THE PERSIAN SITUATION

Otago Witness, Issue 3017, 10 January 1912, Page 25

THE PERSIAN SITUATION

SENSATIONAL STORY DISCREDITED. TABRIZ, January 1. The British Consul reports that the Persian story of terrible Russian massacres is unfounded. The Russians treated tho Persian refugees, together with their women and children, very kindly. TEHERAN, January 3. It is reported in connection with the outrages at Tabriz that the Russians have executed eight persons, including Shiek-ul-Islam, the greatest ecclesiastic in tho province of Azerbaijan. January 4. The Russian and British Legations are urging the appointment of M. Momard, the Belgian Director of Customs, In succession to Mr Shuster. The British, tenders object strongly to this appointment. January 5. The Russians hanged the Shiekh-ul-Islam, two clerics, and the principal members of the Anjuman in the public square in Tabriz. There is public indignation at the execution of a universally revered cleric on the most sacred day of the Persian Holy Week. [The is the chief judge of the city. Ho administers justice, and superintends tho collection of the revenue.] Three more Persians in Tabriz have been sentenced to be hanged. Four houses from which shots were fired on the Russian troops were blown up. January 8. M. Mornard, Belgium Director of Customs, has been appointed provisional Treasurer-general, with a commission consisting of four Persians. Renter reports that the Russians at Tabriz court-martialled and executed Da. vafaumsh, the chief of the Fidai military organisation, Mahomed Khan, the Fidai leader, and two joint editors of a revolutionary paper. Davafaurush’s house was blown up. LONDON, January 4. In the course of a speech at Edinburgh Lord Lamington said that Persia had been hampered and thwarted in her regeneration, and when she appeared to be extricating herself Russia jjnterposed. It was necessary to secure the withdrawal of the Russians from Kasvln if the partition of Persia was to be avoided, and for the sake of the prestige of India Britain must exert herself to keep Persia free.