File 3852/1912 Pt 2 'Persia. Conditions in South Persia. German Documents' [‎258r] (147/280)

83
Romero 1 ) told me this morning that the Russians have presented
a note to the Persian govt, demanding that Persia put 150 000
)n as regards ill; me n in the field against Turkey. In return Russia will cancel
;he provinces let; Persia’s debt to Russia and loan Persia more money. I am
nth,west-ate sure that the present cabinet will be afraid to accept this pro
ud by Russian . position. Three days ago one of the Teheran papers here con-
have joined fell ‘ d ined an open appeal to the Persians to enter the war on the
most to oustfefe side of Turkey.
th Army ei vvl thdraw from Persia and that after the war both Russia and
6 ■ j % is* England would settle with Persia. That if Afghanistan revolted
the Indian govt, planned to withdraw to the plains of India
and there await and give battle to the Afghans and to also wait
un El the end of the war before invading and punishing Af-
get ^me ghanistan Townley said that the Baghtiarie
Khans had assured him that even if they received orders from
,lEe Persian govt, to fight against England and Russia that
heram ^ they would not obey. Townley is sceptical about this. I doubt
very much if the Khans here could prevent their tribesmen
5 i r Edwarf fe from entering the war if it once started,
tfift Swede 5 ^ With best regards sincerely yours
Townley said yesterday that your govt, was only worried
1 "““ about Persia’s actions on the ground of the effect Persia’s entry
into the war might have on Afghanistan, that if Persia did go
jAfeu to war in all probability Russia would let things slide and would
x ) De Romero Dusmet, Charge d’affaires up to August 1913 , then ap
pointed Spanish Minister.
mittees are scattered all
— • . . . I am afraid this policy of letting the Persians
do as they please may cause them like all Orientals to mistake
kindness for fear and proceed to take affairs in their own hands
to the detriment of both Russia and England Teheran
is outwardly quiet but inwardly there is a lot of unrest. Com
mittees are scattered all over the city who are anxious to have
Persia enter the war on the side of Turkey and the tone of the
Dear Major:
Teheran, April 6 . 1915 .
J. N. Merrill.
a.
6 *