The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1932. BRITAIN AND PERSIA.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1932. BRITAIN AND PERSIA.

Tiik dispute between Britain and Uersia last week took a more serious turn in connection •with attitude of Persia over the concessions held by the Anglo-Pemsian Oil Company, following' the second note sent by Britain, which read very like an ultimatum. In the event of Persia, rescinding its recent cancellation of the concession before to-day (Thursday) Britain will refer the dispute to the Permanent Court of international Justice and seek directions as to the provisional action necessary to preserve the rights of the company. In other times, ithe threat wonkl have been of armed action, but Britain at least is mindful of the pacts and promises to use available mean® for the pacific Settlement of disputes. As it happens, this is only one of a series of moves against British enterprises in tlio East which touch upon Pension territory. In the ease of the IndoEbstern Telegraph Company and the Tnclo-Europe a n Telegraph Depart treat, the position was made so impossible by increasing restrictions thalt ultimately both wicie handed over to the Pensian Government. An airway coucastsion over Persian teiritory is in dianger of being refused renewal on the ground that the machines employed! may to used for war purposes. Thtise hostile gestures have been endured, but 'the threat to the Oil Company, with the heavy holding the British Government has in its capital, and its vital contracts for supplying the Navy with fuel, is far too iseriiouls. to be ignoded. It is suggested that inspiration for what has j been done comes from Soviet Russia. TTxe will to |do harm to British interests can readily be conceded! to Russia, ‘hud Ferei'a ihaia irtot hjitiherko been : accused of friendliness toward the Soviet, which it tends to regard with mingled suspicion iaad fear. The sudden drastic move against an enterprise which, by payment of royalties, ha<s been for years the chief financial support of the Persian Government, has not been explained. Until more light is thrown on the hidden motive the situation will remain as baffling a,s it is menacing.