Iran Situation Increasingly Serious

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 192, 14 August 1941, Page 5

Iran Situation Increasingly Serious

More German “Tourists” Entering

TUItHEY DISTUBBED BY BRITISH PRESSURE

United Pres. Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright. Received Wednesday, 8 p.tn. LONDON, Aug. 12. The situation in Iran ia becoming increasingly more serious, says the Istanbul correspondent oi the Daily Express. The British Ambassador (Sir Hugh Knatchbull-Hugeasen) today discussed tho position with M. Sarajoglu (Poreign Minister) while Sir Reader Bullard, British Minister at Jedda, maintained contact with the British Foreign Office throughout the day. The entire Turkish press is disturbed over British pressure on Iran, but Government action is not expected if the British move. The Iranian Ambassador at Cairo called on Sirry Pasha and protested against "lalse reports of German activities in Iran,” which, he declared, greatly angered the Shah, says the Cairo correspondent. The Express correspondent adds; “Reliable reports from Iran plainly Indicate that Hitler is exerting pressure on the Shah to resist British warnings regarding German “tourists. ’ ’

Reuter’s Cairo representative says reports that Axis plans in Iran have been foiled are regarded as distinctly premature. It is not yet clear that the Iranian Government fully appreciates the dangers of tho situation despite an energetic parallel British and Russian effort to make Iran realise the menace of the German penetrations.

Russia, engaged in a life and death struggle, clearly told Iran she would refuse to tolerate the weakening of Iranian neutrality which would permit fifth column activities in the rear of the Russian armies. It was hoped Iran would show goodwill by expelling German agents but on the other hand Iran has allowed more to enter in the last few days.