791.003/39

The Minister in Persia ( Philip ) to the Secretary of State

No. 390

Sir: In the course of an interview with the Shah on the 8th instant (resumé of which was transmitted with my despatch No. [Page 592] 389 of July 15, 1927),47 I have the honor to report that I touched upon the question of the intended abolition of capitulations in Persia and the treaty situation resulting therefrom.

The Shah seemed to derive much pleasure and relief from my statement that our Government regarded the desire of Persia in this matter with sympathy and that it was desirous of meeting the new situation in a friendly and helpful spirit.

The Shah turned suddenly and grasped my hand with an expression of thanks at this juncture. It has occurred to me, on subsequent consideration, that this impulsive action on the part of one who is usually so devoid of demonstration may have arisen from prior ignorance of the actual comments by our Government as a result of Persia’s announced intention.

So persistent are the reports of intrigue to which the Shah is subjected, that I am quite prepared to believe that the attitude of our Government in this connection had been misrepresented to him by those interested in creating a feeling of indifference for the friendship of the United States.

I went on to state that before entering into the proposed negotiations for a new treaty, our Government had expressed a desire to be furnished with information relative to the actual state of the judicial system in Persia with which it is proposed to supplant the consular jurisdiction hitherto at the disposal of foreign nationals. I said that if the Persian Government is prepared to be perfectly frank with our Government in meeting this request and in representing the situation as it actually exists, I felt confident that this will constitute an important step toward the end desired. The Shah promised to give instructions that information should be collected and furnished. He added that he felt assured of the friendship of the United States and that, should our Government take the lead in this matter, it would greatly enhance American prestige in Persia, etc. He went on to say that, in spite of certain difficulties which had been presented in connection with the denouncement of the treaty with France, that Government had intimated its friendly desire to reach an understanding.

The attitude of the French Chargé d’Affaires here has not indicated that any assurances of the kind have been given and he has not conferred with me directly in regard to the attitude of our Government. I am interested to note, however, the reports concerning the French attitude embodied in the Department’s cable instruction No. 34 of July 13, 6 p.m.47

The British Minister does not lose an opportunity of expressing his conviction as to the necessity of providing for consular assistance [Page 593] in connection with the arrest and prosecution of foreign nationals, marriages of such nationals, administration of the estates of foreign nationals, etc.

My German and Belgian colleagues reflect the willingness of their Governments to accept the situation but at the same time to insist upon the matter of the request for detailed information.

I have the honor to transmit herewith a translation of a note verbale from the Persian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, dated the 13th instant,48 which announces the dissolution of Kargozariats, or legal representatives of the Foreign Office in the provinces. The duties of these officials, which are chiefly concerned with the interests of foreign nationals under the existing treaties, will be assumed, it is stated, by the Governors and Governors-General until May 10, 1928.

It has been variously reported that these Kargozariats, which I do not understand are to be considered as being called for by the capitulatory treaties, but as having been established as a result of them, were to be transferred from the Foreign Office to the Ministries of Interior and to that of Justice.

The present announcement is evidently intended as an indication of the Government’s intention to terminate the capitulatory regime on the date mentioned.

I have not yet been able to ascertain whether this action will entail disadvantages for American citizens in this country.

I have [etc.]

Hoffman Philip
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