OIL TALKS IN PERSIA

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26492, 6 August 1951, Page 7

OIL TALKS IN PERSIA

Attitude Of Dr. Mussadiq (N.Z. Press Association— Copyright) (Rec. 10 p.m.) TEHERAN, August 4. Britain’s Lord Privy Seal (Mr Richard Stokes) arrived in Teheran to-day with the British delegation to resume the oil talks. The Persian Prime Minister (Dr. Mussadiq) told a crowded Senate to-day: “I will resign rather than sign any agreement with the British that is not to Persia’s advantage.” In an hour-long, impassioned speech, Dr. Mussadiq said that the talks with the British mission were based on “recognition by both sides of the principle of oil nationalisation. We will not take any steps which will damage Persia.” Dr. Mussadiq thanked Mr Averell Harriman (Mr Truman’s representative) for his efforts. “Thanks to Mr Harriman we have put an end to the tyranny of the 1933 oil concession agreement.” Dr. Mussadiq’s speech was received in silence.

The British mission is expected to have its first meeting with the Persians to-morrow. Teheran newspapers to-day indicated that Dr. Mussadiq will probably face heavy criticism during the talks. The Right-wing Nationalist newspaper "Atesh” said: “Dr. Mussadiq is preparing suitable conditions in Persia, according to British demands. It would seem that the coming Lords of London are trying to repeat what happened in 1933.” The extreme Right-wing “Seday Vatan” said Dr. Mussadiq had made a deal with the British through Mr Harriman.

“It is. apparent that what has taken place is to the detriment of the Persian nation, and the new discussions will be even more to the loss of this poor, oppressed country.”