GERMANY AND PERSIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14375, 21 May 1910, Page 6

GERMANY AND PERSIA.

The activity which Germany is displaying in Persia is arousing the susr picions of Russia. This activity it is officially announced in Berlin has commercial, not political, ends in view. It is always difficult, however, to separate the two, and Russia may be excused if she sees in Germany's efforts to secure commercial advantages in Persia the possibility of her strengthening her political position at the same time. England at first only sought increased trade in India, but, she ended by adding the Indian Empire to the Crown. There is little likelihood of German operations in Persia repeating our example, for the interests of both Britain and Russia in that country are too vigilantly watched to make such a contingency possible. At the same time the evident desire of Germany to exploit j the situation in Persia is not free from risks of international complications. The acute sensitiveness of Russia is shown in the tone of its press. The St. Petersburg organs, which it must always be remembered are officially inspired, make it clear that whatever Germany's objects may be, whether commercial or political, her action is regarded as distinctly unfriendly. And in the present state of Persian politics it is easily conceivable how German interference in any guise might prove an awkward and embarrassing factor. .