ANGLO-RUSSIAN CONVENTION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8934, 27 September 1907, Page 2

ANGLO-RUSSIAN CONVENTION.

Per Press Association. —Copyright. London. September 25. • The Anglo-Russian Convention has been confidentially communicated to the Powers. It caused aa excellent impression at Tehoran. allaying misgivings engendered by the alarmist Press campaign, inasmuch as it is purely and simply intended to regulate mutual interests in Central Asia on a basis of amity and goodwill. Britain's position in the Persian Gulf is strengthened by the inclusion of Bander Abbas in the British sphere, and Afghanistan is maintained as a State. + , * North Persia, down to Ispahan and Yezd, has been by agreement assigned to Russia for concession purposes, {southeast Persia, from Bander Abbas to Afghanistan, is assigned to Britain. Russia is expected to recognise that Afghanistan is outside the sphere ot ; Russian influence, and will not appoint amenta there. She will conduct all ! political relations with the Ameer through | the British Government.

A Chorus of Approval

London, September 28. Tbe Times, discussing the Anglc"Russian Convention, says it is to us that the Persian Gulf owes whatever civilisation exists there. We have broken the power of many of its peoples m the _mterests of order and assured them our protection and support. Sir Edward Grey and the Liberal Government have rendered a real service to the Empiro by recording in clear form and emphatic words their determination to preserve the position we have created. Newspapers of all shades in Britain have welcomed the agreement. While the Anglo-B.ussian entente has been hailed in Paris with unmitigated satisfaction, the St. Petersburg correspondent of the Times predicts that there will not bo a single unfavourable coinnieut in any prominent Russian organ. The Anglo-Russian Convention provides that Afghanistan shall be maintained as a buffer State.

The Persian Gulf.

London, September 2G. Sir E. Grey's despatch, to the British Minister at St. Petersburg states that the Anglo-Russian Convention doos not contain a positive declaration respecting Britain's special interests in the Persian Gulf, but Government believes the question will not give rise to difficulties between the two countrios, because Russia explicitly stated during tho negotiations that she does not deny Britain's special interests there. Sir F. Grey adds, "Britain will continue to direct all her efforts towards the preservation of tho status quo m_ the Gulf and the maintenance of British trade. Ho explains omission by saying the arrangement affecting Persia is limited to parts of Persii borderina on Britain's and Russia's territories. The Gulf is not a part of these regions and tho ports on the Gulf are not all on the Persian soil.