File 3852/1912 Pt 2 'Persia. Conditions in South Persia. German Documents' [‎241r] (113/280)

7,41
49
may retiik The interview given in the leading article of the Tehran
al assume I? newspaper “Raad“ of March 10 th , 1914, is reproduced he-
0 threatens to !t rewith from the copy attached by Sir Walter Townley.
Russian fe Resume of leading article in the journal “ Raad” No. 41 —34
the Engl fe of March 10 th 1914 1 )-
m
uestions it it
Persian Gae-:
ian Treaty it if
New Loan,
his Russia
National
he bodying
Interview with M. Korostovetz, the Russian minister
at Teheran.
In asking the opinion of the minister on the merits and
characteristics of the Persians he said they were very kind,
hospitable and pleasant, and contrary to his former belief they
were not fanatic and had no anti-European feelings. But they
were not industrious and naturally prefer idleness to activity.
The correspondent asked the minister to explain, if possible,
the policy of the Russian Govt, to him which he said he could
not do so, but he has been instructed to strengthen the friendly
relations and cooperate in carrying out reforms. The corre
spondent asked him about the Russian military occupation
of Northern Persia. The minister said that he was in favour of
evacuation of Persian territories by Russian troops, and his
in
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fagnn
ty is
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Majesty has also instructed him to faciliate means of this pur
pose and the F. O. 2 ) has also instructed him to do so. The
viceroy of Caucasia and the ex-prime minister who is the
Minister of Finance joined him in that belief. It would be
better that the 5,000,000 roubles, which is spent on troops in Persia,
should be spent on the progress and civilization of the country
of Russia.
He asked him about the ex-shah. The minister replied
that he had lately gone to St. Petersburg and asked for assistance
of the Russian Govt, to return to Persia, but he was replied
that he had to leave the idea of returning to Persia^ entirely.
The minister was sure that the Russian authorities won t support
him at all.
The minister was asked if he thought Persian Constitution
injurious to economical and political interests of Russia. He
9 This English translation of the interview was enclosed with the
circular of the British minister. We reproduce the translation, which evi
dently has been made by a Persian, word for word.
2 ) Foreign Office.
4