DEVELOPMENTS IN IRAN

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23414, 22 August 1941, Page 7

DEVELOPMENTS IN IRAN

“Shah Playing For Time”

ARMY WARNED TO PREPARE

(Received August 21, 10.45 p.m.)

(U.P.A.) LONDON, August 20. An appeal to the Iranian Army to be ready for every sacrifice was made by the Shah of Iran, addressing cadets of the Military Academy. He added that there would be no annual leave for cadets this year. They would understand the reason later, he said. As the Germans press on towards the Dnieper the situation in Iran, where the Shah is obviously playing for time, is becoming increasingly important. The Germans, in exerting pressure on Iran, are alternating threats with the promise that Herr Hitler’s armies will -smash the Russian resistance within a fortnight and reach the Iranian frontier early in September. The Shah is seeking to base his policy on developments on the Russian front, but the indications are that Britain and Russia are unlikely to allow him the luxury of double-cross-ing tactics. British sources in Ankara hint that action will be taken against Iran before September if the German agents are not expelled. According to the Ankara correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain, Britain has outlined to Iran a plan for the replacement of Germans employed in key communications. Edtain proposed that definite action should be taken by •August 31. Americans from Bagdad say that steady streams of British material and armoured cars have been moving, east towards, the Iranian frontier tor a week. These reports have prompted speculation that Britain is not disposed to argue further, but is likely to move into Iran as she did into Iraq, with the object of consolidating the Middle East front.

The Ankara correspondent of the British United Press reports that 30 to 45 Russian divisions have moved from the Turkish frontier and a large percentage has gone to the Iranian border. There are also fresh reports of the arrival of panzer divisions on the Bulgarian-Turkish frontier and of Italian reconnaissance activities on the Greek-Turkish border. It is reported from Cairo that the Nazi Ambassador to Turkey (Herr von Papen) recently paid a secret visit to Teheran to discuss British and Russian protests against the activities of German agents, and also to inspect fifth columnists. Dr. Grobba, who poses as Germany’s "Lawrence of Arabia,” flew from his headquarters at Abadan to confer with Herr von Papen.

GERMANY AND VICHY

REPORT OF PLAN FOR PEACE TREATY

CESSION OF MILITARY AND NAVAL BASES

(Received August 21, 11 p.m.) (U.P.A.) ' LONDON, August 21. Vichy is reported to be discussing plans for a peace treaty with Germany. This claim is made in a dispatch received by the Free French News Agency in London in which Vichy circles are quoted as the source of the information.

Under the treaty Germany would get military and naval bases in France and North Africa and Vichy would agree to the joint exploitation of the; resources of the French Empire. Germany is reported to have offered France British territories in North Africa. Italy, it is said, is to renounce her territorial claims on France and as compensation is to receive Egypt, Alsace and Lorraine would go to Germany, but France would receive part of southern Belgium. A message from Washington says that in an effort to allay fears of closer collaboration between Vichy and Gpr* many, the French Ambassador in Washington TM. Laston Henry-Haye) called on the Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull).

He told journalists that there was nothing in Marshal Petain*s speech last week to justify the fear that France is preparing to act in any way prejudicial to American interests.

The correspondent of "The Times” on the French frontier says that to prevent them spreading "bitterness" the Vichy Government has ordered all Senators and Deputies to take up quarters at Mont Dore, a mountain spa 60 miles south-west of Vichy and difficult to reach. The, Vichy correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph” says that between 30,000 and 40,000 so-called Communists have been arrested in France in recent days, mostly in the occupied zone, as a result of renewed railway sabotage. At Juvisy, an important railway junction eight miles south of Paris, a serious accident was narrowly averted. The French police are offering £5500 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

DISSENSION IN FRANCE

MORALE OF ARMY OF OCCUPATION

REPORTS RECEIVED BY FREE FRENCH

LONDON, August 20. The "Daily Telegraph” states that the Free French authorities in London have received from agents in occupied France a report telling of German fears of disunity.

An informant, who moves freely among the German troops in France, reports that old men are relieving the garrisons in France. The Idea of fighting against the Russians has caused general dismay among the troops. It is believed that drunkenness among the troops is increasing. Royal Air Force bombing raids have made a tremendous impression on the German people. This reacts on the morale of the troops, who often receive letters announcing the death of relatives. They curse the war and demand that it be brought to an end by whatever means. A huge reward is being offered, by the Germans in occupied-France for the capture of a modern "Scirlet Pimpernel” states the Gibraltar correspendent of the "Daily Express.” He is a Free French officer, whose photograph now appears on hoardings and m Nazi-controlled newspapers in occupied France. ' ■ ■. , , ■ Like the Englishman who tricked the French revolutionaries , this French "Pimpernel”.' has led the Germans a great dance in the last six months by blowing up petrol and ammynitigp dymps .and damaging U-boat and air bases. The Nazis never know Where he will appear next. He works at night, and his attacks are carefully planned. Loyal French men and women risk their lives to give him food and shelter. It was announced by the Paris radio that three men had been shot for demonstrating against the.Germans. ;