AGREEMENT WITH IRAN

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21524, 12 September 1941, Page 4

AGREEMENT WITH IRAN

Iran’s acceptance of the Allied terms for the settlement of the difficulties in that country should enable the speedy closing of that which was the most dangerous gap in the defences against German penetration to the east. German nationals in Iran, numbering at least some hundreds, are to be handed over to the British and Soviet authorities for internment, and the German, Italian, Rumanian and Hungarian legations are to be closed. Probably some Germans have escaped from Iran, but sufficient repiain fully to justify the original Allied complaint of German infiltration to the detriment of peace and to the danger of Allied interests in Iran and surrounding countries. The oilfields of Iran are to remain in British hands, and aerodromes, roads and communications will be controlled jointly by Britain and Russia. This arrangement is of the first importance because it ensures the route from the Persian Gulf to the Caucasus over which materials or reinforcements may be sent to the Russians, and continuity of supply of oil in an area where large reserves are required. Iran will continue to receive payments of royalty on the same basis as previously. Russia has gained concessions in the Caspian Sea fisheries and the right to drill for oil at Khoorian. Iranian troops are to be withdrawn from certain specified points, but on the whole the agreement does not impose any serious interference with the freedom of the people. Indeed the Iranians stand to gain substantially because food supplies are being made available where near-famine existed because Germany had stripped the country of exportable goods. It is hoped that the agreement indicates the decision of Iran to collaborate freely with the Allies. There is no question that Britain desires the country to be more prosperous and improve its standard of living. She has already begun to assist towards that end. British influence must be contrasted with that of Germany, and by its fruits it will be judged. It should not be difficult to demonstrate to Iran that its real interests lie in the direction of friendly collaboration with the Allies rather than with Germany. The exercise of some force has unfortunately been necessary to smash the German grip on Iran, but co-operation with the Allies will, in the future, more than compensate for that.