File No. 763.72111/6916
The Minister in Persia ( Caldwell) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 31, 12.17 p.m.]
No change in Persia. Persian Government replying to British note (see my telegram of March 13, 1 p.m.). Allege inconsistency in assurances given to respect independence of Persia and presence of British forces; protest against presence of British forces and ask their withdrawal; express satisfaction that Anglo-Russian convention of 1907 should be considered null and void; refuse suggestion in British note that after the close of the war the two Governments should agree upon some European officers for the present military forces known as South Persian Rifles, saying that suggestion and acceptance thereof inconsistent with independence; insist on participation in peace conference on account of the belligerents’ violation of the neutrality of Persia and the community of interest; allege responsibility for arrest and detention of British Vice-Consul and citizens at Resht by tribesmen rests on British soldiers, [who] had previously arrested Persian subjects in Persia; request British Imperial Bank to pay over customs receipts wrongfully withheld from and belonging to Persia; express desire to continue existing friendly relations. Translation of the note mailed.1
- Not printed.↩