PERSIA'S PERIL.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1920, Page 5

PERSIA'S PERIL.

THE BOLSHEVIK MENACE. BECOMING MORE SERIOUS. By Telegraph.—Press AMn.—Copyright. London, June 18. Princo Firouz, of Persia, explained, to the Council of the League of Nations, the nature of the communications which had passed between Persia and Soviet Russia. It was shown that Persia had formally protested against the landing of Bolshevik troops and Tchitcherin had replied in friendly terms and added that orders had been given for a withdrawal. In view of subsequent events Prince Firouz again telegraphed on May 12 to Tchitcherin pointing out that the latest developments in Russia did not coincide with the Soviet assurances, and adding that, unless matters were put right, it would be impossible for Persia. to enter into any friendly negotiations with the Soviet. Delhi, June 17. Disquieting news has reached India from the Caucasus. In addition to the Bolshevik invasion of Persia large numbers of Bolshevik cavalry have advanced from Baku and are going towards Tiflis (half-way between the Caspian and Black Seas). Communications with Tiflis are cut Off. Reports from there are conflicting and it is uncertain whether Bolshevik troops have reached the town or not. The report is persistent that there has: been a revolution in Tiflis and that a pro-Bolshevik Government has now been established. The Bolshevik forces which were lately engaged in fighting Denkin are being collected and re-equipped near Rostov, and it is intended to move by rail to Baku and thence by road to Tabriz, from whence an offensive against Persia will lie launched. All the small British detachments in northern Persia are being collected at Kahurn, which covers Tehran, al, d British reinforcements from Mesopotamia arc journeying to Kahurn, where arrangements have been made to create a defensive position.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.