REBUFF TO RUSSIA

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28823, 18 February 1959, Page 13

REBUFF TO RUSSIA

U.S.-Persian Pact

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright/ (Rec. 8 p.m.) ■ TEHERAN, February 16.

Persia would sign a bilateral military pact with the United States within 43 days, the Foreign Minister (Dr. Ali Hekmat) said in Teheran today, according to British United Press.

Today the Persian Government sent a Note to the Russian Em-

bassy warning the Russians that unless the Russian attacks on Persia stopped, the Tass news agency bulletin published in Teheran would be confiscated. Persia has blamed the Soviet Union for the failure of talks earlier this month on the possibility of a uon-aggression pact between the two countries, and of increased Sovie* technical assistance. .1 - A Foreign Ministry-’spokesman, who released details o' a report on the talks by Mr- Hekmat, denied Soviet statements that the Persian Government had initiated the talks.

In his report to Parliament Mr Hekmat said the Government had warned the Soviet Union that an armed attack against Persia would cause another world war. the spokesman added.

Olympic Soccer.—Four countries yesterday entered for next year’s Olympic. Games Soccer tournament. bringing the total to more than 20. The entries were Ghana. Malta, Thailand and Tunisia. All entries have to be In by Friday.— Rome, February . 17. .. '