THE PERSIAN OUTRAGE

Otago Witness, Issue 3672, 29 July 1924, Page 22

THE PERSIAN OUTRAGE

MURDER OF AMERICAN CONSUL. TEHERAN, July 20. Martial law has been proclaimed in Teheran. Several suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of Major Imbrie. J uly 21. In connection with the murder of Major Imbrie, it is stated that when the crowd saw the Americans produce a camera they accused them of poisoning the water in the fountain. The Americans jumped into a carriage and drove away, the crowd following. The uproar quickly spread, and at the entrance to the Cossacks’ barracks the carriage .was overtaken by a man on a motor cycle, and forced to stop. The crowd quickly drew up with the carriage. Soldiers also interfered against the Americans. The Consul and Mr Seymour were dragged out. Major Imbrie for a long time defended himself with a stick until he was struck on the head with a military sword. He endeavoured to rise, but was hit by a big stone, which broke his jaw. Meanwhile Mr Seymour was struck from all sides, and dragged to the Cossack parade ground, where a detachment of police finally succeeded in getting both the Americans into a motor car and taking them to the police hospital. Tho crowd broke into the building, smashing the doors and windows, and

committing further assaults on the Americans. Major Imbrie died, but there is sti’.J hope of saving Mr Seymour's life. The assault occurred in a crowded thoroughfare, and although it appears that there were numbers of armed police and soldiers present, no shot was tired m defence of the victims ; indeed, the soldiers are alleged to have taken tho part of the mob. An autopsy showed a wound on the Consul’s head and a sabre out. Only the military police carry sabres. The diplomatic body is addressing a serious Note to the Persian Government. The Mejliss passed a resolution expressing sorrow at the crime, and urging the Government to pursue the matter relentlessly. Many arrests have been made among the civilian population. July 25. The Persian Government’s reply to the diplomat’s collective Note regarding the murder of Major Imbrie is non-commit-tal. It excuses the police for not filing, on the ground that such an act would have further infuriated the mob. Accusations have been made imputing the crime to British intrigue, but the Prime Minister has issued a notice threatening to punish anyone spreading rumours which are calculated to create trouble between Persia and friendly nations. One hundred persons have been arrested including Khal Assiz-adeh, a notorious anti-British priest agitator, who is being deported. WASHINGTON, July 20. State Department officials are preparing to formally ask the Persian Government to take immediate measures to protect American citizens in that country trom attacks and insults from natives, it is understood they have shown hostility towards foreigners since the killing of the United States Vice-Consul, Major Imbrie, at Teheran.