PERSIA AND RUSSIAN CONTROL

Thames Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 18384, 4 July 1917, Page 6

PERSIA AND RUSSIAN CONTROL

(New York Tribune.)

Encouraged by the overthrow of the Russian Government, the Liberals in Persia, it was learned to-day, acne seeking American aid to establish . a constitutional government in that county. As a result of events in Russia, LiTierai Persians predict the emancipation of their country from Russian domination.

The free development of Persia has bseri prevented during the last fewyears by the interference of the despotic government of her northern neighbour. Persians assert that the three .thousand y^ars of their national existence prove the nation's capacity for self-government/. Twenty years ago Persian finances, which are now in a doplorable state, were flourishing, although the form of government was autocratic. After the expenses of government were paid there was an annual surplus in the treasury of between 500,000d0l and 1,000,000u015. RUSSIA OPPOSED CHANGE. After a few years, howoveT, -the leaders' of the Liberal party, j realizing that Persia was not progressing, determined that a, change in the form of government was necessary. But when the Liberal party secured a constitution for Persia it met with opposition from the Russian autocracy, who feared that a constitutional £overnment in Persia would nave an effect in Russia, prejudicial 'to the interests of autocracy.

The two great political consi3eraitions ■which prompted Russia and England to interfere in Persia were Russia's imperial policy, which aimed at securing an outlet upon the Indian Ocean at the port, of lianda Abbas, which commands the entrance to the Persian Gulf, and Britain's opposition to Russia's aspir;u. tions, which resulted in the conversion ot the Persian Gulf into a lake, just as the Caspian Sea had been converted into :>> Russian lake.

England's policy was caused by the necessity of protecting India, but with Russian enterprise in the, direction of the Indian Ocean abandoned by the new Russia, there will be no. occasion for England maintaining her influence in Southern Persia. Russia,, in accordance with the principles already declared by the Provisional Government, will no longer interfere with.the development of progressive ideas in Persia.

THE SHUSTER INCIDENT. One instance of old Russia's interference was the refusal to permit W. M>«gan Shusfar, an^American, to reorganise the finaaices of Persia a> few years asfiv, .Ueoent developments have made the outlook for' Persia the brightest in many years, and Persia is looking confidently to the United Stwbes for sympathy a.r.d assistance. The entire progressive element of tho nation, including influential officials, it waa asserted to-day, is bending its energies toward the complete establishment* of a constitutitnal government with all needed reforms and financial rehabi. litation, ,: