BRITAIN IN PERSIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17475, 20 May 1920, Page 4

BRITAIN IN PERSIA.

The reported irruption of a Bolshevik force into Persia is another reminder of tho new responsibilities of the British Empire. It is certain that if Persia became the object of a serious Bolshevik advance Britain would have to intervene. The recent agreement with Persia would make that almost necessary. The geographical position of Persia as the open flank of Mesopotamia, Afghanistan and Baluchistan would make it inevitable. During the war Russia and Britain saved' Persia from internal brigandage and external aggression, but tho conclusion of hostilities found her weak and disorgan'ised.; The Anglo-Russian agreement' of 1907 had been allowed to lapse and Persia turned Britain for help. Sir Percy Cox, one of the greatest authorities on Persian questions, was sent to negotiate a treaty and the new agreement- was framed under his guidance. The document reiterates the undertakings which Britain has repeatedly given to respect thq integrity and independence of Pf/sia, but it gives Britain a privileged position in the territory of the Shah. Britain agreed to supply expert advisers for the various departments of the Persian administration, to reorganise and equip the army and to co-operate with the Persian Government in schemes of railway construction and other forms of transport. There is to be a modest loan of £2,000,000 and the Persian Customs tariff, which was framed under Russian pressure, is to be put on a fairer basis. Britain is now the only Great Power whose territories march with those of Persia and she could hardly escape, even if Bho wished, the general direction of Persian affairs. Whatever privileges this may involve it also carries responsibilities and the protection of Persia against the Bolsheviks is certainly one of these.