THE POSITION IN PERSIA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 16, 4 September 1911, Page 8

THE POSITION IN PERSIA.

The news of Mohammed Ali’s landing in Persia has been received hero with the utmost' surprise (stated the St. Petersburg correspondent, of “The Times” on the 21st of last month). The “Novob Vremya,” in a leading article, comments upon the futility of the self-sacrificing efforts of Great Britain and Russia to maintain the independence of Persia, and, while reaffirming a rooted dislike for territorial aggrandisement, foresees a possible necessity for introducing order into Northern Persia with a strong hand. It cites the example of Turkey’s unopposed annexation of Urumiah. No positive details are available regarding the manner in which Mahommed Ali eluded the vigilence of tho Russian authorities on the Caspian . It ifj surmised ho embarked with a false passport and in the steerage. The Russian Government was not responsible for Mahommed Ali’s movements while abroad. When he left Odessa lie pledged his word that his departure was in no way connected with political intrigues, and that lie wanted to go abroad exclusively for reasons of health. Tho legend, no doubt, will ho revived that tho Russian Government, has been secretly encouraging Mahommed Ali’s aspirations. But I hays every reason to beliovo that this is entirely unfounded. Tho same legend was long current in connection with Colonel Liakhoff’g behaviour at Teheran. Yet it has boon amply demonstrated that, Colonel, Liakholf left tho ox-Shah to his fate.