Mr. Griscom to Mr. Hay.
Teheran, January 24, 1902.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that in view of the man; inquiries received at this legation in regard to the possibility of obtaining concessions for the construction and operation of railroads in Persia, I have recently put the question to the grand vizier and was informed by him that an agreement exists between the Persian am Russian Governments whereby no railroads shall be constructed in Persia excepting by Russians or the Russian Government for a period of ten years from the accession of the present Shah. This agreement has seven years still to run, wherefore it will be impossible for air of our citizens to obtain a valid railroad concession until the termination of this period.
I have, etc.,