PERSIAN AFFAIRS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1087, 28 December 1911, Page 3

PERSIAN AFFAIRS.

APPALLING SITUATION AT

TABRIZ,

Tkukkan, Dec. 26,

The situation at Tabriz is appalling. The Vice-Governor, in a message, says ; “I swear before God I am innocent of women and children being butchered in cold blood.” Russia disregards the overtures for a cessation of hostilities.

The wires are interrupted, and British and Russian Legations are unable to communicate with their Consuls.

The Russian attacks on Tabriz and Resht commenced almost simultaneously. Many Government and twenty police officials at Resht were killed.

The Consular reports indicate that the attack on Resht was begun by the Russian Consul, who is now Governor. Order has now been restored.

The massacre has been proceeding at Tabriz since Sunday, when five hundred were killed, including women and children. The people were exhorted not to give the slightest provocation, but the massacres continue.

Au official telegram states that the Russian outrages at Tabriz surpass the oasis horrors at Tripoli. Houses were entered indiscriminately, and women were violated in the presence of relatives.

The artillery mowed down every living creature in the streets. Fierce fighting continues, and the Russians are bard pressed. Many were killed.

Persians are stupified at Russia’s attitude, following upon Persia’s acceptance of the second ultimatum and the manifestation of every desire to conciliate and establish friendly relations.

The Russian police dispersed an indignation meeting convened at the bazaar at Teheran to protest against the coup d’etat involved in the dissolution of the Mejiiss. Ail the newspapers have been suppressed except one named ‘‘ Mejiiss,” which supports the Cabinet.

Martial law has been pro claimed.

Advices from Shiraz state that Persian troops guarding the Kashjar road at Kazcrun attacked a number of Indian sowars, killing one. A punitive party was afterwards sent to the hills.

FEARS OF DISINTEGRATION.

The Times’ Teheran correspondent, telegraphing on the 24th instant, mentions fears of provincial disintegration, and adds that it has apparently been arranged that the Regent and Cabinet should conduct the admiuislraiiou supported by the presence ot Russian troops at Kazviu within telephone call of the capital. The Russian Legation declared that Persia’s reply to the ultimatum was satisfactory, and telegraphed to Tabriz that the question was settled, but the Russian General replied that he would only obey the Viceroy of the Caucasus. The Regent, addressing a meeting of merchants who were summoned to the Palace, declared that the Mejiiss impeded the actions of the administration internally and externally, and must therefore be closed, A rescript announced that the session was ended, but contained no mention of an election. The gates of the Mejiiss are locked, and a guard has been mounted thereat.

RUSSIAN CASUALTIES,

St. Petersburg, Dec. 26

A hundred and fifty Russians were killed and wounded at Tabriz. The Fidais continue their stubborn and audacious resistance.