RUSSIAN FORCES SHOULD LEAVE

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24820, 9 March 1946, Page 7

RUSSIAN FORCES SHOULD LEAVE

U.S. Note To Soviet On Persia MOSCOW ASKED FOR PROMPT REPLY

(f -Z Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 9 p.m.) WASHINGTON. March 7. - The United States Note to Russia on Persia says- ‘“rhe Soviet Government s decision to retain troops in Persia beyond the period stipulated by the Tripartite Treaty has created a situation regarding which the United States Government, as a member of the Untied Nations and a party to the declaration regarding Persia, cannot remain indifferent. “That declaration announced to the world that the British, American, and Soviet Governments were at one with the Persian Government in their desire for the maintenance of Persia s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity In the United States Government’s opinion the maintenance of troops in Persian territory by any one of the three signatories without the consent and against the wishes of the Persian Government is contrary to the assurances contained in the declaration.

“Furthermore, it was generally accepted during the various discussions which took place at the meeting of the Security Council in London, that the retention by a member of the United Nations of its troops in the territory of a country which is also a member of the United Nations,'without the consent of that country’s government, is not in accordance with the principles of the United Nations, and that the withdrawal of such troops should not be made contingent on other issues.

“The United States Government, in the spirit of friendly association which developed between the United States and the Soviet in the successful effort against the common enemy, and as a fellow-member of the United Nations, expresses its earnest hope that the Soviet Government will do its part by withdrawing immediately all its forces from Persian territory to promote the international confidence which is necessary for peaceful progress among peoples of all nations.

The United States Government trusts that the Sdviet Government, no less than itself, appreciates the heavy responsibility resting on the Great Powers under the Charter to observe their obligations in respect of the sovereign rights of other nations. “The United States Government reouests that it be promptly advised of the Soviet Government’s decision, which it hopes will be in accord with the views expressed in the United States Note.”