Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-08-09
Chauffeur's Episode
Explained by Minister
To the Editor of The Star.

To the Editor of The Star:
I read with great interest the article
In your esteemed paper regarding my
chauffeur's episode and want to thank
you Tor the same, but as the interview
over the telephone which took place be-
tween your reporter partly with myself
and partly with the different secretaries
OF my legation did not render the exact
situation thoroughly clear, I therefore
deem it my duty 70 give you a clear
statement of facts as it took place.
1t had been brought to my attention
at Sundry times that the chauffeur OF
this legation would take the car out
without my permission for joy-rideS,
for which reprimanded him severely
and cautioned him that If at any time
this offense would occur again to con-
slider himself dismissed from my service,
thereby losing all of his rights to the
privilege accorded to the chief of mis-
Sion'S suite, becoming Immediately sub
ject to arrest by the local authorities for
any infraction of the traffic laws and
regulations.
Just before my departure from town 1
cautioned him again that under no cir
cumstanceS was he to take my car out
during my absence, and II he should
that he was dismissed from the moment
the car was taken out of the garage.
car out and was arrested for speeding,
though he was released after identifica-
ton. He did not return to the legation,
as he remembered distinctly my warn
ingS and instructions, and considered
himself dismissed. Therefore he was
not entitled to nor had the privileges
usually accorded to the suite Of the
chief Of a mission.
When I returned to town the chauf-
I'd IN 70 apIy hot ho k,o
forgiven for this offense and to be taken
back and given another chance, as he
has a wife and two children. l took
pity en- him on account of his family's
sake and gave him another chance by
taking him back on conditions that I'M
der no circumstances was he to violate
any Of the traffic rules and regulations
and that he was to stand trial at the
Traffic Court and pay the fine that was
imposed for his last offense.
He agreed to my conditions and stood
trial for his offenSe and paid the fine
OF $40 that was imposed on him, as he
was not any longer a member of my
staff at the time the offenSe was COM
mitted.
However, I do not approve that the
members of this legation should break
any Of the traffic laws and regulations,
and during the three years that I have
been here I have never seen any need
for the members of my legation to
drive beyond the speed limit or violate
any of the traffic regulations.
do not see any pleasure in driving
fast, as there is always the possibility
Of endangering ones own life and of
placing in jeopardy the lives of others,
besides endangering the dignity and
honor OF this legation.
My governments instructions have
been to do my utmost and to place all
Of my efforts toward developing and in
creaSing the good will, cordial relations
and friendly feelings between our two
countries, and at no time to infringe
on any traffic laws and cause damage
and possible danger toward the lives of
others.
How can I, then. permit the members
OF my legation to break the traffic laws
by going beyond the speed limit?
1 will always be grateful to be in
formed through the proper authorities
OF any offense committed by any mem
Der Of this legation and. if necessary,
Will report such facts to my government.
D. MEFTAH,
Persian Minister.