File 3852/1912 Pt 2 'Persia. Conditions in South Persia. German Documents' [‎280r] (191/280)

hope have any far reaching results though trouble is not yet
at an end.
There is some anxiety lest ex-Shah may return but the
Russian Govt, have given most categorical assurances that
he will not have Russian support. Salar also threatens to
return.
Resume of leading article in the journal “ Raad” No. 41 —34
of 10 March 1914 1 ).
It was the first time that a correspondent of a Persian
paper presented himself in the Russian Legation before the
minister to ask questions regarding the country. This interview
lasted 1 hour and 10 minutes. The details are to be seen in this
same page and one has to ponder over the points which the
minister dealt with, which contains some truths which have
been concealed from most of Persians up to now.
Though the behaviours of the former officials of the Russian
Govt, did not coincide with the talk of the minister, but we
hope that in future words and actions will correspond.
We are glad to hear from the tongue of the Russian Minister
and the representative of his Majesty the Emperor of Russia
that it would be better that the Russian Govt, should expend 5 million
roubles for progress and benefit of their own people and not for a
detachment of their troops in a foreign country.
Interview with M. Korostovetz, the Russian minister at Tehr.
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
1 ) This English translation of the interview was enclosed with the circular
of the British Ambassador. We give the translation obviously done by a Persian,
word for word.