IRAN TENSE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 190, 14 August 1941, Page 5

IRAN TENSE

SITUATION MORE SERIOUS TURKISH UNEASINESS RUSSIAN FIRMNESS (Reed. 8 p.m.) London, Aug. 12. The situation in Iran is becoming increasingly more serious, says the Istanbul correspondnt of the Daily Express. Sir Hugh Knatchbull Hugessen, British Ambassador to Turkey, to-day discussed the position with M. Sarajoglu. Turkish Foreign Minister, while Sir Reader Bullard, British Minister at Jedda, maintained contact with the British Foreign Office throughout the The entire Turkish Press is disturbed at British pressure in Iran, but Government action is not expected if Ilic British move. Tlie Iranian Ambassador in Cairo called on the Egyptian Prime Minister, Sirry Pasha, and protested against

“false reports of German activities in Iran, which he declared had greatly angered the Shah, says the Cairo correspondent of the Daily Express. The correspondent adds that reliable reports from Iran plainly indicate that Hitler is exerting pressure on the Shah to resist British warnings regarding German "tourists.” Reuter's Cairo representative says that reports of Axis plans in Iran being foiled are regarded as distinctly premature. It is not yet clear whether the Iranian Government fully appreciates the dangers of the situation, despite an energetic, parallel BritishRussian effort to make Iran realise the menace of German penetrations. Russia, engaged in a life-and-death struggle, clearly told Iran that she would refuse to tolerate a weakening of Iranian neutrality, which would permit tilth column activities in the rear of the Russian armies. It was hoped Iran would show goodwill by expelling the German agents, but, on the other hand, Iran has allowed more to enter in the last few days.—U.P.A.