Mr. Tyler to Mr.
Hay.
American Legation,
Teheran, July 23,
1904.
No. 63.]
Sir:
* * * * * * *
My letter of the 13th instant to the minister for foreign affairs was
being written when your dispatch of the 20th of June opportunely
arrived, and I took advantage of the occasion to send a translation of
its contents, and make it the foundation for strong and explicit
representations. This communication was evidently shown to the Shah, and
brought about the note of the prime minister to the minister for foreign
affairs; and also, by instructions of the latter, a visit from one of
the principal secretaries of the foreign office, notwithstanding the
dread of the cholera, which prevails.
This gentleman told me that he had been sent with instructions to talk
over the question of the arrest of the accomplices, and to ask in regard
to charges that had been made against Kurds, whether it would not be
possible to obtain from Urumia the specific proofs on which the
accusations were made, so as to avoid difficulties and disturbances
which might arise on the arrest of the wrong men.
I reminded him that we had, ever since the perpetration of the crime,
furnished the foreign office with all the particulars on which
representations had been made and action demanded; and that so far,
although with many obstructions, we had maintained and confirmed the
position we had originally assumed. I affirmed and reaffirmed that the
Government of the United States asked only for justice, but that it
would not withdraw its hand until justice was vindicated.
I reminded him that in foreign countries it was usual to offer a reward
for information that would lead to the arrest and punishment of such
criminals, and but for the intervention of the cholera I should have
spoken to the foreign minister on the subject, and I hoped that he would
repeat to his excellency what I had said on this as well as other
subjects. He promised to do this without fail.
For the past three weeks, on account of the cholera, all the public
departments have been closed and secretaries and clerks advised to
disperse. Ministers have shut themselves up in their private apartments,
and a strong cordon of guards has been placed around the palace to
prevent anyone, excepting ministers only on most urgent matters, and
then quite alone, from aproaching the Shah. Business has been entirely
disorganized, although during the last two or three days there have been
symptoms of a restored confidence and a return to the usual conditions
of life.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.]
Mr. Tyler to
the Mushir-ed-Dowlah.
American Legation,
Teheran, July 13,
1904.
Your Excellency: On the 30th ultimo I had
the honor to present to you a copy and translation of a telegram,
which I had received from the Secretary of
[Page 670]
State, repeating that it was most important
that the accomplices of Mir Ghaffar should be arrested and
punished.
I have this moment received a dispatch, a translation of which is
inclosed, wherein I am instructed to press this matter with all
urgency upon your attention, until full justice be meted out to the
perpetrators of this crime.
I have on several occasions, both verbally and in writing, reminded
you of the very grave nature of this crime in the eyes of the United
States Government and people; and although it may be, by the
authorities in Urumia, for their private interests lightly
considered, yet this is not the view taken of it by this
legation.
I am being continually informed by oar own and other people that the
condition of affairs in Urumia is serious in the extreme, that the
lives of neither native nor foreign Christians are secure, and that
outrages are of frequent occurrence. Under these circumstances I
must hold His Majesty’s Government responsible for the safety of our
citizens.
During the interview, mentioned above, with your excellency you
declared that the Government had demanded these criminals from the
Crown Prince, but I regret to remark that no effects of this order
have become apparent, and I am very strongly of opinion that the
authorities in Urumia have totally misguided the Prince regarding
the culpability of these men, and consequently your commands and
orders have remained in abeyance.
At this same time I urged your excellency to take the most decisive
measures to achieve the ends of justice and remove the stain that
tarnishes the name of the Government. I also requested, for the
information of the United States Government, replies to certain of
my communications, which so far have not reached me.
* * * ** * * *
I have to tell your excellency that these men must be arrested; and I
hope you will think that I am most serious in making this
demand.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 2.]
The prime minister to
the minister for foreign
affairs.
Mubarekabad, July 20, 1904.
Your Excellency: His Majesty has personally
stated that orders have been dispatched to the Crown Prince and the
governor of Urumia, so that if Mir Ghaffar had any accomplices they
are to be arrested.
You are also well aware that I have sent the most imperative orders;
but the names of accomplices, with proofs that they are the men
implicated, are required, in order that they may be arrested.
Yours,
Eyn-ed-Dowlah,
Prime Minister.
