RED FLAGS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 12 August 1924, Page 9

RED FLAGS.

REPUBLICAN MOVEMENT IN PERSIA. RETAIL MERCHANTS PROTEST. The situation both in Teheran and in-the provincial towns during the past few weeks lias been extraordinarily interesting, writes the Teheran correspondent of the Alanchester Guardian. Persia has progressed politically in the last 20 years from an absolute monarchy of the most medieval type to a constitutional monarchy. Within the past tew weeks she has very nearly marched on to the position of "a democratic republic. Seeing that Persia came so near to becoming a republic and then drew back at the last moment, it may he interesting to review the causes underlying the Republican and anti-Republiean movements. ProRepublican sentiment lias been largely created by the following factors: (1) The political incompetence of the present ruling house. (2) The realisation, brought home especially in the bitter years of the war and the period after the war (when Persia contained the armies of three foreign Powers, although technically at peace), that unless drastic action was taken the country would drift to complete ruin. (3) lhe belief in Riza Khan, the common soldier who had risen to be generalissimo and had in three years created a passable army out of nothing. (4) The desire to follow the example of Turkey, upon which country is centred at present the whole hope of the Islamic, world. (5) The revolt of the modern school against the mollahs. or religious teachers, anj against those features of the faith which are purely mediaeval, and which are regarded as incompatible with progress under modern conditions

On the other hand, anti-Republiean feeling is fairly strong, taking its stand on the following factors: (1) The common people as a whole are apathetic or even pro-Royalist. (2) The mollahs are alive to their danger, and will not sacrifice the privileged position which they have held for so long without a struggle (3) The European Powers, especially (and strangely) Russia, have tended, where not remaining neutral, to throw their weight on the Royalist side. (4) Jealousy of Riza Khan is general among the old Conservatives, who regard him as an upstart. (5) Various provincial factions are directly interested in keeping the old system, under which they were become' practically independent of Teheran, in being. (6) A certain sentiment in favour of old traditions and Royalty in general pervades the Persian character.

In the week immediately preceding the Naurus, or New Year holidays (which began on March 21), events moved ■ with lightning rapidity. The newspapers became more and more open in their abuse of the Royal house, and one appeared daily printed on red paper. Deputations poured in upon the Prime Minister requesting the consideration of a change of the Constitution. ’I he Shah’s harem was removed from Teheran, and the Valiahd, or Heir Apparent, practically imprisoned in his palace. Red flags - flew all over the town, and automobiles and horse carriages gaily decked in red perambulated the streets. Demonstrations were attended by soldiers and officers witli red hands on theijr anus. It was taken fur certain thatthe Republic would he proclaimed before tin* commencement of the holidays, probably on the motion of the vote of a 1 loci a rice to the Mejlis. Meanwhile disorderly scene-, in the latter assembly became common. One deputy, during the time devoted to the consideration of the members’ credentials, rose to say that he considered it his duty to point out that the assembly v.as not a tree mie, as all the members were picked men. lie added that the member for a certain province u as hardly known there even by sight. In the uproar which ensued blows were struck, and the excitement was communicated to the crowd outside by the rumour that the deputy was “dying for Islam and the truth.” Later in the same day a Soyyid (descendant of the Prophet) was beaten and roughly handled in the square outside the Mej.

lis building for uttering anti-Republican .sentiments. Feeling ran high, but the streets were patrolled by police and troops, and no real ; disorder occurred.

The pro-Republican tide ran high until Wednesday, March 19, two days before the holidays, when it received an abrupt check. A large demonstration had been arranged for the afternoon, and the bazaars were to be closed in consequence, ' a fatal move, as it proved, for the days preceding the holidays are the busiest retail trade days ni the year, and the merchants were furious. The demonstration was spoilt by rain, and, in characteristic Eastern fashion, public feeling veered suddenly round. Next day the mollahs could be seen perambulating the bazaars and seizing all newspapers containing Republican news or views, amid the approval of the merchants, still sore at their loss of business on the preceding day. Rumours began to get about the city that not even all the soldiers were loyal to Riza Khan, and criticism of him could be heard on all sides. New Year’s Day passed by without the usual “salaam,” or official reception, and finally came the nows that the Republic was not to lie proclaimed after all.

ffhe general opinion seems to he that the Republican Party bungled badly at the last moment. Tt is probable:, however, that the last has not been heard of the movement, and if Riza. Khan seriously wishes to bring it about (he has never publicly expressed any opinions on the subject)' he undoubtedly possesses the power to do so, provided the time and mode of making the change are well chosen. Rut he has to reckon with a certain public opinion which has grown up in Persia, in. the past generation, and which even so astute a judge as Lord Curzon unfortunately overlooked in 1920. The people may he largely powerless politically compared with those of Western countries, but the liublie possesses now a certain intangible influence which is liable to assert itself at unexpected moments, and which lias an interesting significance for psychologists.