FEAR OF SOVIET

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20081, 30 October 1939, Page 10

FEAR OF SOVIET

MIDDLE EAST DRIVE BOLSHEVISATION PLAN IRAN MAY BE VICTIM MOSLEM RESISTANCE (Flue. TV], Copyright—United Press Assu.) (Reed. Oct. 30, 9 a.m.) NEW YORK, Oct. 28. The Cairo correspondent of the New York Times states it is generally believed here , that the Soviet is preparing to bolshevise the Middle East.

This opinion is based on the large concentration of troops at Baku. The Russian belief is that the East, with its semi-feudal system, . lends itself readily to bolshcvisation.

It is believed, as a pretext for the invasion of Iran, the Soviet will ask for an outlet fn the Persian Gulf. A refusal is expected.

With Turkey aloof, it is improbable that the Iranian Army will be able to resist long. Thus the entire Middle East, including India, is endangered. But Russia would be disagreeably surprised if she embarks on a campaign. Besides tremendous resistance by the Allies, despite their pre-occupation in the West, she will face resistance by the ' entire population of Middle Eastern countries, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan, who arc toes to communism on religious grounds. The bcnclhs with which the Soviet may intend to bribe the natives are insufficient to compensate for the fear that the Soviet would abolish Islam. No Ogpu (Soviet secret police) and no wholesale shootings can force devout Moslems to submit to communism.