Mr. Tyler to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Teheran, March 4,
1903.
No. 29, Diplomatic series.]
Sir: I have the honor to transmit inclosed a
copy and translation of a note received from the minister for foreign
affairs relating to sketching and photographing by travelers and
tourists in Persia.
In view of the great increase in this practice by people, quite ignorant
of the restrictions and customs prevailing about dwelling houses and
religious buildings, traveling in different parts of Persia, some such
precautions as those proposed in the note may be the means of
preventing” insults or even greater indignities.
I am sending copies of the note to the different American missions in
Persia for the information of the members and others.
I have, etc.,
John Tyler,
Vice-Consul-General in Charge.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Minister for foreign
affairs to Mr. Tyler.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
American Department, Zeekadah 28, 1320 (February 28,
1903).
Sir: In view of reports which have come to
the notice of His Imperial Majesty the Shah, it appears that on some
occasions certain persons, subjects of foreign states, on the plea
of traveling or touring in different parts of Persia, are in the
habit of making sketches or taking photographs of places, which have
been the cause of suspicion on the part of some people. It is
possible, if this be allowed to continue, that trouble and
difficulty will arise. I beg, therefore, in conformity with the
royal commands, to request that whenever a traveler or tourist,
under the protection of your respected Government, desires to visit
any part of Persia, notice of his arrival and intention may first be
communicated to the ministry for foreign affairs, in order that
proper instructions may be issued so as to prevent trouble and
opposition.
I take, etc.,
Seal of the
Mushir-ed-Dowlah,
Minister for Foreign
Affairs.
