ASIA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIII, Issue 6, 11 August 1909, Page 8

ASIA.

Persia’s Crown Jewels. The Shah, when deposed, secured the Crown jewels, and these he refused to surrender to the new Government, who are endeavouring to compel him to give them up. The possibility of the Nationalists refusing to recognise the late Government’s foreign debts is causing disquiet. The ex-Shah, Mohammed Ali, has accepted the Persian Government’s offer of £15,000 and an annual pension of £5OOO, on condition that he quits Persia, delivers up the Crown jewels remaining in his possession, and states how he disposed of the missing jewels. The ex-Shah departs in a fortnight. The Russian troops will leave Kazvin simultaneously. Indian Affairs. The Indian Budget shows a deficit of 3J millions, instead of the expected surplus of half-a-million. The deficit is chiefly due to the lower receipts on the railway and heavier working expenses. The Master of Elibank has warned Indian agitators of the Government’s deliberate intention to maintain order and remove them, if necessary, from their sphere of activity. Anglo-Indian newspapers strongly commend this declaration and the Government’s firmness. Extremists endeavoured to introduce seditious propaganda into the Native States. The Maharajah of Gwalior determined to crush the movement at the outset and 35 agitators were arrested and tried. Four were sentenced to seven years, and 28 to shorter terms of imprisonment.