PERSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1915, Page 5

PERSIA.

GERMAN INTRIGUE FOILED. PERPLEXITY OF THE SHAH. A DIPLOMATIC BATTLE. Received Dec. IS, 8.45 p.m. London, Dec. 18. Details from Teheran of the events preceding the defeat of Turco-Gcrman intrigues show that a colonel of the Persian Cossacks, on November H, gave a reception, at which a criminal, carrying bombs, was arrested. Ho had been bribed by the Germans to throw a bomb at the colonel.

On the same night the German, Austrian, and Turkish diplomatists went to Sharaboulazio, near Teheran, and the gendarmerie simultaneously Btarted thither, ostensibly on a Government expedition. The gendarmerie on sentry duty at the public buildings at Teheran were also ordered to leave, and shoot every Russian and Englishman they met."

A rumor that the Shah was leaving the palace excited the populace. Meanwhile there were dramatic scenes at the palace. The boy monarch was bewildered. Some weaklings were persuading him to quit, while others, including Prince Firmanfirma, were urging him to stay in Teheran to the last.

During the clay the British and Russian Ministers were given an audience, and they assured the Shall that the presence of Russian troops near Teheran was a safeguard of public safety. Finally the Shah decided to remain, and appointed Princes Aenednowles and Firmanfirma to the Cabinet.

Meanwhile the enemy diplomatists, witli the gendarmerie, awaited the Shah's arrival, hoping that he would accompany the gendarmerie to Ispahan and fight against the Russians. Their chagrin was unbounded on learning how the Allies had foiled their plans," The majority of the gendarmerie then returned to Teheran.