Germans Impede Allies In Iran

Northern Advocate, 16 September 1941, Page 5

Germans Impede Allies In Iran

LBritish Official Wireless] (Rec. noon.) RUGBY, September 15. Following the delaying tactics of the Germans in Teheran it is stated in authoritative circles in London that during the weekend the British and Soviet authorities insisted that the Iranian Government should remove Germans from the legation and anywhere else they may be lurking and immediately concentrate them in barracks in Teheran, ready to be entrained to Ahwaz in the British zone or Kasvin in the Russian zone. It is known that several hundred Germans packed themselves into the legation.. The present position is that while the Iranian Government is well intentioned and shows every desire to collaborate, it is being impeded not only by the Germans, but also by pro-Axis Iranian elements. Dissatisfaction With Shah.

The Iranian Government, therefore, requires a good deal of stiffening from British and Soviet quarters. The Allies have no intention of allowing matters to drag on indefinitely. Reports of popular dissatisfaction will the Shah’s autocratic regime are fully borne out by official information reaching London. The Shah, moreover, allowed a pro-Axis article to appear in a newspaper which has been, suppressed by the Government and which was repudiated by the Teheran wireless, over which the Government has taken control. The British and Soviet Governments necessary measures to strengthen the are firm in the intention to take all hands of the Iranian Government in securing their objectives and carrying out the terms of the agreement made with them. Shah’s Regime Unpopular Information reaching London corroborates reports of growing dissatisfaction of the people of Iran with the Shah’s autocratic regime. This popular feeling tends to increase the difficulties of the Iran Government. The Allies, however, have no intention of allowing matters to drift on indefinitely. A further batch of male Germans left Teheran by train today. It is stated in diplomatic circles in London that the Germans in Iran are displaying tactics typical of men under arrest who “refuse to go quietly,” but the British and Soviet authorities intend that tire expulsion shall be carried out speedily and thoroughly. Civil War Likely Allied Ministers in Teheran at the week-end insisted that the Government get the Germans out of the Legation. The “Evening Standard” Ankara correspondent says the fierce tribes in the south-west of Iran are rising in revolt, signs of insurgency within the Iranian army are increasing. and civil war is expected within two or three weeks unless the regime is overthrown and the Shah abdicates. Criticism of the British for leaving the regime in power is heard throughout the country. The Shah has summoned all deputies to the palace. Crown Jewels Following the distribution of pamphlets in the streets of Teheran saying that the Crown jewels had been removed from the country, the Finance Minister said they could be seen in the National Bank, where they form part of the backing of the currency. It is recalled that part ef the Crown jewels were shown at the exhibition of Persian art in London in 1931. They include a globe of the world on which the countries are indicated by jewels. Such of the cable news in this issue as is so headed has appeared in “The Times.” and is sent to this paper by special permission. It should be understood that the opinions are not those of "The Times” unless expressly stated to be so.