THE PERSIAN PROBLEM

Evening Star, Issue 25679, 31 December 1945, Page 5

THE PERSIAN PROBLEM

DISAPPOINTMENT AND UNEASINESS RUSSIAN AIMS UNKNOWN LONDON. December 29. Uneasiness in London over the Persian situation has increased by reason of the fact that no Persian representatives were allowed to appear before the Foreign Ministers at the Moscow conference to state-their case,-says the ‘ Observer’s ’ diplomatic correspondent. The treaty of 1942 gave Persia the right to be heard when her affairs were being discussed by the Big Three Powers. .

The Persian Premier and Foreign Minister were on the point of leaving for (Moscow when the conference was called. It is known thnt Mr Bevin’ hoped they would be given a hearing, but they were not given the facilities to make the journey from Teheran to Moscow. Since almost all the American forces were withdrawn from Persia, Britain was virtually left alone to face the prospect of breaking away of one or more parts of the Persian State. * A further disquieting factor is that the extent of the Russian aim in this region is not known. The Russians openly supported the Tudeh Party, which was recently demanding autonomy for certain parts otf Persia —notably Azerbaijan—but before _ last August it urged the incorporation of Northern Persia in the U.S.S.R. Turkey’s position is different in that the war of nerves has served neither to weaken the Central Government nor create an autonomous movement in the Kars-Ardalian areas, which Russia is seeking to regain. The Russian claims seem to have, consolidated the Turkish people more closely behind their. Government. There is no suggestion in London that Russia would forcibly seize'the nisputed territories, but the question is asked how far would Russia go, by indirect means, to achieve the goal if the Turks persist in their refusal to cede any territory. COUNTRY DEJECTED.

Deep dejection and disappointment are the first reactions in Persia to the Foreign Ministers’ communique from Moscow, says the ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Teheran correspondent. The fate of the Hakamis Cabinet is precarious and there is talk of an early change of Government. The Cabinet continues to be. assailed both by the pro-Russian Tudeh (Masses) Party and by the appeasers. who are largely recruited from the absentee; landlords. The situation in the Teheran area remains superficially calm, but the number of orange sellers and vagrants in Teheran remains high. The majority of these unquestionably include spies and gunmen, whose task it would be to join a coup if the occasion arose.