MIDDLE EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 June 1920, Page 5

MIDDLE EAST.

DANCER OF BOLSHEVISM/ 1 4 THREAT TO PERSIA. By Telegraph.—rress Assn.—Copyright. London, June 10. The Times, commenting on the Bolshevik occupation of Resht (in Persia, 150 miles from Teheran) infers that the Reds intend to make a definite move on Teheran. The small British force at Resht has withdrawn 5-2 miles, and is placed in position at Menjil Pass guarding the Teheran road. Other British troops are scattered ineffectively in north Persia and probably will be endangered. -The whole position is obscure owing to lack of official information, but apparently there is nothing to prevent Persia falling an easy prey to the Bolsheviks. The Government is weak and honey-combed with intrigue. Staropselky's Cossack division, wheh is quartered in Teheran, is now anti-Britisll and deeply tainted with Bolshevism. Kutohik Khan, the 'notorious freebooter and leader of the PeTsian revolutionaries, has become head of the Provisional Government formed at Resht and will probably encourage a Red advance on Teheran. The British Government has still not defined its policy in Persia, though its interests ane immediately threatened.

Simultaneously a dangerous position is developing in Asia Minor, owing to the increasing co-operation between the Turks and the Bolsheviks.—United Service. London, June 9. The War Office states that it has no information regarding the reported British retreat from Resht to Bligdad.