist. This
had been recognized by the Persian Government,
who, on the 23rd October, 1897, gave a written
promise that the customs of Southern Persia
should never be placed under foreign control
and supervision. ller Majesty’s Government
must hold tho Persian Government to the strict
observance of this engagement.
As tho Persian Government were aware, far
the larger part of tho trade of the above-
mentioned ports was British. This trade imposed
certain duties upon Her Majesty’s Government,
and they could uot pass without notice any
measure likely to effect its position and prospects.
It was from this point of view that the Marquess
of Salisbury desired to inform the Persian
Government that, in view of British interests in
the trade of Mohammerah and in the navigation
of the Karun, Her Majesty’s Government must
insist upon their right to he consulted beforo
any change were made in the administration of
tho customs or in the position of the Sheikh.
In claiming such a right of consultation, the
Persian Government could have no doubt as to
the anxiety of the British Government for tho
preservation of order, tho maintenance of tho
Persian sovereignty, and the improvement of
Persian resources. In all these the interests of
Her Majesty’s Government were second only to
those of Persia herself.
The reply of the Persian Government was
verbal:—
“Not only in Mohammerah, but in every part Mr.Spring-Rico,
of Persia where British interests were concerned, a£hi 5,1900.
tho Persian Government, beforo taking any steps
of importance, would consult the British Govern-