Mr. Tyler to Mr. Hay.

No. 63.]

Sir:

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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.,

John Tyler.
[Inclosure 1.]

Mr. Tyler to the Mushir-ed-Dowlah.

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.

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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.,

John Tyler.
[Inclosure 2.]

The prime minister to the minister for foreign affairs.

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.