CRISIS IN PERSIA

Otago Witness, Issue 3489, 25 January 1921, Page 40

CRISIS IN PERSIA

SHAH’S ABDICATION REPORTED. LONDON, January 16. It H understood that a critical position exists in Persia. The crisis in Persia is due to the new Bolshevist Cabinet seizing power. It ,s practically a coup d’etat. The Shah has left the capital and gone to Shiraz, where lie is endeavouring to form a new Government. Tlie withdrawal if the British troops from Teheran is imminent.. The Premier resigned on January 14. An important meeting of Persian notables was called to discuss the situation. The Shah desired to proceed to Europe, but finally, under pressure, agreed to remain and the Premier’s resignation was withdrawn . The general opinion is that the BritishPersian Agreement is dead. AGREEMENT WITH SOVIETS. LONDON, January 18. Persian advices show that the situation is precarious. Having failed to ratify’ the Anglo-Per-sian Agreement, which' would have enabled Persia to straighten out her affairs, the Persians think the best alternative is an agreement with Soviet Russia. Although the agreement lias not yet been signed, practically it hands over Persia to the Soviet, which has the right under the terms thereof to invade Persia whenever it pleases them to regard the country as threatened. The Persians realise that they are not getting anything out of the Soviet, but owing to apprehensions regarding the future they want to keep on good terms with Moscow. Though the British evacuation of North Persia will begin shortly, there cannot be any question of allowing Bolshevist interference in South Persia, owing to its proximity to British territory. STATEMENT BY THE SHAH. DELHI, January 19. An important meeting of Persian notables discussed the Persian situation. The Shah desired to hand over his authority to Valiahd (his brother and heir apparent to the throne) and go to Europe, but he agreed to remain if the Prime Minister (Vossough-ed-Dowleh) withdraws his resignation. January 22. Following upon several abortive attempts to form a fresh Cabinet the Shah again approached Sephadar-Azam (Minister of War), who asked for two days’ consideration. His acceptance is anticipated.