Mr. McDonald to Mr.
Gresham.
[Extract.]
Legation of
the United States,
Teheran,
Persia, October 26, 1893.
(Received November 29.)
No. 27.]
Sir: Referring to my dispatch, No. 26, concerning
the murder of the Armenian Christian, Aga Jan Khan, at Oroomiah, I have the
honor to report that I have received a most kind and satisfactory letter
from the Shah, a copy of which is herewith inclosed. I have written thanking
His Majesty for the prompt and complete manner in which he has responded to
my request; but I beg to inquire whether the case is not one which would
justify a telegram direct from the Department? I am sure it would gratify
and strengthen him in like action in similar cases. I believe His Majesty is
kindly disposed, and that his leanings are in the direction of liberality
and justice.
I consider the position and action of His Majesty in this murder case as very
gratifying and encouraging in the line of protection to Christians.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No.
27.—Translation.]
The prime minister to Mr.
McDonald.
Your Excellency: Your sincere communication
respecting the murder of Aga Khan, a Christian, which was perpetrated at
Oroomiah, has been laid before and perused by His Imperial Majesty the
Shah—may his reign be permanently established—who has instructed me to
send you a reply.
It is evident from your representations that you have been actuated in
this matter by kindness of heart and good will towards this country.
About the time that your letter reached His Majesty, in conformnity with
his benignity of disposition and royal sense of justice, he had given
stringent orders that the perpetrators of this crime should be arrested
and the necessary punishment awarded to them.
On receiving your excellency’s communication, His Majesty was deeply
grieved at this event, and he gave imperative orders to his imperial
highness the valiahd (heir apparent), who was going to Oroomiah to make
a special investigation into this case and have those who have committed
this deed arrested and exemplary punishment inflicted upon them, and
also to take every necessary and possible measure for the protection and
quietness of others.
[Seal of the Sadr Azem.]
October 24,
1893.
