Claims That Soviet Statement Is Not According To Facts

Northern Advocate, 19 December 1945, Page 7

Claims That Soviet Statement Is Not According To Facts

(Rec. 1. 30 p.m.) TEHERAN Dec. 18.

The Persian Government has issued a White Paper on events in Azerbaijan, listing specific acts of violence. It says the facts clearly establish that a number of armed adventurers in Azerbaijan had taken advantage oi the presence of foreign forces and engaged under the treacherous title of “democracy” in an armed uprising against the monarch and democratic Government of Persia. The White Paper claims that the Russian statements in the Note to the United States are by no means consistent with the facts. Persia contradicts the Russian denial that events in Azerbaijan constituted an armed uprising. Persia also points out that the Russian claim not. to have interfered with the movei msnt of Persian troops is contradicted by orders from the Russian commander in Tabriz refusing freedom of movement to troops under the commander of the Persian garrison at Tabriz. REPORTS TO BEVIN The British Foreign Secretary (Mr Eevin> : last night received further reports, on the situation in Persia, says Reuter’s Moscow correspondent, and he had further talks with the British Ambassador to Persia (Sir Reader Bullard) . Mr Bevin also read translations of Russian reports giving more information on the establishment of the new Government in Azerbaijan. The American Secretary of State (Mr Byrnes) also studied the latest reports on the Persian situation. The Tass agency announces that Generalissimo Stalin has retui'ned to Moscow and has resumed his duties. In an earlier message, the Moscow correspondent of the Associated Press said it was reported that Mr Bevin and Mr Byrnes, in reply to official inquiries, had been informed that Marshal Stalin was in good health and did not indicate when he was likely to return from his holiday. FIRM STEPS The Persian Prime Minister (M. Hakami), in a surprise speech, told Parliament that he had decided to take strong measures against the insurgent group which had seized power in Azerbaijan, reports Reuter's Teheran correspondent, M. Hakami declared that the revolt was carried out by a. band of adventurers. “All true Persians wish to maintain the integrity and greatness of their native land and oppose acts of treacherous propaganda,” he said. “I will not allow these acts of propaganda to set fire to this country.” M. Hakami reaffirmed his intention to visit Moscow and added that he would urge the Big Three to evacuate Persia as soon as possible. TRUST BRITAIN T.he Persians felt bound to record their bitter feelings and complaints against the flagrant breaches by one of their Allies of the explicit and definite terms of the Tripartite Treaty of January 29, 1942, declares a statement issued by the Persian Ambassador in London.

“The three Powers, under the treaty, undertook to respect Persia's territorial integrity, independence and sovereign rights,” the statement says. “The series of violations of the treaty by one of the parties has now culminated in an attempt to dismember Persia by severing from her one of her most important provinces-—Azerbaijan. “This is a tragic example of unfaithfulness to the sanctity of the treaty. Feeling confident that Britain will always honour her obligations, Persians still have great hope that the Foreign Ministers in Moscow will reach agreement to ensure respect for Persia’s integrity and sovereign rights, and that their great neighbour and Ally (the Soviet Union) will dispel all suspicions by having her troops and officials abstain from interference in Persia’s internal affairs.”