A TOTTERING THRONE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 6871, 15 July 1909, Page 7

A TOTTERING THRONE

THE SHAH’S PERIL

REBELS IN POSSESSION OF THE CAPITAL. FOREIGN RESIDENTS SAFE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, July 13. Later Teheran advices state that the Nationalist forces .in Persia, which had been steadily advancing on tho capital during the last few weeks, have taken up a strong position west of Teheran.

Tli« Shah endeavoured to open negotiations with the revolutionary leaders, but without success. The Nationalists entered Teheran, and lighting was proceeding in tho streets yesterday. It is expected that the Shah will take refuge in one of the Foreign

Legations. The Nationalists entered by throo gates at 5 o’clock in the morning, tho patrols keeping order. Many Royalist soldiers and some Cossacks deserted to tho'invading force, but other loyal troops ar© resisting a further advance. Tho Nationalists have occupied tho Parliament buildings and the house of Said-cd-Dowleh, Prime Minister. Tho populace aro encouraging them. A private cablegram received hero from Teheran states that Europeans in the capital are in no danger. NATIONALISTS HOLD THE KEY) SHAH NEGLECTS TO CARRY ON NEGOTIATIONS. (Received July 14, 9.50 p.m.) TEHERAN, July 13. Persians and Cossacks aro concentrated at tho brigade headquarters, around which they have posted guns. Both sides profess to bo on tho dofensivo, but considerable' firing is proceeding down side streets. Tho Russian flag is hoisted at the residence of tho Russian Consul. Tho entire northern portion of the city is in the hands of the Nationalists. •There aro 800 Russian troops at Knzvin, able, if summoned, to enter Teheran in throo days. The Shah’s failure to send envoys beforo sunset on Monday, empowered to negotiate for an arrangement, led to a rupture of pourparlers. The Shah is now at Sultanabad, about 180 miles south of the capital. WHAT IS WANTED. RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION. TEHERAN, July 14. Twelve men were killed while defending the northern gate of Teheran against the entry , of tho Bahtiri NaJ tionalists.

Iho latter were welcomed enthusiastically, and enrolled and armed 3000 of the population of the city. The Nationalist leader declares that ho will be loyal to the Shah if the latter will only conio and re-establish tire Constitution.