CRISIS IN PERSIA.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9543, 15 July 1909, Page 5

CRISIS IN PERSIA.

SHAH'S THRONE TOTTERING. NATIONALISTS ENTER TEHERAN. FIGHTING IN THE STREETS. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. Received July 14, 9 a.m. TEHERAN, July 13. The Nationalist forces in Persia, which had been steadily advancing on the capital during the las'; few weeks, took up a strong position west of Teheran. The Shah endeavoured to open negotiations with the revolutionary leaders, but without success. The Nationalists . entered Teheran, and fighting is proceeding in the streets. It is expected that the Shah will take refuge in one of the Foreign

Legations. The Nationalists entered by threegates at 5 o'clock in the morning. The patrols keeping order, many soldiers, and some Cossacks deserted to the invading forcf. Royalists are resisting a further advance The Nationalists have occupied the Parliament buildings and the house of Said-ecl-Dowleb, Prime Minister. The populace are encouraging them. EUROPEANS SAFE. Received July 14, fl.ln a.m. LONDON, July 13. A private cablegram received herefrom Teheran states that Europeans in the capital are in no danger. TWELVE ROYALISTS KILLED. Received July 14, 9.53 p.m. TEHEtfAN, July 14. Twelve Royalists were killed in defending the northern gate at Teheran against the entry of the Nationalists. The Nationalists leaders received an enthusiastic welcome. They enrolled and armed 3,000 of the population. The chief Nationalist leader declares that they are loyal to the Shah, and have only come to reestablish the Constitution.

NORTHERN PORTION OF CITY IN HANDS OF REBELS. Received July 14, 9.50 p.m. TEHERAN, July 14, The Persian Cossacks are concentrated in. the brigade headquarters round which are posted guns. Both sides profess to be on the defensive, but considerable firing is proceeding down the side streets. The Russian flag has been hoisted on the residence of the Russian Consul. The entire northern portion of the city is in the hands of the Nationalists. There are 800 Russian troops'at Kavin able, if summoned, to enter Teheran in three days. The Shah's failure to send envoys before SUfi set on Monday empowered to makfl arrangements led to a rupture of pourparlers. The Shah is now at Sultanabad.